Leveraging local food for regional tourism development: Opportunities and challenges

Food tourism is being recognised increasingly as a potential anchor for regional development, and as a point of difference to attract tourists and investment. This paper presents case studies of two rural communities – Kaikōura and Akaroa – which are seeking to develop reputations as food destinations. It outlines the processes and strategies being undertaken to develop these reputations, and analyses the challenges these communities face in achieving their goals, including meeting the needs of existing markets, addressing different priorities and needs of stakeholders in the supply chain, and facing compliance issues. These challenges are not insurmountable, however, and suggestions are made to ensure a sustainable future for food tourism in these communities