Thank you for your interest in upcoming culinary and agritourism training programs.  By completing the Expression of Interest form, we will notify you as soon as new opportunities become available.

The Culinary Tourism Alliance is providing Culinary & Agritourism READI program training to Destination Northern Ontario region business operators who are looking to develop or enhance market-ready culinary or agritourism experiences. This program is a pre-requisite to attain the TIAC READI accreditation for Culinary & Agritourism.

Topics covered in the training program include:

• Introduction to culinary tourism, agritourism, and foodways
• Introduction to culinary tourism experience design
• Partnerships, pricing & certifications in culinary tourism experience design
• Promoting and using storytelling to deliver culinary experiences
• Measuring, evaluating & celebrating culinary experiences

Who Should Participate?

• Food and beverage business operators eager to create new experiences (e.g., a restaurant developing a chef’s table)
• Businesses aiming to elevate existing offerings (e.g., a distillery improving tour storytelling)
• Tourism businesses looking to branch into culinary or agritourism (e.g., a museum launching a tasting experience)

What to Expect:

Participants will commit approximately 18 hours over 3 months. The program includes:

• Self-paced online modules: On your own time, work through the online modules to learn the foundations of developing high-quality culinary and agritourism experiences.
• Workbook activities: Apply your knowledge from the learning modules to your own business by filling out templates and answering question prompts.
• Coaching sessions: Meet one on one with a Culinary Tourism Alliance coach to ask questions and get feedback on your food experience that you are developing.
• Virtual workshops: The program starts and ends with online workshops to share resources and allow you an opportunity to connect with other operators in your region.

Why Participate?

This program is fully funded, meaning there is no cost to business operators. Take advantage of this opportunity to develop or enhance offerings that wow visitors and set your business apart in the culinary and agritourism space.

By participating in this program, you will gain confidence in your experience offerings, gain a better understanding of the culinary and agritourism industry and be introduced to resources to help your business.

Program Delivery

Participants will invest approximately 18 hours over a 3-month period. The program is delivered online through self-paced online modules, group workshops, and virtual one-on-one coaching sessions.

The program schedule is as follows:

Registration

Fill out a quick application to participate in this program. There are 12 spots available, and registration closes on September 14, 2026 or until all spots are filled.