Tourism Innovation Group

This team concentrates on linking two overlapping sectors – Food and Tourism - adding value to both. Food and drink is an essential part of the Scottish holiday experience, and we are encouraging our operators to provide an authentic taste of Scotland (rather than Denmark or France!) whenever possible. VisitScotland research has revealed that when eating out, visitors rate the quality of service above the quality of food and value for money. Overseas visitors are most likely to eat in pubs/bars/clubs. Given their popularity, these outlets perform disappointingly on:

• Serving fresh Scottish produce

• Food prepared with care and attention to detail

So, TiG is trying to overcome these problems by working closely with the national Enterprise Agencies and VisitScotland.

Food and whisky are significant niche tourism markets, and this team is also concerned with maximising opportunities in these areas.

The first major triumph for the team was - in collaboration with Scottish Enterprise the creation of a ‘Food Tourism Scotland Project Manager’. TiG’s own Sheena Kitchin of Scotland by Design filled the post created in December 2006. The Food Tourism Project Manager is key in creating the link between the two industries. Read More

Working with SE, HIE, VS and TiG Food and Tourism team; Food Tourism Scotland, have now launched the ‘Foodkit’. The Foodkit; designed to be a food companion to businesses taking their first steps in meeting the demand for local, fresh, seasonal food. The kit will also help as businesses progress and develop, and act as a means of keeping in touch with the best and like-minded businesses in Scotland.www.foodtourismscotland.com

An authentic taste of scotland