Boosting food and tourism-related regional economic development

Intangible assets are fast becoming the basis for regional economic competiveness through tourism strategies. The question of who benefits should be fundamental in assessing regional economic development policies and strategies. In order to utilise food tourism as an economic development driver, it is important to encourage visitors to stop, spend and stay longer. Retaining visitor expenditure, developing networks with a host of regional stakeholders and the development of intellectual capital are important if food tourism is to be integrated within wider regional development strategies. However, the extent to which food producers become part of the business mix in tourism development initiatives depends on overall business goals, location and target markets.