Join the Conversation: Perthshire Talks Tourism the Foodie Edition

Tourism and hospitality businesses from across Perth and Kinross are invited to join the conversation in leading industry event, Perthshire Talks Tourism, The Foodie Edition, on Thursday 30 October at Birnam Arts Centre.

International tourists and day visitors alike are increasingly seeking authentic, food-led visitor experiences as part of their customer journey, and Perthshire’s blend of award-winning hotels and restaurants, immersive attractions, and artisan producers makes it a leading destination.

As an area where the heritage of centuries old distilleries and traditions such as Afternoon Tea, meet foraging walks and cook schools, passionate micro brewers, and vegan hotels, the opportunity to collaborate and share product knowledge, is ripe for the picking.

This autumn’s Foodie edition of Perthshire Talks Tourism will shine a spotlight on the strength of the region’s food and drink offer and the vital role it plays within the visitor economy.

Delivered by the Perthshire Tourism Partnership the series aims to inspire, inform and connect tourism businesses across the region. This latest event will be hosted and delivered in partnership with VisitScotland and Perth & Kinross.

The event is open to all businesses from across the tourism industry and will provide an opportunity to discuss, network and explore the future of these important sectors.

A Taste of the Industry

The Perthshire Talks Tourism series has built a reputation as a forum where businesses can engage directly with industry leaders and decision makers. By creating space for open conversation, the events ensure that strategy and support are informed by real-world experience.

To that end, delegates will hear from some of the area’s leading voices including:

Fiona Richmond, Head of Regional Partnerships at Scotland Food & Drink, who will set the scene with national insights and emerging food and drink trends shaping the industry.
Daniel Muir, Food and Drink Network Lead at Growbiz, introducing the work of the Regional Food Group, Great Perthshire, and showcasing initiatives such as Tasting Tayside.
Chris Rowley, Owner of Ballintaggart Farm & Cook School, who will share his journey of expansion and diversification, including investment in The Ballintaggart Cook School, The Grandtully Hotel, new retail outlets and a wholesale line.
Fraser Potter, Owner of The Taybank, who will present ambitious plans for the redevelopment of The Birnam Hotel into a vibrant new destination opening in 2026.
Charlie Leckie, of Crieff Hydro Hotel Group, who will unveil details of a £5.5 million dining investment which has created six new bars and restaurants and enhanced the visitor experience.

Councillor Eric Drysdale, Leader of Perth & Kinross Council, commented, “In 2023, tourism in Perth & Kinross generated an estimated £641 million in economic impact, supporting thousands of jobs across accommodation, attractions, retail, and hospitality.

“Combined with our strong food and drink supply chains, these sectors drive growth in every corner of our region, which is why we remain firmly committed to investing, supporting innovation and unlocking opportunities for businesses large and small.”

The event will be facilitated by Caroline Warburton, Destination Development Director at VisitScotland. Commenting on the importance of partnership working, she said, “Real growth comes from working together, listening, and building collective momentum across tourism and food and drink.

“Perthshire Talks Tourism is about ensuring those connections happen in the right way to ensure direct benefit for all who attend, and to strengthen the ties between businesses, stakeholders and policy makers.”

The event will conclude with a panel discussion before delegates go on to enjoy a networking lunch featuring Glen Lyon Coffee, Ballintaggart, and Wild Hearth in a Tasting Tayside Showcase.

Find out more and register