Gastronomic Identity in Terms of Destination Competitiveness and Travel Motivation

Abstract

Gastronomy is not only art of eating and drinking but also each component is associated
with food and drink that consist of the interaction of science, art and culture. In this
respect, it covers a large area. Tourism is one of these areas where tourism and
gastronomy has a close relationship especially increasing tourist interest of local cuisine in
tourism destination, rising of research in the restaurant management, getting importance of
eating habits, food science and safety in the tourism industry. The gastronomic identity is
an issue that addresses the relationship between gastronomy and tourism in sense of
cultural, social, economic, and ideological. In this study, gastronomic identity that cannot
be replicated original features takes place in gastronomic tourism blending with the
culture and environment of destination. In the study, the relationship with gastronomy
tourism and gastronomic identity is discussed in literature especially in terms of the effect
of increasing the destinations competitiveness and tourist travel motivation. Finally, there
are suggestions in regards to gastronomic identity to the actors related with destination
management, gastronomy and tourism.