About

Engage – Empower – Inspire – Energise


Viktoria Darabi 
BA(Hons) | CertIVTAE | DipEventMgmt | MGastTourism

I help food and beverage businesses turn food and culinary tourism trends and events into profits. I  do this by helping them amplify their passions, skills and stories through events and activities that excite existing and entice new customers.

I use my skills, passion and more than three decades of experience as both a small business owner/operator and corporate contractor, to bring together people, food trends, tourism, events and marketing in innovative ways to benefit communities and social cohesion.

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From an early age, I discovered the power of food and its ability to bring people together. Growing up, my mother, a pioneer in TV cooking shows, instilled in me a love for culinary exploration and entertaining guests. These experiences ignited a fire within me, driving me to embark on a path of discovery

My thirst for knowledge led me across continents, immersing myself in different cultures, languages, and cuisines. It was during my time as a travel agent that I fell head over heels in love with France, its language, people, and, of course, its mouthwatering cuisine. That transformative experience forever shaped my perspective on the world.

Fuelled by a pathological passion for marketing and a drive to make a difference, I ventured into various roles within multi-nationals, medium-sized, and small businesses. But it was an unexpected tree-change that truly awakened my entrepreneurial spirit.

Together with my then partner, I established Australia’s largest and only full-time heirloom rocking horse business. Through meticulous marketing efforts, we garnered national attention, with our story being featured in magazines, newspapers, and even on television. We also developed strategic relationships within the tourism and hospitality industry, crafting unique experiences that allowed our customers to explore the region further.

Events became an integral part of our journey, with large-scale ‘Open Weekend’ celebrations drawing thousands of visitors. Hosting esteemed personalities such as Iain Hewitson elevated our brand, leading to fully booked rocking horse making classes months in advance. Collaborative marketing initiatives, like the Antiques Trail and Artisan’s Trail, further showcased the talents of local businesses, fostering a sense of community and shared success.

But life has its own twists and turns, and the loss of my parents prompted a new direction. It was then that I found solace and inspiration in the Le Cordon Bleu Master of Gastronomic Tourism program. This academic pursuit combined my entrepreneurial, marketing, and tourism skills with a deep understanding of food and drink culture.

Today, as a culinary tourism whisper and crusader, dedicated to helping businesses and organisations leverage their food and drink culture for profit and community development. With more than three decades of experience as both a business owner and marketing professional, I bring together people, food trends, tourism, events, and marketing in innovative ways. My mission is to mitigate disruption, foster economic development, and build social cohesion through the power of food and shared experiences.

Join me on this gastronomic journey as we explore the world through flavors, uncover hidden culinary gems, and create unforgettable moments that celebrate the richness of our food cultures. Together, we can turn passions into profits and make a lasting impact on communities.

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