Scotland’s tourism minister says Dundee’s £80 million V&A should fuel the appetite of global visitors for Tayside’s food and drink delights.
At a major Carnoustie conference yesterday, Fergus Ewing said development of the museum as part of the city’s waterfront regeneration could help producers and culinary businesses expand a tourism sector which already sees almost £14m a year spent by UK visitors alone on food and drink.
Arbroath smokies and Dundee cake are being joined by more contemporary offerings including potato vodka on the area’s food and drink menu.
And the minister told delegates at the event the developments were the latest stage of “an exciting journey” for the region.
The Carnoustie Golf Hotel event drew around 100 delegates and exhibitors to the Dundee and Angus Tourism Conference, with a focus on the Year of Food and Drink.
It is estimated £13.8m is spent on food and drink every year by visitors from Great Britain staying overnight in Dundee and Angus, with a third of visitors listing “trying local food” among their most popular activities.
Dundee’s dining scene has seen the arrival of more than 20 new outlets in the past year.
As well as speakers from VisitScotland, delegates heard from local success stories, including potato vodka producer Iain Stirling of Arbikie Highland Estate and Nikki Storrar of Ardross Farm Shop in Fife.
Business, energy and tourism minister Mr Ewing told the conference: “Dundee and Angus is embarking on an exciting tourism journey.
“From the arrival of the V&A Dundee to the refurbishment of the waterfront, now is an important time for the region to consider how it uses its many strengths, like its food and drink, to attract visitors from both the UK and overseas.
“With visitors spending around a fifth of their holiday budget on eating and drinking, promoting our quality produce is a recipe for success.”
VisitScotland’s Jim Clarkson added: “Dundee and Angus is blessed with a rich natural larder as well as a diverse range of dining options, which makes it an ideal location for visitors keen to sample Scotland’s culinary delights. Businesses have a real opportunity to use 2015 and the Year of Food and Drink to grow the region’s tourism offering.”
The Year of Food and Drink aims to raise awareness of the country’s restaurants, hotels, food and drink producers, B&Bs, cafés and visitor attractions.
Recent research has revealed visitors say they are willing to pay up to 15% more for food that is of Scottish or regional origin.
Article from The Courier
