Abstract
Gastronomy Themed Festivals in the Context of Recreational Tourism
Festivals, which are among the recreational activities that contribute to the physical and mental renewal of the individual, have become an important part of social life. Festivals are held using some specific elements that reflect the local culture. Today, gastronomic elements, which have become an important part of festivals, are used to attract visitors to the region. Themed festivals are held using gastronomic elements. Gastronomy-themed festivals are seen as an important tool for promoting local food products and transferring them to future generations. Gastronomy festivals provide important contributions to the region, such as reviving the culture, providing social cohesion, mobilizing rural tourism and economic growth. Tourists visiting national and international gastronomy festivals in the context of recreational tourism participate in some activities within the framework of the theme of the festivals. The study carried out in this context aims to identify the gastronomic festivals and the recreational activities carried out at the festivals. In the study, secondary sources including data from academic studies, non-governmental organizations, ministries and local governments were used. At the end of the study, information was given about some national and international gastronomy-themed festivals and recreational activities.
Keywords
Recreation, Tourism, Gastronomy, Festival.
