Research Information System
4th International Congress of New Generations & New Trends in Tourism, Sakarya, Turkey, 5 - 07 November 2025, (Full Text)
This study aims to examine the reconstruction of
culinary identity within the context of gastronomic guidance through the
dimensions of authenticity, performance, and cultural meaning, drawing on existing
literature. Culinary identity plays a central role in gastronomic tourism,
serving as a medium that reflects the geographical, historical, and cultural
elements of a region. Gastronomic tourism, while supporting tourists’ pursuit
of authentic experiences, also holds the potential to preserve the cultural
heritage of destinations and provide a competitive advantage. Tourist guides,
by assuming roles as information providers, cultural mediators, and performers,
facilitate tourists’ emotional connection with the destination and the
reconstruction of culinary identity. However, globalization and evolving
tourism demands have led to a paradoxical structure of authenticity, making it
increasingly difficult to preserve the originality of local cuisines. Based on
a review of the literature, this study integrates the concepts of authenticity,
performance, and cultural representation to reveal the dynamic nature of
culinary identity and to emphasize the role of guides in this process. By
addressing the potential of gastronomic tourism to sustain cultural heritage
within a theoretical framework, the study also suggests destination-specific
field research for future studies.