Determination of Gastronomy Tourism Potential of Muğla in terms of Tourist Guides

Abstract

While the phenomenon of eating is a basic need of people, it has become a part of the travel experience in the destinations they have visited in recent years with the gastronomic diversity. In this context, it is aimed to reveal the current analysis of Muğla province in terms of gastronomy tourism and to determine its potential from the perspective of tourist guides who guide and accompany the tourists on tours, provide information about Turkey, Turkish people, traditions, historical and cultural places, food culture etc. in research. Interview technique was used as a data collection tool in the research conducted by using qualitative research method. As a result of the interviews, it was revealed that there are many gastronomic elements in Muğla province, it attracts the attention of tourists coming to the region and that gastronomy tourism can be easily integrated with other alternative tourism types. It has been determined that gastronomy tourism can be done in the region, but local tastes are not included in the accommodation and food businesses visited within the scope of the tour.