The interaction between geographically indicated products and tourism: contributions to local economy and destination development

Abstract

The study explores the relationship between geographically indicated products (GIPs) and the tourism sector, as well as their impact on local development. In recent years, the integration of these products into tourism destinations has contributed to strengthening local economies and fostering sustainable tourism. The research was conducted in Turkey in 2024, adopting a qualitative approach and utilizing in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including tourism managers, local producers, gastronomy tourism experts, local government officials, and geographical indication specialists. It investigates how GIPs influence the tourism sector and local development, identifies the opportunities and challenges associated with their use, and examines the role of digital marketing tools in this process. The findings offer valuable insights into how GIPs can be integrated into destination marketing strategies, the benefits they provide to local producers, and their contribution to sustainable tourism. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of digital resources in promoting GIPs and outlines their potential for further development.