A Foodie’s Perspective on Gastronomic Tourism

This chapter examines the concept of foodies and explores their relationship with gastronomic tourism. It also explores the foodie from four perspectives: Behavior, self-identification, social identity, and level of involvement. The growing discourse on foodies is generally split between those who think foodies are being democratic in appreciating food in general, or are acting like snobs. The chapter looks at behavior; personal and social identity and involvement to provide the underlying set of values and preferences that define foodies and send many of them on journeys of food discovery. It demonstrates that the logical place to start the theoretical discourse and the practical development work of gastronomic tourism is with the potential customer and especially the foodies. Self-identifying as a foodie has internalized meanings, related to values and lifestyle, plus identity associated with a role. Identities are shaped by group membership, such as a formal food club or perhaps an informal network of friends and family.