Importance of food in tourism Food is an essential element of tourist experience.
Yet such an integral part of the experience that it is only in the recent year that it has been truly recognized for the significant part it plays in the overall experience of a destination. Food plays an important role in attraction of tourists and the overall experience they have whilst on holiday. However if a destination wishes to build strong identity in the minds of the tourist, it must market its differences along with its motivational attraction for example: in a countries that have similar weather and offer similar activities, food with strong regional or national identity can become one of the vehicle in achieving this. For majority of tourists eating traditional dishes is 'very important' or 'important' part of their holiday. Tourists spend a substantial amount of their total expenditure on food. For many tourists when booking a holiday, the destination image alone is no longer a key element, as food has also become an integral part of decision making process while selecting the destination. Furthermore there are tourists who travel to the destination purely because of food, likewise there are other tourist who do not have food as their main reason to travel but who are key foodies are foodies, and who will seek authentic food and base on their judgement of the destination upon that food. This is the reason Consumers attribute their lack of satisfaction with food on their holiday to the reason their trip did not become an overall memorable holiday
Goan cuisine The cuisine of Goa much reflects the Portuguese influence. The long period of Portuguese rule, besides that of the Muslim and Hindu kingdoms, has left an indelible influence on the original style of Goan cooking and this has led to an exotic mix of truly tasty and spicy cuisine. Most people who sample Goan cuisine, enjoy this different and unique style of food which has a distinct and unique combination of spicy flavors. The confluence of all religions (Hindus, Christians and Muslims) along with foreign influence has contributed to the local food. Coconut milk, Kokum, tamarind, red chillies of Goa, special kind of vinegar are important ingredients used in Goan cuisine. It is mainly dominated by non vegetarian dishes, mostly seafood based. Its exotic vegetarian dishes like signature dal-toy, varieties of ghathi, ambaat, sukke, saaru-upkari, nevryo, pathrado, patholi, paayasu, uddmetti etc.
Different cuisine are Indian Cuisines Goan North Indian Punjabi South Indian Malvani Gujrati International cuisine Chinese Burmese Thai Japanese Russian Israeli Turkish Mediterranean French Italian Mexican German Greek
The ones marked with Red are the most preferred cuisines by the Goan tourist. Also Foods that were given the highest importance reflect the dominant tourist market groups .Proves that tourist (especially international) took little interested in the local foods during their visit. Local Food An opportunity to promote tourism Food is an essential component while on the vacation. Sightseeing begins and end with an indulgence in a local cuisine. In fact many popular destinations remain popular only because of food. It basically heightens destinations appeal.
Strengthening regional identity The culture of Goa is represented in the flavours and the cooking styles. People start recognising that nation or region by their cuisine. Food consumption has also become important factor in destination marketing it also adds authenticity to the tourist experience
As a result of above all, an increase in the number of visitors. It is noted that great food experience not only boosts tourism, but also the destination It helps Revitalise local economies by generating revenue also stimulates growth in other sectors.
Survey conducted on Goan tourist 1) Does food makes a positive contribution to their holiday experience
Analysis: Yes: 92 percent
To some extent 7 percent
No 1 percent
Findings: Food a greater extent adds to the positive holiday experience both in case of Domestic (D) as well as International (I) tourist. 2) Interest in tasting local Goan food during your stay in Goa Analysis: Yes D (88 percent) I (45 percent) No D (12 percent) I (55 percent) Findings: Ttourist (especially international) took little interested in the local foods during their visit. 3) Ratings for Goan cuisines (1 poor and 5 excellent) none 2 12 percent 3 45 4 32 5 11 percent
Findings: More than half (52 percent) are not satisfied with the cuisine. Majority of which were international tourists.
4) . Preferred cuisines Chinese - 57 percent Mexican 20 Goan 15 Others - 13 percent Findings: Goan cuisine is one of the least preferred one from the given
5) Findings: 62 percent of those questioned avoid visiting high end restaurants and wanted to eat in rustic surroundings with the locals. Fancy hotels and restaurants serve terrible food.
6) What would make you come back to Goa Analysis: Food 12 percent Beaches 70 People None Heritage 18 percent Findings: food does not act as a major motivator for tourist to come back to Goa.
7) Describing ideal Goan food experience: Tasty, less priced, sea food, next to beach, served in traditional style etc.
. 8) Impediments experienced by tourists Low hygiene standards, Health considerations, Communication gap: Limited knowledge of tourists concerning the local cuisine. Findings: People seems interested in tasting Goan cuisine (Q2.) but may be because of the above factors the demand for Goan cusines might have decline.
