After a hectic week, the 14 food champions have returned from the food tourism benchmarking journey to Prince Edward County in Canada, organised by Fáilte Ireland. Whilst there, they met with over 15 food providers including goat farmers, vegetable growers, estate managers, café and restaurant owners, cider makers and top class chefs, who all have food tourism as an integral part of their business model.

They even flew the Donegal flag outside their hiotel.

The group will reconvene in November to plan 2013 activity, but in the meantime they will begin to identify those within their locality who would be interested in working together. It is envisioned that by building these relationships and networks they will help to enhance regional knowledge of local foods and develop engaging food experiences to truly utilise Irish food tourism as a workable economic development strategy.

Helen McDaid, Fáilte Ireland's Food Tourism Manager, said: "It was such a fantastic opportunity for the 14 food champions who were selected from throughout the country, to take time out of their own busy schedule and go to Canada and experience things from a customer's perspective.  How food tourism is more about experiences rather than products and that collaborating with local businesses within your region is crucial.