ARDS JOINS FORUM TO PUT LOCAL FOOD ON THE TOURISM MAP

Ards companies have joined a new forum which aims to put local food on the tourism map.

Eighteen local organisations are among 80 companies from across the five council areas of Ards, Armagh, Craigavon, Down and Newry and Mourne, to sign up to a new 'Food and Tourism Forum' which aims to bring local food producers together with local restaurants and hotels to increase the awareness and availability of quality, locally sourced food.

Forum members will benefit from help with their marketing and product development, while restaurateurs and hoteliers will be introduced to new local sources of supply. Funded by the five councils and by the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland, the programme also aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the food and tourism businesses by developing local consumption of local products, and promoting the value and quality of local provenance.

Through a dedicated website and regular workshops the overall aim is to establish a network of local food and tourism businesses which can develop new tourism and food products that represent the area, benefit the companies, and promote the economic development of the area. Food themed trails for visitors, local food at events and festivals and menus for the region using local products are all possible initiatives which may emerge from the links created through the forum.

"We know there is huge scope for increasing the availability of local food as part of the tourism experience, for local people dining out, for day trippers to the area, or for holiday makers from further afield who expect to find quality local cuisine as part of their memorable experience of Northern Ireland" said Nick Lestas of Lestas Consulting, who is working with the five councils to build the Food and Tourism Forum.

"This programme offers tremendous opportunities not only for the range of companies involved, but for the tourism industry of the region as a whole," said Councillor Angus Carson, Chairman of Ards Borough Council's Development Committee. "I am very pleased to see a substantial number of Ards' companies becoming involved in the forum and look forward to the positive outcomes which will undoubtedly result."

Anyone who would like further information about the Food and Tourism Forum should contact Karine McGuckin, Economic Development Officer with Ards Borough Council, Tel: 028 9182 4026.