Thai Arts and Culture Review

FROM NICHE TO NECESSITY: A MULTIDIMENSIONAL EVOLUTION OF CULINARY TOURISM AND POST-PANDEMIC RESILIENCE (2001-2025)

2026-01-19T13:41:49+07:00

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.

CULTURAL TOURISM IN TRANSITION: EVOLUTION, DIGITAL DISRUPTION, AND RESILIENT PATHWAYS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

2026-01-19T23:51:39+07:00

This article presents a systematic review of cultural tourism’s multifaceted evolution during the first quarter of the 21^st century (2001-2025), a period defined by rapid expansion, global crisis, and structural transformation. Addressing critical gaps in interdisciplinary research, the study employs a documentary methodology to synthesize insights from international reports and peer-reviewed literature. It traces the sector's conceptual shift from traditional tangible heritage to dynamic forms, including creative, gastronomy, and pop-culture tourism. The analysis critically examines the pre-COVID-19 era's economic growth alongside the escalating threats of overtourism and cultural commodification. Subsequently, it evaluates the pandemic's pivotal role as a catalyst for digital disruption, accelerating the adoption of virtual tourism, AI, and the Metaverse. The findings reveal that post-pandemic recovery is characterized by an uneven trajectory, necessitating a paradigm shift towards community-based resilience and environmental sustainability. Conclusively, the paper argues that future viability depends on balancing economic imperatives with socio-cultural integrity. It offers strategic frameworks for policymakers to navigate the digital divide and ethical challenges, positioning this work as a vital reference for understanding the complex interplay between preservation, innovation, and sustainability in the contemporary global tourism landscape.

RESILIENCE THROUGH DISRUPTION: THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC EVOLUTION AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF GLOBAL SPORTS TOURISM (2001-2025)

2026-02-10T17:01:34+07:00

This study critically examines the multifaceted evolution of the global sports tourism industry during the first quarter of the 21st century (2001-2025). Using a rigorous documentary research approach integrated with PESTEL analysis and the theoretical lens of "critical junctures," the research delineates the industry's trajectory into three distinct phases: pre-pandemic expansion, COVID-19 disruption, and post-pandemic transformation. The findings reveal that, while the pre-2019 era was characterized by exponential growth driven by mega-events and economic globalization, the COVID-19 pandemic constituted a profound structural rupture. This crisis forced a paradigm shift toward accelerated digitalization, virtual engagement, and hybrid experiences. In the subsequent recovery phase, the industry has evolved beyond traditional economic metrics to prioritize environmental sustainability, wellness integration, and experiential authenticity. The article concludes by synthesizing these dynamics into strategic policy recommendations, emphasizing the necessity for stakeholders to balance economic capitalization with social inclusivity and environmental stewardship. This comprehensive analysis provides a foundational framework for understanding how sports tourism can navigate future uncertainties while capitalizing on a market projected to reach USD 1.8 trillion by 2030.