Section 4.1: Promotion of Traditional Cuisine in Rural Tourism
Rural tourism providers who have developed good quality culinary heritage based
products, can benefit from promotional activities carried out by national and regional
tourist boards, associations, etc. Traditional cuisine is promoted as one of attractions
of rural holidays and is usually associated with locally grown and produced ingredients,
fresh and good taste, chemical-free food stuffs. Whatever is the concept and specialisation
of a rural tourism establishment, food is always an issue as it concerns all target
groups in the market. Traditional cuisine is supported as part of national heritage,
and the aim of its promotion is to maintain national identity and heritage –
the traditional recipes and foodways. Rural tourism providers can benefit both from
the publicity and from training courses which are organised to revive and maintain
culinary tradition. Branding is another advantage. Belonging to a well recognised
brand positions a rural tourism establishment in the market and attracts more customers.
Following are some examples of how rural tourism organisations try to promote culinary
heritage based rural tourism products.
