The diversity of eateries and food producers in Greater Sudbury can be a way to attract tourists to the city, according to the Greater Sudbury Restaurant and Foodservice Association (GSRFA).

Michael Cullen is director of the GSRFA, which has 40 members in Greater Sudbury.

Last fall, Cullen announced a partnership with the Rainbow Country Travel Association (RCTA) to promote culinary tourism in the Greater Sudbury area, according to a press release.

“The restaurant industry has grown substantially in Greater Sudbury over the past five years,” Brandi Ransom, RCTA marketing manager said.

“Visitors regularly inquire about our local restaurant scene, proving that culinary tourism is a growing market.”

Recently, a Sudbury establishment, Curious Thymes, provided food and service to a reception at the Economic Developers Council of Ontario in Toronto.

“This year's event had a significant focus on tourism related topics," Cullen said. "The format for the conference was 'Defining and Capturing the New Economy'.”

Several partners promoting Greater Sudbury tourism took part in the event, Cullen noted. They included My Sudbury, Eat Local, Sudbury Living Magazine, TTC Communications, Sudbury Tourism, Curious Thymes and Cullen's food association.

“Any time we can promote our collective talent for great food and service to a broader audience the better," Cullen said. "We have so much to offer locally. It is only a matter of time before the rest of the province will take notice."

For more information, contact Michael Cullen at info@gsrfa.ca or 929-9892.