World Bulletin of Social Sciences (WBSS)

Available Online at: https://www.scholarexpress.net

Vol. 11, June,2022
ISSN: 2749-361X

LOCAL FOODS AS AN ATTRACTIVE FACTOR FOR THE TOURIST

CONSUMER
Ahmed Talib Mahdi Al-Ahmar
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mission and Cultural Relations Service, Iraq
[email protected]
Article history: Abstract:

Received: 11th April 2022 Ideas and technologies are transmitted through food and what results in the
Accepted: 11th May 2022 construction of social relations, as its nature seems to be of a cultural
Published: 26th June 2022 specificity that is not devoid of symbols indicative of deep morals and values
in the social structure. Generation after generation invites the sharing of food
and drink to produce social bonds recognized by hospitality, a symbolic
identity that outweighs all the basic ideas of food and eating it.
Keywords: food, tourist behavior, identity, culture

INTRODUCTION 3. Studying the contribution of local foods to the

Eating local food in travel countries is one of the satisfaction of tourists.
favorite activities, and favorite aspects of travel for
many, especially those who love adventure and trying THE LOCAL RESTAURANT: It is one of the most
everything new. Food is an integral part of the prominent elements that distinguish the tourist
distinctive cultures of any country you can visit. For destination and constitutes an essential aspect of
example, a traveler who wants to learn about the local tourism, through a tourist trip famous for its authentic
reality of any city cannot taste its local cuisine and local cuisine that reflects a special lifestyle that is
limit eating to meals prepared in the hotel kitchen. famous for it (Tourism and Hotels – 2010).
How can you visit Italy and not eat pasta, and visit
Japan without tasting sushi, and meat in Argentina? LOCAL FOODS AROUND THE WORLD
Learning about local traditions, history, and culture is Food and travel are some of life's best experiences,
part of the experience of traveling to any country in and although we enjoy great food in fine restaurants,
the world, and you can discover these three aspects of there is some authentic local street food that you will
national identity just by eating and drinking. Make sure enjoy eating and give you important life experiences.
that you have had a special experience that you Where food gives you a deeper insight into the culture,
cannot forget in your memory, and not only this but history, people, and places. The local street foods
also that you will repeat the experience when you often tempt you to explore things you weren't familiar
return to your destination again. with, discovering many things that relate not only to
the food but also to the spirit of the culture it
STUDY IMPORTANCE represents. For those who do not know the importance
The study's importance lies in the fact that it seeks to of tasting local street foods, we present to you this
provide a new and different addition to the factors that article that will make you change your perspective and
attract tourists in the tourist places destination and to realize that this type of food is not only about great
address in-depth the details of his interests and the taste but also nourishes the soul. You may find these
reflection of these interests on his tourism behavior by foods either in very small restaurants, with street
highlighting the research on the role of local foods in vendors, or markets selling fresh food around the
attracting tourists. world. The local food takes you a little deeper, so you
can meet the locals outside the tourist centers and get
THE STUDY OBJECTIVES to know them, the best thing you can do is share the
This study aims to achieve a set of goals, including the table with them and have small conversations, and if
following: you can speak the local language, you can ask
1. Getting to know the perspectives of tourists on questions about the best local foods, which can lead to
the importance of local food as a catalyst for dialogue in various Topics. If you can't speak the local
food tourism. language, you can try using sign language to ask how
2. Indicating the importance of food tourism as to eat or what sauces are best. Either way, locals are
a modern tourism trend.

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 World Bulletin of Social Sciences (WBSS)
Available Online at: https://www.scholarexpress.net
Vol. 11, June,2022
ISSN: 2749-361X

