INSIGHT FROM INSIDERS: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY FOR EXPLORING FOOD TOURISM POLICY IN IRELAND 2009-2019

Abstract

This paper focuses on how the phenomenon of food tourismdeveloped in Ireland between 2009 and 2019. Employing aphenomenological epistemology, a qualitative methodology wasadopted to explore key stakeholder’s lived experience of the Irishgovernment’s approach to food tourism, identifying the primarydrivers and key moments during the ten-year period. Extantliterature was reviewed and critically evaluated. Using purposivesampling, and employing an emic posture, ten semi-structuredinterviews were conducted with senior governmental andtourism industry figures until saturation occurred. The findingshighlight the influence that key policy makers, the formation ofnetworks, clusters, and the role social entrepreneurs had ondeveloping food tourism in Ireland. The influence of theeconomic downturn in 2008 was a force for change and creativity among both government agencies and the broader tourism andhospitality industry. Food tourism policy was aligned withbroader government policy, the creation of regional tourismbrands (Wild Atlantic Way etc.), linking gastronomy withcultural and other tourism initiatives and marketing strategies.Whereas food in tourism in Ireland is well established, only tenper cent of overseas visitors are travelling specifically for foodexperiences.