Local Perspectives of the Relationships between Food and Tourism in the City of Girona (Catalonia, Spain)

Abstract

Food is playing an increasingly more relevant role in the development of tourism. While the link between local produce and the tourist experience is studied in rural regions, few studies have scrutinized the relevance of local food in urban areas. This research analyses the significance attached to the local product for food tourism in the city of Girona, north-eastern Catalonia. The study is based on a qualitative methodology which is focused on twelve semi-structured interviews conducted with local public and private food-based experts, including professionals from the hospitality, catering and gastronomic culture promotion sectors of Girona. Results show the relevance of identity products and local markets, and the potential of restaurants and events to create awareness and increase the visibility of local food. However, results also show that local products need to be effectively integrated into its food tourism system through collaboration and cooperation among public and private actors, to enhance the role of place as a source of local food and tourism attraction in urban areas. This also contributes to the relationships between the agri-food and the retail sector from the production to the consumption of food.

Keywords: Culinary Heritage, Cultural Identity, Food Tourism, Gastronomy, Local Produce, Urban Area

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