Strategic Models for Enhancing Cultural Gastronomic Tourism in Thailand

Abstract

Cultural gastronomic tourism has emerged as a key strategy to promote Thailand’s culinary
heritage, support local communities, and enhance sustainable tourism development. This study
aims to develop comprehensive models for cultural gastronomic tourism by integrating local
food identity, community participation, tourist experiential engagement, and sustainable
practices. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative data from in-depth
interviews and focus group discussions with community members, tourism operators, and
policy stakeholders, and quantitative data from 420 tourists visiting gastronomic tourism sites
across Thailand. Qualitative findings highlighted the importance of community involvement,
heritage-based culinary experiences, and participatory approaches for sustainable and authentic
tourism. Quantitative analysis, using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), confirmed that local
food identity, community participation, and sustainability practices significantly influence
tourists’ experiential engagement and intention to revisit. Based on the integration of these
findings were developed and validated with experts. These models provide practical guidelines
for policymakers, tourism planners, and local communities to design effective, culturally
authentic, and sustainable gastronomic tourism initiatives in Thailand.