Paper Details

This research delved into the rich tapestry of Gujarat's regional cuisine, examining it through the dual lenses of tourist perceptions and host perspectives to illuminate pathways for promoting food tourism. Tourist preferences were find through a structured questionnaire administered to 400 tourists who had visited key destinations in Gujarat. The findings unveiled a strong inclination towards seeking authentic culinary experiences, with a moderate level of familiarity with Gujarat's regional cuisine. Key determinants influencing tourist choices included the authenticity of dishes and recommendations from locals. Host perspectives were gleaned from in-depth interviews with 30 individuals representing a diverse range of culinary backgrounds. Cultural pride emerged as a dominant motivator for hosts, underscoring a deep connection to the rich culinary heritage of Gujarat. Challenges faced by hosts included adapting to evolving tastes and balancing tradition with innovation. Based on these insights, several strategic recommendations were proposed. These included enhancing authenticity in culinary experiences, launching targeted awareness campaigns, fostering economic collaborations between hosts and local businesses, and organizing cultural storytelling events to enrich the overall tourist experience. The findings contributed to the burgeoning field of culinary tourism by offering a comprehensive understanding of the preferences and challenges faced by both tourists and hosts in Gujarat. This research set the stage for future initiatives aimed at elevating Gujarat's regional cuisine onto the global culinary stage, fostering sustainable and enriching food tourism experiences.

Gujarat, regional cuisine, food tourism, tourist perceptions, host perspectives