World's Leader in Food Tourism Claims New Name
Portland, OR - October 31, 2012 - Today the International Culinary Tourism Association officially announced its new name, which will be the World Food Travel Association (WFTA), effective immediately.
The Association re-branded to stay current with the times. "Some people in our industry felt the word "culinary" in our previous name sounded a bit exclusive. Nothing could be further from the truth," says the Association's Chairman of the Board, Harold Partain. Food tourism is all about what is unique and memorable, not necessarily what is exclusive. In fact, the Association's research has shown that only 8.1% of foodies self-identify with a "gourmet" preference. That means that most people just like good food and drink, which can be an attractive lure for travelers and locals alike.
The WFTA is the world's largest food tourism trade association and the leading authority about food tourism, with over 18,000 members in 135 countries. The Association has 3 major areas of focus: education and research; product development; and marketing. Together, these programs help to preserve and promote the world's food cultures through travel. Heading the Association is food tourism industry founder Erik Wolf, while industry veteran Keith Bernhardt serves as its Director of Operations. With the new name and brand comes a new website, www.worldfoodtravel.org. Inquiries via the old culinarytourism.org website are now being redirected to worldfoodtravel.org.
On the WFTA's agenda for 2013 include the FoodWorx "The Future of Food"
conference for food-drink-travel-hospitality professionals in Portland, Oregon on Jan. 15; World Food Travel Summit in Gothenburg, Sweden Sept.
21-24, 2013; new culinary traveler research study; a new member matchmaking tool; new food tourism practitioner handbook; and new strategic partnerships.
For more information, please visit www.worldfoodtravel.org and www.foodworxconference.com or
contact
Erik Wolf
Executive Director
[email protected]
(+1) 503-213 3700.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
