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In a remarkable fusion of global gastronomy, Destination Vancouver, in collaboration with Air Canada, brought the celebrated World Chef Exchange to Sydney, delivering an unforgettable evening of culinary excellence at AALIA restaurant in Martin Place on February 6. This event highlighted Destination Vancouver’s Australian travel trade sales mission, spanning Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

A Culinary Bridge Between Two Iconic Cities

The event attracted top-tier travel trade partners, including industry heavyweights like Helloworld, Adventure World, APT, Scenic, Flight Centre, Virtuoso, Entire Travel, Ski Max, and Sno N Ski. Guests were treated to a vibrant taste of Vancouver’s diverse culinary offerings, part of the renowned Dine Out Vancouver Festival, held annually in January and February.

The evening’s culinary lineup featured an extraordinary collaboration between Vancouver’s Charlie Kunsang of MICHELIN-recommended L’Abattoir Restaurant, renowned Australian Chef Mark Best, and Paul Farag of AALIA Restaurant. Together, they curated a menu that masterfully blended the flavours of Vancouver and Sydney, showcasing the innovation and multicultural richness that define both cities’ food scenes.

Building Bridges Through Flavour

Krista Alcazar, Director of Market Development at Destination Vancouver, emphasized the importance of the event in strengthening international ties. “Australia is one of Vancouver’s most vital international leisure markets for overnight visitation. This event was a celebration of our strong travel trade partnerships and an acknowledgment of the growing meetings and conventions sector between our cities. Vancouver and Sydney are both dynamic, multicultural culinary hubs, and this exchange provided the perfect platform to showcase our shared passion for exceptional dining experiences,” Alcazar noted.

: Australian Chef, Paul Farag of AALIA Restaurant – Chef & Culinary Advisor Mark Best – Vancouver chef Charlie Kunsang of MICHELIN recommended, L’Abattoir Restaurant plus Andrew Chen, Sous Chef from L’Abattoir.

: Aalia Culinary Team including Australian Chef, Paul Farag of AALIA Restaurant – Chef & Culinary Advisor Mark Best – Vancouver chef Charlie Kunsang of MICHELIN recommended, L’Abattoir Restaurant plus Andrew Chen, Sous Chef from L’Abattoir.

The event wasn’t just a feast for the palate but a strategic move to deepen relationships within the travel industry. Representatives from prominent Vancouver-based tourism suppliers, including Vancouver Foodie Tours, Grouse Mountain Resort, Discover Canada Tours, Pan Pacific Hotel, Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel, Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel, Destination British Columbia, and Destination Canada, were present to network and engage with Australian partners.

A Fusion of Expertise and Passion

Chef Charlie Kunsang shared his excitement about participating in the exchange: “Hosting Chef Best in our kitchen at L’Abattoir was an incredible experience for our team. Traveling to Australia to represent both L’Abattoir Restaurant and Vancouver’s vibrant culinary scene is an honor. I’m thrilled to bring a piece of Vancouver’s spirit to Sydney.”

Chef Mark Best echoed the sentiment, highlighting the power of culinary collaboration. “The Vancouver/Sydney World Chef Exchange captures the essence of cultural connection through food. Experiencing Vancouver’s innovative cuisine firsthand at L’Abattoir was inspiring. Now, welcoming Charlie to Sydney, alongside Chef Paul Farag at AALIA, allows us to continue this dialogue between two vibrant culinary cities. It’s more than just showcasing dishes—it’s about celebrating creativity, identity, and the shared respect that unites chefs and food lovers alike.”

: Hosts Destination Vancouver visiting from Canada, left to right Krista Alcazar, Director Market Development – Luke Snyder, Director of Sales, Meetings, Conventions, Corporate – Megan Nelson, Market Manager International.

: Prize winner of a trip for two to Vancouver Canada. Left to right Megan Nelson, Manager International- Destination Vancouver, Vic Naughton General Manager -Air Canada, prize winner Sudeshna Ghosh – Managing Editor, SBS Food, and Krista Alcazar, Director Market Development.

Expanding Horizons Down Under

Destination Vancouver’s Australian sales mission is far from over. The team will engage in high-profile events in the coming weeks, including the Entire Travel Group agent roadshow, the prestigious International Media Marketplace (IMM), and the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME). These initiatives will further solidify Vancouver’s standing as a top destination for Australian travellers while promoting the city’s rich cultural and culinary offerings.

As Vancouver continues to forge strong international connections, events like the World Chef Exchange highlight the city’s culinary prowess and underscore the power of food to bridge cultures and create lasting partnerships.