Research from Tourism Australia has revealed that Australia is second only to France for food and wine experiences, ahead of such classic foodie destinations as Italy, Greece and Spain.*

Clearly one of the factors behind Tourism Australia's newly launched Restaurant Australia promotion, this has further cemented the importance of gastronomic tourism for Australia – food and wine experiences across the country.

It is fitting then perhaps, that a new breed of niche education in this area has announced their first graduate. On the 30th August the Le Cordon Bleu will celebrate their first Master of Gastronomic Tourism.

Designed for those with a passion for gastronomy and tourism, the Le Cordon Bleu Master of Gastronomic Tourism recognises the specialised needs of those operating food and wine tourism businesses. It takes traditional tourism education and enriches it with an understanding of traditional and local foodways, skills in revitalising and building regional food cultures, insights into the economic and social impacts of tourism, as well as adopting a more conscious approach to eating and drinking.

The first graduate of the Le Cordon Bleu Master of Gastronomic Tourism, Sascha Stone from the Swan Valley in Western Australia, works as a Tourism Marketing Officer for the City of Swan. Sascha has had to juggle work and family commitments to complete the online program, so is thrilled to be the very first Master:

“The Master of Gastronomic Tourism degree has given me the opportunity to not just build on previous qualifications but most importantly further my knowledge in the specific field of food and wine tourism. The course material directly relates to my current employment and in a way validated a lot of the work I have done in the past. It has given me greater clarity of thought on the subject, introduced me to new ideas and has provided stimulation for personal growth in the future.”

Australia is the only country in the world to offer this unique qualification, and due to its online nature, it has already attracted students from around the world. Food, wine and gastronomy have a prosperous future for Australia, and the Le Cordon Bleu Master of Gastronomic Tourism is proud to be part of that destination.  

For more details visit www.lecordonbleu.com.au, or contact ahardy@cordonbleu.edu or (08) 8348 3038.

*According to the Tourism Australia Consumer Demand Food & Wine research project by BDA Marketing, released November 2012, “Australia is ranked second for its food and wine experiences (60%) after culinary giant France and ahead of Italy (third)” by those who have visited Australia. 

ABOUT LE CORDON BLEU

Le Cordon Bleu is world renowned for their dedication to providing the highest level of culinary and hospitality education, through world class programs.

Le Cordon Bleu combines innovation and creativity with tradition, through Bachelor's and Master's degrees that focus on the demands of a growing international hospitality industry.

Le Cordon Bleu prides itself on distinctive teaching methodology, where students gain experience through hands-on learning.

Our cuisine and pâtisserie programs preserve, and pass on, the mastery and appreciation of the culinary arts at the heart of French gastronomy for over 500 years.

Le Cordon Bleu Australia campuses include Adelaide and Sydney.