Excellence in Food Tourism

Creative Tours is putting the Sunshine Coast on the map after recently taking home the Gold Medal for Excellence in Food Tourism at the Queensland Tourism Awards. This means they will also be flying the flag and competing against the best in the country at the upcoming Australia Tourism Awards in Sydney on the 17th March.

Creative Tours has been delivering a range of paddock to plate experiences that showcase the local produce and local stories of the region over the past 7 years. This includes their Farm to Fork experiences visiting local farmers and producers with lunch including produce from farms visited on the day.

“We are so proud of our recent achievements and awards, and honoured to be representing the Sunshine Coast against some of the country’s best food tourism operators” said owner Josh Donohoe

This year Creative Tours have big plans to deliver some truly unique and authentic local food and drink experiences designed specifically for foodies who want to learn more about where their food comes from, as well as the stories behind the local farmers and producers.

These experiences start with two collaboration tours in their restaurant series with Market Bistro and ALBA restaurants. Both tours will visit local producers and suppliers to the restaurants, with that produce then featured in the specifically curated menu. The Alba event also includes a hands on cooking class with Peter Kuruvita.

They have also designed a Mary Valley Food Trail experience to showcase local producers as part of the GourMay event held over the month of May. Tasting their way through the Mary Valley this tour visits Big Heart Bamboo, Kenilworth Dairies, Kandanga Farm, John Tidy Organics and the Wild Macadamia walk.

Also on the radar for Creative Tours is The Curated Plate being held over 2 weeks in July and August, as they plan to roll out a Trawler to Table seafood experience in Mooloolaba, as well as a Farm to Fork experience in the Hinterland.

Mr Donohoe said “We are incredibly lucky to have so many great farmers and producers in our region, and we are passionate about connecting those producers to locals and visitors on our tours. Guests get to taste fresh local produce, but also leave with a better understanding of where their food comes from and what is involved to produce it”

 

“This year we are focusing even more on showcasing our amazing local farmers, producers and restaurants who champion and support the local businesses in our region”