The not-so-long-ago traveller experience of come, pose, click, post and carry-on has, however, been changing quite dramatically as the opportunity of wine tourism becomes more and more clear and compelling, for all around the table.
Over the past two decades, the coming together of the wine industry and tourism has proven to be a perfect blend of economic sectors. The innate characteristics of winelands make for natural points of attraction for travellers seeking the unique home-grown sights of a destination. Whether located alongside jagged cliffs, tucked into mountain terrain, or in vast open valleys, standing poetically and symmetrically under sun-nurtured skies the world’s vineyards offer destinations some of the most picturesque photo-moments.
The not-so-long-ago traveller experience of come, pose, click, post and carry-on has, however, been changing quite dramatically as the opportunity of wine tourism becomes more and more clear and compelling, for all around the table.
Attracting an array of wine drinkers, and non-drinkers, alike, winelands are becoming a much sought after destination for travellers far and wide. From day visitors and quick get-away stay seekers, to destination wedding guests, wine tasting course goers and festival fans, meeting attendees to conference planners, the beauty of the experience extends beyond the bottle itself.
As a result, with growing entrepreneurial spirit, wine regions are increasingly opening their estate doors to visitors, as well as their tasting rooms and meeting rooms, their amphitheaters and artisan kitchens, their gardens, their gift shops, their grand histories, and more and more so, their gabled home-style hotels with heavenly views. Working hand in hand with the tourism industry, the wine industry is finding new ways of building their brands and business models, while destinations are finding a way to strengthen their identity, diversity, year-round viability of offering, competitiveness, and, also, brands.
And let us not forget the power of the silver screen on this increasingly sexy and sought after tourism segment. Now that is something worth raising a glass to!
WINE TOURISM: WHERE TERROIR AND TRAVELLERS MEET
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
