Slow food and tourism development: A case study of slow food tourism in Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

Slow food has emerged as an unexplored contributor to promotion of local tourism. The objective of the present study is three-fold; to identify the various slow food being served in Uttarakhand, to recognize scope of development of slow food tourism by perception of major stakeholders, and to discuss recent developments that have enabled its growth in the state. The study employs unstructured, multi-stakeholder interview method across 5 tourist destinations among 680 respondents- including tourists, travel agents and guides, hotel and restaurant managers, and local population. The results of the study find a rich diversity of slow food cuisine, and identify five key factors in the development of slow food tourism in Uttarakhand, namely; Government support and financial aid, improved infrastructure, inter-industry cooperation, local and public awareness, and marketing. Several recent government policies and initiatives have been discussed in light of their positive impact on developing slow food tourism.