Design and promotion of tourism product based on Livonian culinary heritage (LIVONIAN CULINARY ROUTE)

 

Food and beverages play a major role in the culture, uniqueness and identity of a destination and this could be argued to be one of the major reasons why the interest in food tourism is increasing. Food is considered as an element of local culture and as an expression of the history, habits and traditions of a community or a geographical area. The project “Livonian Culinary Route” strengthens the identity of our common culinary heritage, promotes food traditions of Livonian area and involves over 250 food providers and producers from Estonia and Latvia. Generally, the project aims to create a unique platform through which to tell two nations culinary history from medieval times until nowadays. Bringing out the similarities and differences between the local cuisines based on local traditions will mainly support the identity of rural areas in both countries and makes it more attractive for foreign and domestic visitors. Recognition to local food, awareness of visitors about local food and knowledge of businesses how to improve the business performance through using culinary heritage will be achieved. Project will focus on locally grown and produced food. The participants of the route share common values, but it represents also a mosaic of food traditions of smaller regions. One specific aim is also to promote the usage of locally grown ingredients in food preparation and to establish strong regional co-operation networks between tourism/catering businesses and local food producers/farmers as short supply chains are most suitable in development of local food sector in regions.

Title

Design and promotion of tourism product based on Livonian culinary heritage

Abbreviation

LIVONIAN CULINARY ROUTE

Lead partner

Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce (Estonia)

Programme Interreg Estonia – Latvia 2014-2020
Project number Est-Lat 42

 

Partners

 

  1. NGO Estonian Rural Tourism (Estonia)
  2. Latvian Country Tourism Association "Lauku celotajs" (Latvia)
  3. Vidzeme Planning Region (Latvia)
  4. Foundation Jõgeva County Development and Enterprise Centre (Estonia)
  5. Foundation Tartu County Tourism (Estonia)
  6. Foundation Valga County Development Agency (Estonia)

 

Objectives

Strengthening the identity and image of common culinary heritage through creation of joint tourism product which is based on historical background and traditions of Livonian area and involves food providers and producers from whole programme area.

Activities

  • Development of the culinary tourism product;
  • Capacity building and strengthening the networking of culinary heritage based service providers;
  • Extensive marketing.

Results

  • Improved cross-border co-operation between tourism and catering businesses and local food producers;
  • Strong regional co-operation networks between tourism/catering businesses and local food producers/farmers established;
  • New culinary route dedicated to Livonian heritage and integrating the regional culinary route of Via Hanseatica – TasteHanseatica -– as well as the brand “Latvian cuisine” introduced.

Budget

Total – 1 059 789 EUR
Total ERDF co-financing - 900 820,65 EUR 
Vidzeme Planning Region - 340 393 EUR (of total budget)

Implementation period

01.05.2017 – 30.04.2020 

Contact person

Lienīte Priedāja-Klepere

Tel. +371 26133028

lienite.priedaja@vidzeme.lv