Margaret River Gourmet Escape contract renewed for a further year

The State's premier food and wine event will be back in the South-West for 2018, as the State Government looks to expand Western Australia's culinary event tourism in the future.

The sponsorship contract with event owner IMG Culinary has been renewed for 12 months, with the seventh Margaret River Gourmet Escape to go ahead in November next year.

However, with the current agreement coming to an end, the Government will review the State's investment in food and wine event tourism, with a view to expanding the festival to feature not only Margaret River but also the Swan Valley.

The review will involve stakeholder consultation followed by a Request for Proposal process.

The consultation, involving the food and wine industry; tourism operators; local producers and the community, will help determine the final specifications for the new event.

A list of companies with a track record in culinary events will then be invited to submit proposals to run an annual international food and wine festival across the State's two premier wine destinations in 2019 and beyond.

The successful proponent is expected to be announced in the first half of next year.

Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:

"Margaret River Gourmet Escape has helped grow the brand of our beautiful South-West and cemented the State's reputation as a culinary destination.

"With the current three-year agreement ending, the State Government decided it was the right time to explore opportunities to grow efforts in food and wine event tourism and maximise outcomes for the State.

"It gives us the chance to look at expanding and extending the festival to feature not only the South-West but also the Swan Valley.

"The McGowan Government understands the value of events in supporting the State's tourism outcomes, but we need to ensure these events drive interstate and international visitation in order to fill our hotel rooms, grow the economy and create jobs. 

"We also want a clear strategy for food and wine festivals that enhances our trade and agricultural export outcomes.  We want to ensure that the high-quality local food and wine at these events is readily available to be served on tables in China, Singapore, Japan and other key markets."

Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:

"Our reputation for having fresh produce, premium wines and high-quality boutique beverages makes WA a foodie's paradise.

"Margaret River Gourmet Escape has helped cement that reputation.

"We are keen to extend the festival over a longer period and spread activities across other food and wine destinations to attract higher interstate and international visitation."