The Role of Food Tourism in Promoting Local Cuisine and Its Impacts on Local Economy and Development in Ekiti State

Student: Abigail Anuoluwapo Adebimpe (Project, 2025)
Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management
Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State

Abstract

ABSTRACT Food tourism, an emerging niche in global travel, offers a significant opportunity to promote local cuisine, foster cultural preservation, and drive economic development. This study examines the role of food tourism in Ekiti State, Nigeria, a region with a rich yet underutilized culinary heritage. Using a qualitative approach, the research explores the perspectives of local restaurant owners, who are pivotal to the food tourism value chain, to uncover the current state of food tourism, its economic impacts, and the challenges limiting its potential. The findings reveal a growing interest in local cuisine among tourists, underscoring its untapped potential as a driver of tourism and economic growth. However, infrastructural deficiencies, insufficient marketing, and limited collaboration among stakeholders present significant barriers. The study provides actionable recommendations to enhance food tourism in Ekiti State, emphasizing the need for strategic investment, stakeholder collaboration, and targeted marketing efforts. By addressing these challenges, Ekiti can leverage its culinary assets to attract tourists, stimulate local economies, and preserve its cultural identity.

Keywords
Gastronomy food sustainability food safety cuisine restaurant tourist Ekiti Nigeria cultural preservation
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