Wolfville, Wednesday, August 7 – Wolfville’s Devour! The Food Film Fest continues to have significant economic impact to the Nova Scotian economy and is gearing up for its ninth flagship event from October 22-27, 2019.
According to statistics from Tourism Nova Scotia, 13,000 people attending Devour! in 2018 were responsible for an economic impact of just over $1.6 million in Wolfville– filling accommodations, restaurants, pubs and shops during the six-day event. Additionally, 48 per cent of those polled stayed an average of 2.65 nights Wolfville. Total economic impact in Nova Scotia reached more than $2 million.
“Canada’s tourism sector is booming, bringing in record numbers of international visitors in 2017 and 2018,” says Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margarets, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “The Government of Canada is pleased to support Devour!, which draws people from around the world to the Annapolis Valley in the shoulder season. The festival’s food and film offerings provide visitors with a unique regional experience, fostering growth in the competitive tourism industry and creating jobs and economic wealth in a rural area.”
ACOA recently announced a three-year contribution totalling $180,000 to Devour! through its Business Development Program to expand and bring more visitors to rural Nova Scotia.
“Devour! has grown to become a must-visit festival, drawing visitors from all around into Wolfville and our surrounding communities,” says Jeff Cantwell, Mayor of Wolfville. “The Devour! experience is second to none and we are so proud to host this world-class event that celebrates cultural excellence, and increases educational opportunities for youth, professionals and culinary travellers.”
The 2018 festival included more than 100 events and over 70 new film screenings across Wolfville, Kentville and Kings County.
“An influx of people come to experience the beauty of Annapolis Valley while they take in the best of food and film,” says Lia Rinaldo, Devour!Managing Director. “As the festival continues to grow in popularity, we’re seeing more and more job opportunities for Nova Scotians.”
The 2019 Devour! festival is expected to support approximately $675,000 in wages and salaries, and 13.2 jobs in Nova Scotia.
“Devour!’s expansion with a host of other satellite events allows the opportunity to take our foodie and film buff’s dream on the road,” says Michael Howell, Devour! Executive Director. “In January, we’re returning to the Green Turtle Club Resort in the Bahamas for Devour! The Beach. Then in February, we’re heading to Alberta for Devour! The Canadian Rockies Film Festival.”
In 2018, Devour! hosted 14 satellite events across Canada and the world, expanding the festival’s reach to international audiences.
“Devour! puts a lens on Wolfville’s abundance of food and spirit, making us the perfect backdrop for this cultural exploration,” says Kelly Marie Redcliffe, Manager of the Wolfville Farmers Market. “While the filmmakers share their stories, the festival brings people to our community, where attendees can bear witness to ours.”
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About Devour! the Food Film Fest
Devour!The Food Film Fest (Devour!)is a transformative food and film experience combining cinematic excellence with extraordinary gastronomic activities. The annual six-day festival hosts 100+ events, celebrated filmmakers and high-profile chefs from around the globe. Devour!takes place in Wolfville, with events throughout Kings County, the agricultural heartland of Nova Scotia; home to a thriving wine industry and hospitable community with a longstanding farm-to-table ethos. Devour!aims to inspire people to think differently about food and create a deeper connection to it.
Media contact
Robyn McIsaac
902-440-1551
robyn@prhive.ca
