Contributing to Gastrodiplomacy through Culinary Experience: A Cooking Event in Spain

It is utilized by governments as a potent strategy for building and cultivating contacts with other countries and cultures, as well as contributing to nation branding through gastrodiplomacy, culinary arts, and public diplomacy. Within the framework of public diplomacy, gastrodiplomacy—also known as culinary diplomacy—can be characterized as the transfer of culture through the kitchen. In the context of gastrodiplomacy and nation branding, the study focuses on gastronomic experiences that highlight the distinctive qualities of a nation. The article will also refer to the work of Carmen Antón, which emphasizes the term 'culinary experience' to discuss the concept and focuses on travelers' unforgettable gastronomy experiences. The study examines the culinary experiences of academics from several countries in Spain between February 28 and March 4, 2022. Consequently, it aims to establish how the culinary experience contributes to Spain's nation branding and gastrodiplomacy.