Beyond the Plate: The Role of Culinary Tourism in Promoting Proximity Tourism in Luxembourg

This study investigates how culinary tourism can support the development ofproximity tourism in Luxembourg. Through the thematic analysis of ten semistructured interviews with tourism stakeholders, it explores perceptions, strategies, and challenges at the intersection of food and proximity travel.Findings show that proximity tourism in Luxembourg is understood as a flexible, subjective, and multifaceted concept that includes locals, foreign residents,and cross-border visitors. Stakeholders view food as a key driver of proximitytourism, offering immersive and meaningful place-based experiences that fosteremotional, social, and cultural connections. Strategies include co-created, seasonal, and complementary activities, such as nature-based offers, supported bysocial media and brand marketing. While the COVID-19 pandemic and nationalcampaigns boosted initiatives in proximity tourism, barriers such as limited accessibility, economic constraints, and cultural awareness remain.