FROM NICHE TO NECESSITY: A MULTIDIMENSIONAL EVOLUTION OF CULINARY TOURISM AND POST-PANDEMIC RESILIENCE (2001-2025)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/tacr.2025.6Keywords:
Culinary Tourism Evolution, Post-Pandemic Gastronomy, Digital Food Culture, Sustainable Consumption, Destination ResilienceAbstract
Culinary tourism has transformed from a niche activity into a dominant travel motivator over the first quarter of the 21st century (2001-2025). This critical review employs a multidimensional framework to analyze this evolution, integrating socio-cultural, economic, and technological perspectives across pre-pandemic, crisis, and recovery phases. Grounded in theories such as Service-Dominant Logic and Transformative Learning, the study delineates the shift from the "experience economy" to a post-pandemic focus on authenticity, well-being, and hyper-localism. Significant attention is given to digital disruptions, from "camera eat first" behaviors to the algorithmic influence of platforms like TikTok on destination branding. Furthermore, the paper rigorously examines the "sustainability paradox," revealing a persistent gap between travelers' environmental awareness and their actual on-site consumption habits, particularly among Generation Z. By addressing the complexities of cultural politics, gastrodiplomacy, and economic disparities within local food systems, the review identifies critical research gaps. It concludes that the sector's future viability relies on bridging the divide between digital trends and tangible sustainable practices, necessitating collaborative governance to foster inclusive, resilient, and culturally respectful gastronomic destinations.
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