Indigenous Islamic Food: An Ideal Product Innovation for Creativity in Cultural Tourism: A Case Study Khao Tung Pla (Thai Crispy Rice Crackers with Anchovies)

Nopparat Boonpienpon,Donruetai Kovathanakul,Phitak Siriwong,Thirachaya Maneenetr

doi:10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n5s2p445

Nopparat Boonpienpon, Donruetai Kovathanakul + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n5s2p445

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Abstract

This article offers a critique of indigenous food which has the potential to add many benefits and much creativity to cultural tourism. Food is one of the four requirements for human survival. The tourism industry is that in which tourists partake in the local food produce. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) forecasts the growth of the tourism industry by the year 2030 to reach 1.8 billion international tourists globally. The UNWTO further points out that most popular tourist places will specifically be those of the Asia and Pacific regions. Thailand is considered one of the most popular countries within a popular continent; however, the significant task of tourism in Thailand remains as to how to attract greater numbers of international tourists to the country. This leads us to one of the activities in which all tourists partake during their trips to Thailand, namely eating. Hence, food is an alternative tourist activity with which to specifically attract tourists. This is especially the case for indigenous food which can be presented from its cultural aspect, in addition to it being an exotic and authentic experience for visitors. This article emphasizes the indigenous food in the Andaman region of Thailand where the cuisine is mostly local Islamic food. This food is that produced by the native people in an area well-known for its Muslim community. Therefore, the local cuisine is not only presented as a food product, but also as an integral part of the culture of the native people. In other words, this local Islamic food could present the international tourist with the culture of the locals, their way of life, and the uniqueness of Thai identity through the consumption by tourist themselves. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n5s2p445

Highlights

Food is integral to human life and everybody needs to consume it
Tourists see the indigenous food, and experience the local people and way of life, and so on. This leads to the addition of indigenous food as part of the tourism business.This can be considered a form of Alternative Tourism whereby tourists engage in a variety of activities and travel experiences
The tourism industry is becoming popular among many countries due to the benefits that it brings to the whole country

Summary

Introduction

Food is integral to human life and everybody needs to consume it. Yet aside from being a daily requirement, food represents the uniqueness of a place. Many tourists are willing to spend their money in order to get the good quality food they want. This has given rise to a new form of tourism by its attraction of tourists for food consumption. Tourists see the indigenous food, and experience the local people and way of life, and so on. This leads to the addition of indigenous food as part of the tourism business.This can be considered a form of Alternative Tourism whereby tourists engage in a variety of activities and travel experiences. Many countries compete in trying to create a variety of activities and means of tourism in order to attract visitors to their country

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