Spiritüel Turizm Etkinliklerinde Gastronominin Rolü: Potansiyel ve Fırsatların Keşfi (The Role of Gastronomy in Spiritual Tourism Activities: Exploring Potential and Opportunities)

Abstract

The aim of this research is to identify the services provided by businesses offering spiritual tourism activities in Turkey within the scope of gastronomy and to reveal the gastronomic tourism potential of these businesses. In the study, the websites of tourism businesses offering spiritual tourism activities in the context of healthy living, spiritual, and physical cleansing were examined between September 1, 2023, and February 1, 2024. Seven tourism businesses that emphasize healthy eating, the provision of organic and local food, along with spiritual activities, were selected as samples. The data were subjected to content analysis using the MAXODA qualitative data analysis program, and coding was carried out according to the relevant themes. The examined businesses offer activities aimed at directing people towards healthy living spiritually, physically, and mentally. In this context, they provide opportunities to participate in various spiritual tourism activities such as yoga, retreat camps, family constellations, nature walks, and holistic massages. Additionally, these tourism businesses offer organic and healthy foods, local/regional dishes, and homemade products within the scope of gastronomy, incorporate good agricultural practices and sustainable farming practices, create special menus unique to Turkish and world cuisines, provide gastronomy training, and hold gastronomy talks. In this context, it has been determined that these businesses have gastronomic tourism potential with their focus on organic, local, regional flavors and diverse menu types.