Local Food Cultures Leading to Gastronomy Tourism in Udon Thani Province

Abstract

This article is about gastronomy tourism in Udon Thani Province aimed 1) to present the concept of gastronomy in Thailand and Udon Thani Province, and 2) to propose guidelines to promote gastronomy tourism in Udon Thani Province. It was found that the local food identity of Udon Thani Province which local food is a part of the soft power in promoting tourism to the government. When traveling, tourists have to try the local food at the destination. Udon Thani Province is famous for its religious belief tourism (Mutelu) which travels to worship sacred things in the province. Gastronomy tourism is an alternative tourism in Udon Thani Province besides spiritual belief. It is considered a tourist attraction with many ethnicities. Local food originates from different ethnic groups and is mixed and prepared as local food in Udon Thani. There are many types of tastes in Udon Thani people's food, factors affecting food tourism in Udon Thani Province include the location of local restaurants, food quality, personal factors, factors in packaging and food containers, factors in tourist services, and also awareness, preservation, responsibility for the environment society, culture and tourism experience as well. The guidelines for promoting food tourism in Udon Thani Province consist of 4 aspects: local food identity, activities, and social media and network partners This will serve as a guideline for relevant agencies to promote gastronomy tourism marketing in Udon Thani Province. To stimulate the gastronomy tourism economy align with other forms of tourism to be effective.