The Taste of Tourism Summit, organised by the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF), returns to the Culloden Estate and Spa on 10th and 11thMarch 2025.
This two-day event offers a dynamic platform for the tourism and hospitality industry, celebrating Northern Ireland’s rich food heritage while addressing key challenges and future opportunities.
This year’s event will feature acclaimed chef Tom Brown, known for his inventive, seasonal and sustainable cooking style. Brown, originally from Cornwall, gained recognition early in his career working alongside renowned chef Nathan Outlaw. He is now the creative force behind Pearly Queen, an oyster bar and restaurant in London’s Shoreditch, where his passion for seafood and sustainability takes centre stage. A celebrated figure on television, Tom represented the Southwest on Great British Menu, where his dish “Poor Man’s Goose” was selected for the NHS 70th Anniversary Banquet. Following his success, he returned as a guest ‘Veteran Judge’ on the show’s 14th series, cementing his reputation as a leading voice in contemporary British cuisine.
The Taste of Tourism Summit will explore themes shaping the food and hospitality sector including:
- Sustainability: Showcasing the value of local ingredients, looking at people as an asset and eco-conscious practices.
- Food & Drink Trends: Addressing evolving consumer preferences and innovations in food service.
- Food Culture: Exploring the international influences, local produce and food heritage.
- The Rise of Low/No Alcohol Drinks: Responding to increasing demand for non-alcoholic and low-ABV options.
- People – Attracting Talent and Taking a Sustainable Approach: Strategies for recruiting and retaining skilled staff while prioritising sustainability.
The event opens with a chef dinner on March 10, where guests will enjoy a menu showcasing Northern Ireland’s finest local ingredients, curated by Tom Brown who will lead the team at the Culloden on the night. The summit on March 11 will include thought-provoking panels, a Northern Ireland-inspired lunch and an artisan food market featuring award-winning local producers.
The objectives of the Taste of Tourism Summit are to highlight the pivotal role of food and drink in tourism, while demonstrating their financial contribution to the Northern Ireland economy. It seeks to increase awareness of local hero foods, showcase the advantages of sourcing locally and emphasise the fiscal and environmental benefits of sustainability.
The event also aims to position Northern Ireland as a standout food destination, showcase the exceptional range of local produce available and create meaningful networking opportunities for producers, suppliers and food service providers.
Vicky Green, President of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation, said:
“Taste of Tourism has become a cornerstone event in Northern Ireland’s hospitality calendar. It’s an opportunity to celebrate our incredible local produce, tackle the challenges our sector faces and inspire innovation for the future. This year’s focus on sustainability and local excellence reflects the growing demand for a thoughtful and forward-thinking approach to food and tourism. We’re delighted to welcome Chef Tom Brown and an array of industry leaders to this year’s summit at the Culloden Estate and Spa.”
Whether you operate a hotel, restaurant, bar, or any hospitality business with a food focus, this is the conference for you.
For further information on Taste of Tourism 2025, and to register, visit tasteoftourism.com.