Cultural Routes and Heritage Trails - Tourism and Trails: Cultural, Ecological and Management Issues - page 54

other contemporary trends (e.g. slow food) have become the content of
many food routes (Telfer & Hashimoto, 2003).
The Charlevoix Flavour Trail in Quebec, Canada, is a 143 km linear net-
work that brings together more than 40 farmers and restaurateurs in the
Charlevoix region. This agritourism circuit's focus is local produce (e.g. pâtés,
cheeses, chocolates, fruit, vegetables, beers, meats and ciders) and traditional
preparation methods that deliver 'the perfect occasion to discover the
Charlevoix's tantalizing fine cuisine' (Charlevoix Tourism, 2013). Australia
has developed several successful taste trails too, including the Bellarine Taste
Trail (Victoria) and the Taste of the Tropics Trail (Queensland) (Australian
Tropical Foods, n.d.). The Bellarine route comprises a number of lodging
facilities, restaurants, wineries, breweries, cafes, cheese and vegetable pro-
ducers, fruit farmers, seafood providers, weekend markets and food festivals
(Bellarine Tourism, 2013).
Religious trails (inorganic)
The first part of this chapter examined pilgrim routes that have become
tourist trails in a more organic fashion. There is also a growing interest in
developing purposive trails with a religious theme. In most cases, these are
used to connect places associated with a religious figure and that person's
ministry. They are not necessarily a set route undertaken by the spiritual
leader, but are pieced together by various organizations to highlight the per-
son's life and influence on others.
St Patrick's Trail in Northern Ireland is a good example of this type of
path (Simone-Charteris & Boyd, 2010). The trail was formulated as a tourism
product to unite locales in Northern Ireland related to St Patrick, the Patron
Saint of Ireland, from Bangor to Armagh, with several essential stops between.
The 148 km drive connects 15 key Christian sites and includes a modern visi-
tor center in Downpatrick near the saint's burial place at Down Cathedral
(Figure 2.11). St Patrick's Trail is one of Northern Ireland's most prominent
heritage attractions (Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), 2013).
The trail was designed as a literal and metaphorical series of journeys
through landscape and culture, myth and reality that allow the visitor to
follow in the footsteps of Patrick's personal journey from ordinary man to
saint (Boyd, 2013). The development of the route was primarily based on the
urban centers of Armagh and Downpatrick, with Bangor as a secondary
cluster (see Figure 2.12). A three-year action plan was launched by the NITB
in 2005, developed around six priority themes: working in partnership;
developing a St Patrick's Trail; creating a memorable experience; developing
a coordinated events and festivals program; strong marketing and branding;
and developing cross-border activities.
The trail is a result of various public bodies, private tourist organizations
and community groups working in partnership. Of the 15 stops along the
trail, 11 sites have a strong link to St Patrick's life, legacy and landscape. The