Current situation and future trends in food tourism in South-Estonia – analysis of target groups and mapping of service providers.
South-Estonian Tourism Cluster and the development centres of South-Estonian counties and municipalities, in cooperation with Civitta OÜ, prepared a study entitled “Current situation and future directions of food tourism in South-Estonian – analysis of target groups and mapping of service providers”.
Food tourism focuses on services that involve discovering the national cuisines of different countries and enjoying the food and drink of the destination. Thus, food tourism services can include eating out, attending festivals and participating in food-related training, for example. The following regions were included in the survey: Võrumaa, including Setomaa, Põlvamaa, Jõgeva and Mustvee municipalities, Tartu County, Otepää and Valga municipalities. The survey analysed consumers’ habits and preferences, and the services offered. Based on the analysis, recommendations were made for the creation of a mentoring programme for food tourism entrepreneurs.
“Current situation and future trends in South-Estonian food tourism – analysis of target groups and mapping of service providers” is a part of the project “Development of regionally specific products for South-Estonian tourism destinations” of the EAS “Destination development cooperation projects” competition. The competition was carried out under the action “Terms and conditions for the award of grants to support the management of the development of tourism products” (approved by the Minister of Foreign Trade and Entrepreneurship by Order No 15-0230 of 30.07.15).
The project involves tourism organisations and networks from Võru County (Setomaa), Valga County (Otepää and Valga municipalities), Põlva County, Jõgeva County (Jõgeva and Mustvee municipalities) and Tartu County. The direct beneficiaries of the project are tourism businesses and service providers in South Estonia. According to puhkaeestis.ee, the approximate number of service providers in the cooperation area is 80 in Jõgevamaa, 90 in Põlva County, 142 in Valga County, 250 in Võrumaa and 565 in Tartu County – a total of 1127.
The period of the project is 31.07.2021-31.08.2023 and the amount of the grant is 216 630 euros.
Read the final report here: south-west-est-est-tourism-food-analysis-end-report
Watch the presentation of the report here: louna-eesti-food-tourism-analysis-report-report-projection
