QR Bananas Are Newest Link in Marketing Culinary Tourism

What’s a country to do when it’s local scenery is breath-taking but it's national media budget to attract international visitors is rather small?

One simply looks for another form of communication. And that’s just what the Ecuador Ministry of Tourism has done with the assistance of the Zimmerman Agency (absolutely NO connection to the sad George Zimmerman trial case in Florida).

Ever year Ecuador exports 24,000,000 top grade bananas to the rest of the world. Why pay for expensive full page ads in the New York Times or launch a series multi city gala events when millions of those humble bananas could carry Ecuador’s tourist information instead?

Just attach a QR (short for “quick response”) label to each banana and prompt the curious consumer to scan the label with their mobile phone ap. Once scan, an attractive and informative YouTube video will appear to entice the banana purchaser to experience the wonders of Ecuador in person.

Simple, easy, inexpensive, creative, informative and successful – Bravo to the staff of the Ecuador Ministry of Tourism and the Zimmerman Agency.  Well done! 

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2013

Try Wearing Fast Food Sweatshirts to Reduce Culinary Work Strain

No one would say work within the Hospitality Industry is without stress or strain. The hours are long and one's everyday pay often does not equal that of the external corporate world. 

Yet the chance to be creative, to travel, to associate with other highly creative people is unique in the business world. But that said, there is always a need to relax, refocus and have a little fun.

Since eating fast food is a no-no stress reducer, why not try wearing some? These original snack food sweatshirts are growing in popularity with in-the-know chefs in Europe.

Why not treat yourself to some real fun food and become a true fashion 'plate'!

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2013