The ‘Foodie Towns 2015’ competition has been launched this month by the the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI).
Foodie Towns is now in its second year and is now separate to the Irish Restaurant Awards due to its success in 2014. The competition will see towns and communities from all over the country battle it out to be named Ireland’s top town/destination for a foodie experience.
The award aims to recognise a town that actively promotes itself through joint promotional activities such as food festivals, gourmet trails or farmers’ markets as well as great dining experiences for locals and visitors alike.
The winning Irish destination will have established a local producer/supplier network which is utilised and promoted by local businesses. Plans for future growth and investment into the food and hospitality industry at a local level will also be taken into consideration by judges. Education, training, development and employment will be key components of the ultimate foodie destination.
The greater the engagement between town officials, the community and the application process, the greater chances the town/destination has to win the coveted title.
President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Anthony Gray says, "All over Ireland, local community initiatives are shaping the food, hospitality and tourism industry at ground level. This is our opportunity to recognise these towns and communities for the amazing work they are doing to put Ireland at the forefront of culinary tourism.
"Irish people take great pride in their localities and the dynamic nature of the hospitality industry will serve to prove that there are destinations in every pocket of the country worth visiting."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
