ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the concepts of good governance and policy as they relate to food tourism. It explains the policy cycle, including top-down and bottom-up policy development. The chapter describes regional policy instruments—including laws, regulations, and zoning—as well as regressive and progressive taxes. It also explains international, national, and regional tourism, agriculture, and rural development policy initiatives. Governance is a process of leadership that is defined as the coordination of economies, public/private partnerships, and reform objectives aimed at pursuing collective interests. Governance often facilitates the relationships between: governments and markets; governments and citizens; governments and the private or voluntary sector; and elected officials and appointed officials. Effective policy can influence many aspects of food tourism, including marketing, labeling, and sustainable growth. Policy can help address destination marketing challenges. Tax policies are relevant to both tourism and agriculture. Food tourism policies are not always tax-related.
