A study of place-based food tourism in northeast Iowa communities

One way to enhance the benefits of tourism is to expand the economic linkages by increasing the amount of local food used in the industry (Telfer and Wall, 1996). Food and beverage tourism is increasingly being recognized as an important part of the cultural tourism market. Tourists are seeking authentic and unique experiences and the consumption of local food and beverages brings the tourist closer to the host culture (Plummer, Telfer, Hashimoto, and Summers, 2003).
In this regard, particular rural communities are using food festivals to promote local commodities and differentiate themselves from urban community festivals (adapted from Emmons, 2001) and to enhance the image of the destination when food is seen as a part of that image (modified from Szivas, 1999).

The study, utilizing an intercept questionnaire-based survey, analyzes travel motivations of visitors, and their common interests in 11 place-based foods community festivals in northeast Iowa, taking place from June to October 2005. Findings of this study reveal festival participants’ profiles, their travel motivations and satisfaction, the market for place-based food tourism, sources of travel information, and visitors spending patterns. The IMPLAN Input-Output Model is utilized as well to generate the direct, indirect and induced economic impacts of place-based food tourism in northeast Iowa communities.

Sam Lankford
Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services Department - University of Northern Iowa
Phone: 319.273.6840
Email: sam.lankford@uni.edu

Ariana Cela
Sustainable Tourism and Environment Program - University of Northern Iowa
Phone: 319.273.6819
Email: celaana@uni.edu