Gastronomic Tourism as a Driver of Sustainable Destination Development: Trends, Challenges, and Prospects
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Gastronomic tourism has emerged as one of the fastestgrowing niches within the global tourism industry, driven by increasingconsumer interest in authentic culinary experiences and local foodcultures. This paper examines the multifaceted role of gastronomy incontemporary tourism, analyzing its economic contributions, culturalsignificance, and potential as a tool for sustainable destinationdevelopment. Drawing on a systematic review of peer-reviewed literatureand case studies from leading gastronomic destinations — includingFrance, Italy, Japan, Peru, and Spain — this study explores themechanisms through which food tourism generates revenue, preserves intangible cultural heritage, and supports rural development. Findingsindicate that well-structured gastronomic tourism strategies cansubstantially increase tourist spending, extend length of stay, and createcompetitive advantages for destinations. The paper further discussesemerging challenges including over-tourism, commodification of foodculture, and the impact of global food trends on local culinary identity.Recommendations for destination managers and policymakers areprovided to harness the full potential of gastronomic tourism within asustainable development framework.
Institution: Namangan State Pedagogical Institute
Language: English
Topic: Culinary Culture and Tourism
Subfield: Food Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W7204234593