• Industry consultation through Tourism WA concluded
• Request for Proposal process underway, submissions close on February 9  

Shortlisted companies with a track record in culinary events have been invited to submit a proposal to run Western Australia's annual international food and wine event starting in 2019.

After last year announcing an expansion to WA's food and wine event tourism offering, the State Government, through Tourism Western Australia, has now concluded its industry consultation, and a Request for Proposal (RFP) process is underway.

With the contract for Margaret River Gourmet Escape coming to an end this year, the State Government announced it would review investment in culinary event tourism, with the potential for a bigger festival to include Margaret River, the Swan Valley and Perth.

Industry stakeholder consultation involving the food and wine industry, tourism operators, local producers and the community, took place over a four-week period concluding in December 2017. 

The consultation process helped determine the final specifications for the new event and the RFP documentation has been released to the shortlisted organisations.

RFP responses are due back to Tourism WA by February 9, and the successful proponent is expected to be announced in the first half of 2018.