Potentials of Agricultural Heritage Systems Tourism (AHST): A case study of date palm uses in gastronomy, Siwa Oasis – Egypt

Abstract

The main objective of the current study is to develop a strategy forthe Agricultural Heritage Systems Tourism (AHST) pattern. The strategy aims to maintain  sustainability of  The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System of Siwa through date palm uses in tourism and hospitality. he strategy is incorporating the triangular relationship between cuisine, product and territory. The current study employed a semi-structured interview in order to obtain the most accurate results through two samples; the first is purposeful and the second is convenient. The study indicated that (AHST) supports preservation of (GIAHS). The results also indicated that (AHST) enhances the livelihood of the local community of Siwa as well as most of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). The results also showed that the uses of date palm in tourism and hospitality are limited, whether on or off farm. It is only used for drinks and desserts, and farms do not have sufficient facilities to receive tourists. The proposed strategy enhances cooperation among stakeholders in order to enrich gastronomy tourism experience and to achieve (AHST) through the uses of date palm in food menu items and in other tourism and hospitality activities.