ABSTRACT
The role of artisans and designers in the creation and promotion of the food and beverage tourism experience is key to offering an authentic product rooted in the territory. Artisans deliver genuine products which are uniquely designed and provide an exclusive experience that is generated from farm to gate. The natural environment and the seasonality of local produce, together with traditional techniques, are the raw materials used by small entrepreneurs who contribute to the revitalization of food, the protection of a local-based cuisine and the promotion of food and beverage tourism. In this chapter we will take a look at what makes culinary artisans valuable and how culinary tourists seek them out for their food and beverage delights. We will explore what sets culinary tourists apart from other travelers and what sorts of offerings appeal to their unique sensibilities. We will also examine several doable steps that culinary artisans can take to attract and better connect with culinary tourists for mutual benefit.
