WATERLOO, Ont. — Explore Waterloo Region, the destination-marketing organization of Waterloo, Ont. and the surrounding region, has partnered with the Culinary Tourism Alliance to showcase 15 farms and restaurants across Waterloo Region in the province-wide initiative called ‘The Great Taste of Ontario.’
The initiative is a network of businesses and communities collaborating for COVID-19 recovery. Participants can download regional Passport apps that will help them create neighbourhood and community “routes” that highlight local food, with an emphasis on artisans and small-scale farmers.
“We’re seeing a renewed interest in local food and this is vitally important to both our local restaurants and food suppliers,” says Minto Schneider, Chief Executive Officer of Explore Waterloo Region. “The Great Taste of Ontario is a program that highlights the amazing local growers and eateries not only in Waterloo Region, but across the province.”
To further enhance this experience for visitors, a series of curated itineraries has been developed to encourage visitors and locals to linger longer. Each itinerary includes suggestions of restaurants to savour and attractions to explore.
“Culinary tourism will be an important driver to help our hospitality sector recover from what has been a difficult year so far,” says Schneider. “One of the first things people talk about when they get back from a trip is the food. The Great Taste of Ontario will help people make good choices about local eateries that will have positive effects throughout the food supply chain.”
Food providers included in the Waterloo Region Passport include Borealis, Graffiti Market, Oakridge Acres Country Meat Store, the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market, Mountain Oak Cheese and several others. More information about The Great Taste of Ontario is available at ontarioculinary.com.
