Think tank ”Food Tourism”, local and seasonal products - contemporary Latvian gastronomic identity"

Where?: Liepāja, Pētertirgus
When?: June 1, 2023 (1 full day event) + June 2, 2023 (workshop)

What?: Presentations, panel discussion, speed-dating/ networking, masterclass

Why? (goal): to create an open, informative discussion with residents, representatives of business and institutions in order to jointly start the path to the positioning of Liepāja and Latvia in European gastronomic tourism.

Entrance to the event is free.

The following topics will be discussed in the think tank:

1) The importance of local and seasonal products in the everyday life of a modern Latvian.

a) Why support local producers?
b) What is the difference between imported and locally grown product?
c) How to recognize local production from imported?
d) How do local and seasonal products shape Latvia's gastronomic identity?

Latvia - Europe's gastronomic destination.
a) What are the trends of global gastronomic tourism (slow tourism) and its significance?
b) What is green and sustainable tourism?
c) What is the impact of gastronomic tourism on the economy and tourism seasons duration? etc.

Confirmed panelists:

● Eric Wolf - founder of the “World Food Travel Association"; USA, lives in Spain;
● Uldis Zariņš - Deputy State secretary for cultural policy; LV;
● Fabio Haebel - German cooking show host and author of several cooking books; 1* Michelin “Haebel“ Hamburg, DE;
● Žanis-Raivo Behmanis - ”Young chef Association"; LV;
● Agita Kurzeme - SIA "JA Travel" ; LV;
● Agnese Arne-Štencele and Aneta Rulle - Zemnieku Saeima; LV;
● Chef Lauris Aleksejevs - ”Latvian Restaurant Association” board member; LV;
● Chef Māris Jansons - "Slow Food Latvia"; LV;
● Chef Matthias Dieter - 2* Michelin “180 Degrees“ Tallinn, EE;
● Inese Šīrava - LIAA Latvian Investment Promotion Agency, Tourism Director, LV;
● Representative of the Ministry of Economy (to be specified); LV;
● Sintija Pusaudze - Liepāja Region Tourism Information Office; LV;
● Svetlana Riškova - Latvian Chef’s Club / Bocuse D’Or Latvia; LV;
● Baiba Bartkeviča - Liepaja Capital of Culture 2027; LV;

others tbc...

Other planned participants:

● Guests and additionally invited speed-dating participants - Nauris Lazdāns (Liepāja Culture Authority), Arturs Arnicāns (president Latvian Chef Club), various tourism agencies, hotels, local and regional restaurant representatives

Timetable Thursday 1/06/2023

11.15 Welcome coffee and light snack @ Liepaja Pētertirgus market

11:30 Short welcome adress by: Liepaja/Latvia officials Welcome talk by Erik Wolf

- Global trends food tourism/slow tourism and values of food tourism, green/sustainable tourism;

- What do tourists look for: food tourism target group disposable income/higher education level, longer stays/less dependant on summer season;

- Supporting local business and making city more attractive for new residents/tourism; - Employment, stakeholders in latvia/who would benefit from food tourism.

11:45 start TedX style presentations (public event)
Moderator Erik Wolf: 12 presentations

13:30 – 14:00
Questions & Answers

15:30-17:00
Speed dating @ LIAA Liepaja Incubator
Meet the speakers one to one - ask specific questions…
Registration required: https://forms.gle/7dv3HVM447XcBfeGA

17:30 informal networking:
Optional activities: Sundowner boat trip, Woodstock-Miezis aperitivo , Excursion to Nicava, brewery + fish factory Spikeris, Drinks & Liepaja by night

Timetable Friday 2/06/2023

Masterclass for chefs and hospitality students @ LIAA Liepāja Incubator
(registration required email info@liepajagourmet.com)

With:

• Erik Wolf- founder of the “World Food Travel Association”

• Arturs Arnicāns (president Latvian Chef’s Club / Bocuse D’Or Latvia)

• Svetlana Riškova (Latvian Chef’s Club / Bocuse D’Or Latvia)

• Representative of Zemnieku Saeima
  

  11:00 – 13:00

  Welcome coffee and light snack

• Global food trends, food tourism/ slow tourism and values of food tourism, green/ sustainable tourism;

• Local and seasonal products;

• Practical demo.