Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book outlines how creative collaboration became evident in series of initiatives and exemplars in Ireland during the first decade of the 21st century to promote gastronomic tourism. It analyzes how gastronomic tourism can play a role in rural development, ideally by contributing to socio-economic diversification and formation of the gastronomic image by illustrating the case studies of the Orseg and Derecske-Letavertes regions from Hungary. The book examines need recognition and motivation for gastronomic tourism. It explores the role of food images in influencing tourists’ perception and expectation towards their gastronomic experience. The book analyses a range of research that enables researchers, firm and destination managers, and marketers and policy makers to make more informed decisions in identifying, reaching, and complying with the specific interests of food lovers.