Land of open spaces and vast horizons, with magical contrast between forests, vineyards, lakes and UNESCO World Heritage cathedrals and basilicas – Champagne. The generous nature is everywhere with splendid forest of Argonne, the Regional Natural Park of the Montagne de Reims and the immense Lac du Der. Champagne has a reputation of an exquisite and yet world-famous travel destination, a place to discover sparkling wines in a charming environment. It is conveniently located just 45 minutes by train from Paris, therefore is a fertile ground for young talents in hospitality business and of course young wine producers to develop.
In that sense, Marne department of the Champagne-Ardenne region is outstanding as it is home to an extraordinary diversity of products and know-hows. For instance, just recently the Tourist Board of the Marne innovated by launching its network of ‘Greeters’. They are people passionate about their territory who share their favorite places with tourists with great pleasure and warm hospitality.
Moreover, the local authorities have invented a way to encourage and support young talents. Each year they award the best of the best in three categories:
- Champagne and wine;
- Cultural activities, natural, and recreational craft;
- Accommodation, gastronomy and local products.
The selection criteria are pretty strict: the competitors have to justify a real know-how, develop and design their product, be it a new chambre d’hôte or a new sort of wine, at the same time have less than 10 years of activity and be active participators in the process.
The award of the Young Talents usually takes place in the end of February, the day after the 9 finalists present their work to the jury comprised of experienced professionals in the related fields, including Committee departmental director of Tourism in Marne department, director of the Tourist Office of Epernay, sommeliers and food critics. The winners receive full support of the governmental institutions and the media, as well as a possibility to present themselves to the public on special meeting days organized by the Tourist board.
This year you have a unique chance to encounter some of the Young Talents of Champagne at the International Wine Tourism Conference during 8 – 9 April, 2015. There is also a talk on this iniciative which is a must attend for anyone working in a tourist board or department: Elodie Bier – Young Talents in Champagne!
The 7th annual International Wine Tourism Conference, Exhibition and Workshop 2015 (IWINETC) will be held in the city of Reims. The Champagne-Marne Tourism Board, Comité Départemental du Tourisme de la Marne will be the premium sponsor for the event.
IWINETC is the leading global event for the wine and culinary tourism industry. IWINETC 2015 will provide, once again a unique opportunity to build essential contacts, discover a new destination and services key to the future of your business, expand your industry knowledge and maximise your return on time.
There are so many ways to participate at IWINETC 2015:
- as a conference delegate >>
- as an exhibitor >>
- as a wine tourism experience provider at the wine tourism workshop >>
- as a key sponsor >>
- as a sponsor of tours and evening events >>
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