often willing to share details of their local food with the culinary culture of the region, and for them,
visitors. gastronomic tourism makes the most sense.
Local foods help you explore the limits of your energy, THE BEST TOURIST DESTINATIONS
as searching for these foods gives you the courage to Mendoza, Argentina
eat different foods that you have not tried before, as Mendoza is the perfect place for lovers who want to
you will find that you are surrounded by many locals enjoy the three pillars of travel in one destination:
who want to taste their food, which will make you good food, drink, and adventure.
want to try many new and exotic foods in sometimes . Manila, Philippines
Local foods also help you to develop your language One of the most important things you do not know
skills, there is nothing better than talking to people about Manila and the Philippines, in general, is that it
who speak the native language of the country while is the main mecca of street food. And the various
eating. Simple then you will realize how simple it is . types that it is very difficult to mention all here.
Paris, France
EATING CULTURE It is France, of course, there will be amazing food, but
All peoples have their different cultures, including the when people plan their trips to Paris, most of them
culture of eating, which is one of these very important forget that this city is a foodie's paradise. There are so
cultures. Each people have a special culture like the many fun things you can do that will enhance your trip
food they eat, and the nature of their cooking meat. and help you build beautiful memories in it.
As for India, for example, it depends on different meat Copenhagen, Denmark
sources, such as cows, sheep, chicken, and fish. As for What to do in it is to visit one of the restaurants in
the areas surrounded by seas and rivers, people prefer Copenhagen, Denmark, which is considered one of the
fish and marine life, and they are skilled in preparing first in the list of restaurants in the world and is a very
and cooking them. As for the UAE, it depends on the famous restaurant and has been at the top of the list
culture of eating in it on two main elements: marine of the 50 best restaurants in the world for many years.
life, primarily fish species, and there is also the food London, England
culture of the desert environment within it, in which Another big city often overlooked as a foodie
reliance is on camel meat. In Europe, due to the very destination is London. But don't make that mistake
cold weather and the different environment, the with them, because London is the food capital of the
European food culture is completely different from the world. Where you will find a range of global food
nature of Asian food. (Al-Bayan Magazine, 2018) options, multiple dining experiences, foodie activities,
Food Tourism etc. related to food tourism.
Food tourism can be defined briefly as the pursuit of Tuscany, Italy
unique and distinctive eating and drinking experiences One of the most important things on the list of tourists
in every geographic region or country in the world, heading to these destinations is to take cooking
whether locally or internationally. (Ghida Abu Khairan; classes. In Italy. These can be found all over Italy
2018) (suhar Anwar khan-2020)
Culinary tourism (cooking): Food Identity
The definition of this type of tourism began with this Food identity is the same as the cultural identity of a
phrase when the food tourism industry was still society or one of its groups and groups with a
nascent, but for many years it was realized that native difference in extension, which is analyzed in the
English speakers found the phrase somewhat context of Tunisian society from an anthropological
ambiguous. And that came as a surprise because this perspective.
was never the goal of those working in this type of Culinary Identity
tourism, however, the elitist perception of this phrase Couscous belongs to the group of foods based on
remains. “Cooking” means preparing food, i.e. the time grains, which represent the basis of the Mediterranean
spent on training in professional cooking, after which cuisine known for its adoption of pastries. The grains
the researcher becomes a chef. are prepared according to four groups, namely
Tourism is the art of tasting, eating, and gastronomy: porridges, bread, mixes, and dried pieces (Journal of
We find this phrase used mostly in Europe, mostly Anthropology, 2012).
among speakers of Romance languages. For them, Consumer behavior: is a science concerned with the
food tourism seems very basic and exhilarating. study of; How people buy, what they buy from, and
Gastronomy or gastronomy is the term used to explain why they buy. This science - although it is now one of

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 World Bulletin of Social Sciences (WBSS)
Available Online at: https://www.scholarexpress.net
Vol. 11, June,2022
ISSN: 2749-361X

