European Union food geographical indication qualifications: a systematic literature review on tourism destinations’ impacts

Queiroz Veiga e Mendes, Teresa Maria; Rodrigues, Cristina; Elisa Alén; Liberato, Dália; Ana Cristina Sousa

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/30082

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Authors

Queiroz Veiga e Mendes, Teresa Maria

Abstract(s)

European Union (EU) Geographical Indication (GI) qualifications represent food products quality and reputation from specific geographical origins, connected with specific food production and/ or transformation, from diversified EU territories. Several studies show that food products demand increases once they are recognized as GI products, mainly by international tourists. On the other hand, constructs such as regional gastronomic identity, food heritage, and cultural foodscapes are strengthened by these qualifications and improve tourism destinations’ (TDs) performance by means of food branding. In May 2024, a new GI regulation was introduced by the European Commission, which intends to unify and simplify registration procedures, recognize the importance of sustainable agri-food practices, and empower European food producers and consumers. Overall, EU shows that these food quality symbols can present a clear competitive advantage, concerning other international markets, thus impacting in the continuous demand for EU as the world’s leading tourism destination region. This paper delivers a systematic literature review on food tourism impacts through GI food qualifications, based on a specific articles’ selection protocol. The selected articles, analyzed through a visual bibliometric networks’ software, produced four clusters, reflecting the main food tourism strategies for destinations: Rural Development & GIs, Geographical Indications, Cultural Heritage & GIs Wine Tourism & GIs. The research showed several backlashes to this scheme, concerning impacts on TDs. Further research should be focused on GI’s tourism-related management in each EU member states’ territories and a more accurate definition on EU geo-cultural boundaries. Joint collaborations, comparative case studies, food itineraries, foodscapes’ double accreditation, but also sustainable and autonomous agricultural production for each state member could be some of the urgent academic scopes.