The program for the inaugural World Food Exchange, which will position South Australia to take advantage of the world's growing culinary tourism market, has been unveiled today.

South Australian Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith announced that two pioneers of Australia's culinary tourism industry will share their experience and expertise at the event on 21-25 September 2008.

"We are delighted that James (Jim) Carreker and Alla Wolf-Tasker are joining the World Food Exchange to share their knowledge.

"This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the potential of culinary tourism from two of the country's leading experts."

Jim Carreker, formerly from California, is managing director and owner of Arbutus Hospitality Group, a South Australian fine dining and luxury accommodation tourism enterprise.

Jim's Barossa-based businesses include the Appellation restaurant, private vineyard residence Atrium at Greenock Creek and the renowned luxury vineyard retreat, The Louise. The Louise was named Australia's best luxury accommodation at the 2007 Australian Tourism Awards.

Alla Wolf-Tasker is the driving force behind Lake House in Daylesford Victoria, a multi-award-winning luxury hotel, restaurant and spa that is one of Australia's most highly regarded gourmet retreats.

In 2007 Alla was admitted as a Member of the Order of Australia for her services to the tourism and hospitality industry.

Other leading experts attending the World Food Exchange include:

• K. Dun Gifford, president of the food issues think-tank from the United States, Oldways Preservation Trust.
• David Rosengarten, a travel writer, cookbook author and TV journalist who is one of the world's foremost authorities on food, wine and cooking.
• Jo Sinfield whose work to promote the Franschhoek wine region helped it become one of South Africa's leading tourist destinations.

Dr Lomax-Smith also announced details of the World Food Exchange's regional touring program.

"An important aspect of the event will be the regional tours of the Eyre Peninsula and the Barossa," Dr Lomax-Smith says.

"Delegates will be shown the wealth of wonderful food and wine experiences already available in the regions."

Key activities of the regional program include:

Eyre Peninsula:

• Regional Showcase Dinner with chef Tony Ford at Boston Bay Wines – Monday 22 September, 7.30pm
• Regional industry workshop at Port Lincoln Hotel – Tuesday 23 September, 11am-1pm

The Barossa:

• Regional Showcase Dinner with Barons of Barossa at Yalumba 'Signature' Cellar – Tuesday 23 September, 7.30pm
• Regional industry workshop at Seppeltsfield 'The Distillery' – Wednesday 24 September, 1pm-3pm

"The regional showcase dinners will provide great networking opportunities and the not-to-be-missed chance to experience some of the best food and wine South Australia has to offer.

"The industry workshops will be an important platform for regional food and wine producers, restaurateurs and tourism operators to discuss and get practical advice on how to develop world-class culinary tourism experiences in their region."

More information on the World Food Exchange program can be found at www.worldfoodexchange.com