New research has shown that food tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors for the discerning traveller.Enjoying local food and drink is becoming one of the dominant ways that Brits interact with a local culture, according to a survey by Caxton FX. While 14% of people said that they spend most of their budget for a holiday experiencing tourist attractions and going on day trips, a staggering 53% said that eating out in local restaurants was an essential part of experiencing the local nuances while abroad.
This research proves that Brits are some of the most experimental and gastronomically curious of all Europeans, putting food as a consistent factor that contributes to a good holiday.
This should be good news for anyone heading to a winter sun holiday in Barbados this November. World renowned chefs including Marcus Samuelsson, Jose Garces and Anne Burrell are set to return to the Caribbean island for the fourth annual Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival, 22 – 25 November 2013.
Barbados has now revealed the schedule for this year’s jam-packed festival, including a wide variety of events, from cooking demonstrations and sommelier sessions, to food tours, excursions and evening experiences.
Tickets are now on sale to catch the headlining international chefs in a series of demonstrations showcasing the chefs’ skills and revealing the secrets behind their culinary techniques, in intimate gatherings across the island.
. This year’s event will give visitors the chance to collect a range of recipe ideas to take home and cook up in their own kitchens, as well as offering an insight into mastering a variety of cooking and wine pairing techniques, and the chance to join special one-off excursions.
The event line-up includes:
Oistins Night, serving up local flavour and authentic fish fry from Barbados’ culinary hotspot
The Mount Gay Rum event, taking visitors on a journey to discover the 310-year rich history of the island’s most famous tipple complete with a traditional Bajan lunch
The Indulgence Cruise, where you sail aboard the Spirit of Barbados Luxury Catamaran, swim with turtles, snorkel the wrecks of Carlisle Bay, and return to a meal and premium bar
A cooking demonstration with renowned chef Jose Garces, who will bring his creativity and innovative culinary style to the stunning seaside setting of The Cliff restaurant, for an evening of sumptuous cuisine and conversation
The Bajan Fiesta event hosted by the Bajan Culinary Team, during which the team’s award-winning chefs and mixologists will gather to show off their rich and diverse culinary heritage
The Baxter’s Road Bottles session with master sommelier Joshua Wesson, taking visitors for a culinary tour down Baxter’s Road in search of the best wines to pair with classic Barbados bites
Ambrosia IV, where three international guest chefs will join local chefs in serving up a variety of sample dishes for guests to try, against the elegant island backdrop of the Lion Castle Polo Estate
www.foodwinerum.com,
Barbados
Cuisine apart, Barbados is an old favourite with British tourists, drawn by its beaches, sunshine, food and sporting pursuits as well as the nightlife, the gardens and the people. The island now boasts its first UNESCO designated World Heritage Site, Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison.
Barbados’ packed calendar includes cricket matches, football tournaments, sailing regattas, golf, polo, as well as food festivals and fashion shows.
What’s new
An intimate, all-inclusive four star hotel has opened on the South Beach boardwalk in Hastings. The SoCo Hotel features 17 rooms and seven deluxe suites and a contemporary take on classic art deco design.
.thesocohotel.com 0843 249 5257
Following Oprah Winfrey and Rihanna’s journey to Barbados to visit Rihanna’s childhood haunts, two new tours have been launched to offer visitors an insight into the superstar’s early life. West Indian International Tours www.wiit.net.
