Gastronomic Tourism as a Core Tourism Product for Augmenting Cultural Tourism in Egypt

Offering a variety of distinctive and unique tourism products can have a positive impact on tourist destinations. Gastronomic tourism, which highlights a destination's local cuisine as a key attraction, is particularly influential when it is tied to the country’s cultural heritage. This study aims to explore how gastronomic tourism can be leveraged to enhance Egypt's cultural tourism. The research was based on primary data collected through a questionnaire distributed to )408( tourists between August and November 2024. It also incorporated a range of secondary sources related to the topic. The results indicated that gastronomic tourism provides a distinctive way to experience a culture, with food serving as a gateway to local traditions and values. This, in turn, can help boost cultural tourism in Egypt. As a result, the study recommends promoting Egypt’s culinary heritage, developing food trails that connect cultural landmarks, aligning food with national festivals, and incorporating food into historical tours to strengthen the bond between food and culture. Additionally, improving infrastructure, focusing on sustainability, training skilled staff, and securing government support are critical factors for ensuring success.