A new initiative to support and boost Southland’s hospitality and accommodation sector and elevate Southland’s reputation as a food and beverage destination will run from 1 April to 16 May 2021.
Savour the South – Eat Drink Play & Stay, will showcase Southland’s tastiest dishes and beverages at locations all over Southland, from pie shops and pub-grub through to fine dining.
The event has been developed by Hospitality New Zealand in collaboration with Great South.
Hospitality New Zealand Southland Branch President and long-time Chef Graham Hawkes said it was time to share the Southland food experience with the rest of New Zealand.
“I am unashamedly parochial. Southland produces among the finest, freshest, most flavoursome, and greatest varieties of food in the world.”
The hospitality sector was at the heart of our communities and local economy, so events like this to support the sector were vital, he said.
“Food tourism plays a key role in the local and visitor experience and Savour the South will highlight unique and well-loved dishes that can be enjoyed in Southland."
With the borders firmly closed for the foreseeable future, the event’s focus would be on attracting domestic visitors, he said.
The event would also include Southland accommodation operators, who would have the ability to provide discounts to customers who booked directly with them.
Great South Tourism and Events general manager Bobbi Brown said events were a focus for Great South in driving visitation to the region.
“What better way to entice visitors than with the likes of our delicious kaimoana.”