The Relationship Between the Development Level of Gastronomy Tourism and Gastronomic Identity Value Within the Scope of Destination Marketing

This study investigates the relationship between the level of development in gastronomy tourism and the perceived value of gastronomic identity within the context of destination marketing. As destinations increasingly employ culinary heritage as a strategic differentiator in competitive tourism markets, understanding how gastronomic identity evolves through tourism development becomes a critical area of inquiry. The research was conducted in Konya, a culturally rich city in Türkiye, where data were collected using validated measurement scales from a diverse sample of visitors. The findings reveal a statistically significant and positive association between perceptions of gastronomy tourism development and recognition of local gastronomic identity. Key determinants of this relationship include the effectiveness of promotional activities, educational initiatives, and the authenticity of culinary experiences. The results suggest that enhancing gastronomy tourism contributes not only to the preservation of cultural heritage but also to the sustainable branding of destinations. This study offers practical implications for policymakers and destination managers by highlighting the importance of integrating gastronomic assets into broader tourism strategies and contributes to the academic discourse by illuminating the dynamic interplay between tourism infrastructure and local identity formation.