Food Ambassadors celebrated with special event
Wed, December 18, 2019
A special event has been held to celebrate the achievements of newly qualified Food Ambassadors in the Causeway Coast and Glens.
Frontline staff from the tourism and hospitality sectors took part in the World Host programme delivered by Wendy Gallagher from Causeway Coast Foodie Tours and Steven Chambers of Chamber Consulting during October and November
The celebration event held in Cloonavin on Monday 16th December was an opportunity to reflect on participants’ success and showcase the growing importance of food tourism to the destination.
The Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Alderman Sharon McKillop who presented the certificates said: “Congratulations to all our new Food Ambassadors and thank you to our partners in delivering this training including Portrush Atlantic, The Marine Hotel, Causeway Hotel, Causeway Coast Foodie Tours and Chambers Consulting. We are delighted to offer this programme within the Causeway Coast and Glens’ destination to recognise and enhance the importance of providing a quality world class foodie visitor experience.”
The training initiative was part of the ‘Taste the Island celebrations’, a three year partnership project between Tourism Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Fáilte Ireland which is designed to provide visitors with access to authentic food and drink, sourced from high quality local ingredients.
World Host Food Ambassador is a recognised and accredited training programme tailored specifically for the Northern Ireland’s acclaimed food and drink industry. A total of 47 participants took part in the four training courses provided. The positive feedback from the programme indicated its success, as many participants felt they’d gained a greater insight and knowledge into incorporating good local produce in their food and drink offering.
Kerrie McGonigle, Destination Manager of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “The World Host Food Ambassador programme has been an integral part of our own Taste Causeway festival and the Taste the Island initiative. It has served to promote the Taste the Island celebrations, enhanced awareness of the importance of local produce and demonstrated to participants how to provide excellence and authenticity in their cuisine experience.”
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Tourism Team will deliver another World Host Food Ambassador course on 16th January in Roe Park Resort, Limavady. Participants can also sign up now for World Host Service Across Cultures workshops which takes place on 28th January in Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre and 5th February at Flowerfield Arts Centre.
For further information about these courses please email engagement@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk
