Delegates descend on Oban for Taste For Tourism conference

Event will explore was of making Scotland A world-beating food tourism destination

INTERNATIONAL experts and hospitality industry leaders from around Scotland will gather in Oban for Taste for Tourism. The conference is aiming to make Scotland one of the world’s top food tourism destinations.

The summit, which aims to catapult Scotland to the top of the wishlist for tourists who see high- quality food and drink as the main reason to travel, has a line-up of prestigious speakers, including international experts responsible for setting up highly successful food destinations overseas.

Taking place throughout the week in various locations in Oban and Argll, the event is hosted by Argyll and the Isles Tourism and Food from Argyll.

A truly national event, it is the product of a partnership with HIE, Scotland Food and Drink, Visit Scotland, the Scottish Tourism Alliance, CalMac and Argyll and Bute Council.

Virginia Sumsion, spokesperson for Taste for Tourism said: ‘Scotland’s food and drink industry is already its best performing sector and a strong draw for visitors looking for top- quality produce.

‘But it could be even better if we all worked together to promote Scotland as a food and drink destination.

‘ This national event is packed with exciting talks from top global experts on food tourism.

‘ We will fill delegates full of new ideas, knowledge and inspiration to build on experiences gained during the year of Food and Drink.

‘We are now looking to the future.’

The event also features the chance to sample delicious Scottish produce, including a gala dinner devised by Mike Knowles, head chef at the Loch Melfort Hotel.

The dinner will be followed by music from well- known band, Skippinish, as well as a number of tours to inspirational food and tourism business in Argyll and other parts of the Highlands and Islands.