Stakeholders have welcomed the news of a two-week festival which will focus on hospitality venues and producers in the state's North.
The festival, NORTH, is the result of a collaboration between Cityprom and Eat it Tassie to tell Tasmania's story through food and beverages.
The aim of NORTH is to showcase quality venues in the city and invite people to see what's happening in bars, restaurants, cafes, wineries, and pubs across the Northern region.
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said it was a great initiative by festival organisers to drive intrastate tourism in the North.
"It's challenging at the moment to get Tasmanians to travel, but we need them," he said.
"The festival is something to remind people to take a second look at Launceston. I look it as a chance to trial it, get enthusiasm around the concept, and [situate] it as an annual event."
Visit Northern Tasmania chief executive Chris Griffin agreed it was crucial to create invitations for Tasmanians to travel around their own state.
"Having that excuse to get away for a weekend and indulge is really important for us," he said.
"The presentation of NORTH as a food experience is leaning into the UNESCO bid ... and playing into a strength."
The UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy bid has been endorsed by the City of Launceston council, among others, to promote the city's food and beverage wonders.
Gastronomy, the study of food and culture with a focus on gourmet cuisine, encompasses the whole food system from paddock to plate or grape to glass.
Bar Two owner Nathan Cairns said it was important to have festivals like NORTH supporting Tasmanian businesses by shining a light on the city's "world-class" food and wine scene.
"NORTH has been very supportive of Bar Two through marketing and recognition," he said.
The festival will include other well-known businesses such as Earthy Eats, Alchemy, Stelo at Pierre's, and Feast Restaurant.
However, Mr Griffin said there would also be a flow-on effect to other industries such as accommodation and other events.
"[Staying overnight for a festival] can cascade to people doing a wine tour or bike tour," he said.
"As Tasmanians, we are as restricted in our travel choices as mainlanders are, so we all need that time away and that break. We can still have that break and indulge, but seek out those special places in Tasmania to do it."
NORTH will run from October 13-27. Tickets are available at northfestival.com.au.
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Dana Anderson
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
