Geojournal of Tourism and Geosites | 2026
Authors: Pentz M.; Gonda T.
DOI: 10.30892/gtg.64123-1674
Journal: Geojournal of Tourism and Geosites
Year: 2026
Publisher: Editura Universitatii din Oradea
Document Type: Article
Open Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access
Cited by: 0
The growing interest of travelers in local cultures, historical heritage, natural landscapes, and traditions has created new opportunities and has particularly favoured the expansion of thematic routes. The aim of our study was to examine how familiar the Hungarian population is with various thematic tours and routes, as well as to identify the consumer attitudes and expectations associated with them and to assess the actual demand for such initiatives. The research primarily focused on gastronomy-based thematic routes, which, according to international literature and experiences, significantly contribute to conveying the value of cultural and natural heritage while enhancing the diversification and competitiveness of tourism offer. Given the exploratory nature of our investigation, we applied a questionnaire survey, placing our questions into an omnibus-type online survey after evaluating the available options. The online survey conducted in 2024 provided a database with a sample size of 1,000 respondents, representative of the Hungarian population by gender and age groups (in 15-year cohorts). Our survey confirmed that there is a significant demand among the Hungarian population for gastronomic thematic routes built around traditional local foods. These not only enhance the uniqueness of tourism experience but also contribute to the economic strengthening of rural areas, sustainable development, and the reinforcement of local identity. Such tours provide opportunities for local producers and service providers to become directly involved, thereby strengthening community cooperation and the local economic cycle. In addition, participants can gain authentic, experience-based impressions that, in the long term, can increase the tourism competitiveness of destinations. Our research confirms that thematic routes—particularly those with a gastronomic focus—represent one of the most promising directions for the future development of domestic tourism. © 2026, Editura Universitatii din Oradea. All rights reserved.
gastro-tourism; gastronomic heritage; rural development; thematic tours; wine tours