the fields of marketing science - derived its basics from service. Consumer behavior is concerned with the
psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics. following.
The study of consumer behavior aims to understand 1. Purchasing activities: Purchasing goods or
the purchasing decisions made by the consumer, as services: How consumers obtain products and
well as the stages in which this decision is made. It services, and all activities that lead to a
studies therefore the individual characteristics of the purchase decision, including searching for
consumer, personal, social, and cultural. information, evaluating goods and services,
Consumer behavior is the study of individuals, groups, and methods of payment, including the
organizations, and all activities related to the purchase process.
purchase, use, and disposal of goods and services, 2. Use and consumption activities: concerned
including the behavioral, mental, and emotional with who, where, when, and how consumption
responses that precede or follow these activities. takes place, the process of use with its
The study of consumer behavior emerged in the 1940s symbolic associations, and the way goods are
and 1950s as a separate sub-discipline of marketing. distributed in families or consumption units.
Consumer behavior is an interdisciplinary social science Product retail activities: concerned with the way
that integrates elements from psychology, sociology, the consumer disposes and packages products, and
social anthropology, anthropology, ethnography, may also include resale activities such as eBay and
marketing, and economics, especially behavioral second-hand markets.
economics. Consumer behavior investigates how Consumer response may be Emotional (or arousal):
emotions, attitudes, and preferences affect purchasing Refers to emotions such as feelings and mood swings.
behavior. Characteristics of individual consumers such Mental (or perceptual) response: Refers to the
as study of demographics and personal lifestyles and consumer's ways of thinking.
behavioral variables such as usage rates, Behavioral (or perceptual) response: Refers to a
appropriateness of use, loyalty, brand endorsement, consumer's response that can rely on his observations
and willingness to make suggestions, are investigated (Anbar Shalash, Muhammad Ibrahim, 2004)
to understand the public's desires and consumption in Psychological influences on tourist behavior
formal studies of consumer behavior. The study of Marketing managers in tourism organizations seek to
consumer behavior looks at the effects on the clearly understand the psychology of tourist behavior
consumer by groups such as family, friends, sports, through studies and market research to identify the
reference groups, and society in general. nature of the tourism product and the patterns that
The study of consumer behavior the tourist wants to enjoy and satisfy his needs and
The study of consumer behavior is concerned with all desires. Privacy to reach the target market, however,
concepts of purchasing behavior, from pre-purchase faces the simplest difficulties in probing the depths of
activities to post-purchase activities of consumption, the personality of the tourist. (Araby Post magazine,
evaluation, and disposal. It is also concerned with all 2019)
persons involved, directly or indirectly, in purchasing Among the psychological influences on the behavior of
decisions and consumption activities, including brand the tourist are the following:
influencers and opinion leaders. Research has shown 1- Motives
that consumer behavior is difficult to predict even for Motivations represent the starting point for practically
experts in the field. However, new research methods moving in a behavioral direction by satisfying the
such as ethnography and consumer neuroscience are needs or in response to a group of motives that drive
shedding new light on how consumers make their knowledge. His needs and desires may turn to a higher
decisions. level when he satisfies the basic needs secondary,
Consumer Behavior luxuries, or recreational needs, and this depends on
Consumer behavior includes “all activities associated the nature of the needs and their position in the
with purchasing from the use and disposal of goods surrounding community and the prevailing conditions.
and services, including the consumer’s emotional, On the other hand, there are many applications for the
rational, and behavioral response that precede and subject of motives in the field of marketing that
follow these activities.” Consumer can refer to prepare the consumer or qualify him to think about
individual consumers and consumer organizations, and consuming the tourism service. Tourism marketing can
more specifically, “an end-user—not necessarily a result in prospects that can provide a service or a
purchaser— in the distribution chain of a good or tourism program capable of satisfying the needs and

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 World Bulletin of Social Sciences (WBSS)
Available Online at: https://www.scholarexpress.net
Vol. 11, June,2022
ISSN: 2749-361X

