Gastronomy and Local Development

<p>Gastronomy particularly gourmet tourism is widely acknowledged as having a powerful impact on local development. Public policies have developed in response to research highlighting gastronomy as key in a successful tourism economy.</p><p></p><p>However research thus far has not fully explored the underlying mechanisms of gastronomic tourism in particular the marketing and perception of quality on economic development. This book considers how the quality of products places and experiences contributes to the desirability and competitiveness of gourmet touristic destinations. The contributors present theoretical and empirical studies to create an original conceptual framework for regional development based on the quality of products of places and of touristic experience. It also examines the ways in which quality is linked to identity diversity innovation and creativity.</p><p></p><p>With an interdisciplinary approach this book will be of interest to researchers in tourism and hospitality regional studies and human geography as well as to tourism development professionals and policymakers in the areas of rural and local development.</p>