Factors Affecting Gastronomy Tourism for Sustainable Tourism Development

Abstract

This article aims to study the factors affecting gastronomy tourism for Sustainable Tourism Development. It is found that gastronomy tourism is a journey to experience the food in each area. Its main purpose is entertainment and recreation, and high value income. It is considered by the expenditure of foreign tourists who spend the most on food. In addition, gastronomy tourism requires both Thai and foreign tourists to travel in various localities and get income distribution to local communities. These are tourist sites in every province in Thailand which causes tourism to expand continuously and affect the economy and tourism industry for future growth. There are divided into 4 types of gastronomy tourism: 1) food tours or taste paths; 2) food museum; 3) food festival or event; and 4) cooking classes which promote food tourism to be more well-known as well as exchange knowledge and food experts. The body of knowledge indicates that sustainable tourism development covers holistic development into 3 dimensions: economy, society and culture, and environment. There are required the participation of the local community which is the source of income, preservation of cultural traditions, good way of life, and environmental protection. The factors that affect gastronomy tourism for sustainable development are caused by 1) demographic changes; 2) the growing trend of sustainable tourism; 3) the pursuit of local identity remains popular; 4) developments in technology and online media; and 5) modern travelers’ incentives. Therefore, gastronomy tourism is able to promote the tourism situation for Thailand and able to respond the goals of the United Nations for sustainable development.