Restaurant industry invites the world to dinner

Restaurant & Catering Australia (R&CA), the peak national organisation representing the interests of restaurateurs, caterers and cafe owners, is celebrating today’s launch of the next evolution of the ‘There’s nothing like Australia’ campaign.
As a result of the association advocating on behalf of its members for a fresh focus on Australian tourism, Tourism Australia has ramped up the promotion of Australia’s food and wine experiences in a new approach to its international marketing.
Launched at Sydney’s award-winning Quay Restaurant, R&CA CEO John Hart is excited the new $10 million campaign is based on the idea of Australia being the world’s greatest restaurant, ‘Restaurant Australia’,
“This will help narrow the perception gap between those who have visited Australia and those who have not, and put Australia’s restaurants and cafes on the international stage.
“Restaurants and cafes are where visitors eat – research acknowledges that we have built a reputation for the best restaurants in the world and now that reputation is bearing fruit,” Mr Hart said.
The first stage of the campaign is the ‘Rally Cry’ to encourage Australian operators with a food and wine focus to get involved.
R&CA CEO John Hart has been working with Tourism Australia to help prepare its members for this huge marketing opportunity and to ensure industry gains the recognition it deserves.
“Restaurant Australia is all about bringing together the incredible stories of our people, place and produce,” Mr Hart said.
The association has rolled out Doing Business Better – Social Media seminars across the country, in a bid to get industry up to speed with social media and the importance of connecting with consumers online.
Tourism Australia has been providing a ‘how to’ guide on how operators can be involved in its ‘Restaurant Australia’ campaign, which is built on consumer insight.
Research across 15 of Australia’s key tourism markets shows that great food, wine, and local cuisine is a major factor in holiday decision making at 38 percent.
Those who have visited our great nation, rank Australia second for its food and wine experiences at 60 percent, after culinary giant France.
However, only 26 percent of those who have never visited Australia, associate the destination with a good food and wine offering.