desires at once, that is, in one tourism program, For Local foods as a travel destination
example, when three tourism programs are available When a tourist’s stomach chooses its destination (Food
in one country, each program differs from the other Tourism, 2017(
with competitive advantages to attract the tourist to A study by the experts of the World Tourism
each type, he finds in himself multiple motives to Organization on food reveals the extent to which
choose one of the programs that can follow his needs, restaurants influence one tourist destination over the
desires, financial capabilities, and motives assigned to other, whether in terms of its cleanliness, its
the tourism program. Essential or acquired important distinction, the diversity of its dishes, or its ability to
for the marketing of the tourism service. provide a different atmosphere that makes eating in it
2- Perception an unforgettable experience for the tourist . .
It is the process that forms mental impressions of a In the beginning, the study reviewed by the economic
specific indicator within the boundaries of the tourist's writer Mustafa Al-Najjar poses a question that says: Is
knowledge, and the tourist realizes a tourist service there a tourist on earth who does not eat food while
when he recognizes its characteristics and falls under traveling on a trip to another country? Of course not.
his experience, and people's perceptions of the same But.. Can a tourist be traveling to a country or a city
situation or service may differ. Through the senses, specifically to eat? Meaning, could the food itself be
sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch (Abu Jalil, one of the reasons for the tourist to travel from one
Muhammad, 2013) country to another? The answer, which may surprise
Demand trends for food tourism many, to the last question is yes.
The main trends from the point of view of demand There has already become in the world what can be
(trends of gastronomic tourism) can be summarized in called food tourism) or food tourism, to the extent that
five basic aspects: the World Tourism Organization of the United Nations
Researching local products, coming from the closest issued a special booklet on this subject recently
surrounding areas that allow knowledge of the food dealing with the issue of food or kitchen as now one of
culture of the region, that contribute to sustainability the most important modern trends for travel in our
and that help develop local economies. This aspect is modern era.
evaluated in such a way that the demander knows that This brochure or report indicated that many countries,
anywhere you will find the product in a “pure” or close governments, tourism organizations, travel agencies,
way. hotels, and restaurants are now attaching great
Search for high-quality products, backed by official importance to this trend to attract tourists to it, either
warranty marks: categories of origin, protected by attracting it with a distinct cuisine specific to the
geographical indications, or private brands. whole country that makes the tourist willing to learn
1. Find traditional cuisine but with innovation. A about the cuisine of this country as a part of Its
comprehensive offering that combines culture and way of life, or by providing an adequate
traditional and creative cuisine is the main ground for the tourist that includes a variety of foods,
asset of the future of gastronomic tourism. meals, and kitchens from all over the world, including
2. Find quality at the best price. the cuisine for which the country itself is famous or
3. The search for multiculturalism other unknown foods, or even globalized foods and
Objectives fast food offered by restaurants with world-famous
1. Learn and try new foods from other regions names.
2. Introducing the specialties of our regions to In addition, a country in which there are a good
visitors number of restaurants and distinctive dishes will be
3. Try new flavors more attractive to tourists than a country in which
4. Know the different ingredients and preparation there are problems that hinder the tourist, for
methods example. There are types of tourists who prefer to
Features travel to countries where fast-food restaurants they
Gastronomic tourism is presented as a new option to know in their countries of origin are available, while
enter the culinary world where we can try thousands there are Other tourists are looking for local food and
of flavors that characterize the region and are aimed cuisine cultures for a change and to learn about new
at knowledgeable people such as chefs or those global lifestyles.
working in this field, as well as for all kinds of people The first part of the report dealt with the importance
willing to get a new experience of flavors . of developing the food and food industries, the latest

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 World Bulletin of Social Sciences (WBSS)
Available Online at: https://www.scholarexpress.net
Vol. 11, June,2022
ISSN: 2749-361X

