Abstract
Food-based events and festivals are being increasingly organized around the world, both in large cities and in small towns with the aim of attracting the many benefits they provide to the destinations where they are held. While the impact of mega events is sufficiently studied in scientific literature, the works that address the effects of small events are still scarce. To close this gap, this research investigates the significance of small food-based events for tourism and the sustainable development of destinations. An exhaustive study of a renowned festival based on cheese was carried out in the Spanish city of Trujillo. A survey was used to ask non-local attendants and it explored their motivations, the event itself, the assessment of the permanent elements of the destination, and loyalty to the festival. The impact of these small festivals is not only relevant for the tourism sector and the sustainable positioning of the destination, however it is also relevant for the local economy due to the consumption of local gastronomic products. Given their role in attracting visitors, these small festivals as tourist motivators must be integrated into the communication campaigns of those destinations that seek to enhance their sustainability.
Highlights
The promotion of various quality local foods such as wine, fruits and vegetables, fish and meat, or cheeses can be an important reason to organize festivals and events in the territory where they are obtained or produced as they can provide benefits both for tourists and for the local population, usually located in rural enclaves [1]
In addition to projecting a positive image which attracts tourism, they create an awareness in the residents of the region or territory where the production is done, while promoting the sustainable local economy and contributing to the development of the area [2]
The gastronomic events of local products linked to the destination represent an important source of income for rural areas and at the same time can help to create an image of a sustainable destination
Summary
The promotion of various quality local foods such as wine, fruits and vegetables, fish and meat, or cheeses can be an important reason to organize festivals and events in the territory where they are obtained or produced as they can provide benefits both for tourists and for the local population, usually located in rural enclaves [1] These gastronomic festivals have a limited duration, they are usually held once a year, and they offer tasting and purchase of products linked to the territory where the festival is held. Gastronomic festivals are considered to be an opportunity to promote authentic local products, so it can be a good opportunity to promote rural areas at risk of depopulation, as well as connect various European regions around a single characteristic product by creating gastronomic festivals with links and premises based on the sustainable development of the destination This sustainable development can be fostered from the union between sustainable territory and gastronomic festivals based on authentic products of recognized quality. This tourism offers the option of preserving the culture and uniqueness of a territory based on its food, the creation and safeguarding of jobs that promote the economic development of the area, and contribute to being environmentally conscious as they are small cottage industries with reduced emissions [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