global trends in this field, and the results of studies different countries of the world, such as the
conducted by the World Tourism Organization in this international chef Ferran Adria.
regard. Sixth: Always keen to find a continuous and strong
The second part dealt with some initiatives related to link or relationship between food experiences and the
the promotion of food tourism, such as Euro toques, actual needs of tourists, meaning that meals and
which is an organization that includes international restaurants that suit the needs of tourists are
chefs from 3,500 restaurants in 18 countries. Chosen provided, away from imposing foods and places that
by the World Tourism Organization report to talk about do not suit them, or that it is difficult for them to
the importance of food tourism to it. respond to them.
Among the most prominent studies included in the first Seventh: Attention to presenting the local cuisine that
part of the report is the study conducted by Greg is characteristic of each country and introducing its
Richards, a researcher and professor at the Dutch foods to tourists.
University of Tilburg, entitled Food and the Tourist In the section on the most famous international tourist
Experience. destinations, the report dealt with countries that are
This study says that food is a basis for successful very distinct in the way of dealing with food tourism or
tourism experiences in several ways: food tourism. Among these countries, it listed Egypt,
The first is that it is a means of linking culture and as well as Azerbaijan, which mixes between the taste
tourism, the second is that it helps to develop of the East and the European taste, and distinctive
experiences in the field of eating food, the third is that Brazil With great interest in the delicious smell of its
it helps the production of distinct and new types of dishes, and Georgia, which succeeded in providing
food, and the fourth is that it helps to develop tourists with food and drinks that suit them,
important infrastructure for food production and Kazakhstan, which focuses on distinctive healthy foods
consumption in different countries, and fifth and finally that can attract the attention of tourists, and South
support the local culture generally. The study goes on Korea, which started its foods and dishes with high
to talk about the factors that lead to the success of a nutritional value spread around the world and is called
country in the field of food tourism. It said that these in general Korean Hansik culture, that is, traditional
factors are: Korean food, in addition to Russia, Malaysia and
First: Providing good meals and food in the country Uzbekistan. (Al-Jazeera.com newspaper, 2017)
that will increase the state of appreciation and respect
for the food culture of those coming to it, as well as CONCLUSION:
supporting the culinary arts that attract visitors in Food and sharing in it contribute to ward off harm and
general. bad, starting with the individual to the group, where
Second: Establishing a network in various parts of the the distinctions between individuals dissolve and
world of restaurants with distinctive names known blessings and goodness dissolve. Food is about the
within the country, so that the tourist can find what privacy of the local community and is evident through
motivates him when choosing to go to a country or well-known traditional foods, but it can apply to the
not, which is what the United States succeeded in, for total and holistic society. Researchers believe that
example, thanks to world-renowned fast-food preserving it for a long time within the food register
restaurants, as well as France And Italy, in addition to has a direct relationship to the nature of identity and
Japan, China, and Korea, which have succeeded over adherence to it by the community. When serving food,
the past years in establishing a network of we exchange with others social relations, and this act
distinguished restaurants for these three countries and in itself; it carries symbols and meanings that consist
have spread all over the world. in each of them the required social bonds.
Third: Actively participate also in the export of food
products and drinks that characterize each country, RESULTS
such as international drinks belonging to specific 1. The tendency of tourists to try new foods and
countries, juices, coffee and tea, and so on. learn about eating habits and traditions
Fourth: Education and training of talented individuals 2. Tourists prefer to participate in activities
in the field of cooking and hospitality. related to food, such as attending festivals and
Fifth: Publishing the names of distinguished chefs events and participating in cooking
from each country in the international culinary lists competitions
and competitions so that they are known to people in

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 World Bulletin of Social Sciences (WBSS)
Available Online at: https://www.scholarexpress.net
Vol. 11, June,2022
ISSN: 2749-361X

3. Tourists are more accepting of tourism 9. Suhair Anwar khan, March 14, 2020 food
programs that determine the quality of local tourism, beverage tourism, kitchen tourism,
food in the tourist destination food tourism Suhair khan68 @gmail. Com.
4. Considering local food is an important 10. Arab Post Magazine, 6/3/2019, 3.31 hrs,
opportunity to learn and understand the local Starbucks coffee chain, Arabic POST. net.
culture of a tourist destination 11. Salah Suleiman, 2017, Food is a culture, not a
belly filler, Al Jazeera electronic magazine,
RECOMMENDATIONS: https://mubasher.aljazeera.net/
1. Including food tourism on the map of tourism 12. Abdel-Ilah Abdel-Qader 2018, Al-Bayan
programs in tourist countries and allocating Magazine, The Culture of Eating,
support for it, as it is a developed and modern https://scholar.google.fr/citations.
type of tourism.
2. Using the marketing and promotional machine
to direct the opinion of tourists in this
direction.
3. E from tourism through publications and
propaganda of all kinds to educate towards
local food tourism.
4. Building a brand for the tourist destination that
will be a competitive advantage in the local
cuisine and its dishes.
5. Developing tourism programs for the tourist
destination and considering the type of food
and its identity as an important and basic
feature.

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