FOOD TOURISM

Food Tourism as Niche Market to Promote Tourism in Ireland

Food Tourism as Niche Market to Promote Tourism in Ireland

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

It is the uniqueness of the ingredients and taste that makes Irish cuisines famous all around the world. This research proposal in this regard will attempt to analyse if food tourism in Ireland can be used as niche market to promote tourism in Ireland or not. Tourism of food is an expanding segment of the market on international level, which helps in strengthening the economy as well as help in the development of the hospitality and food sector in Ireland which is increasingly important in gaining competitive advantage as a tourist destination. Drawing the attention of international visitors is a significant benefit of correctly leveraging Irishness and ties almost directly into growing the potential of the food tourism market. The Irish premium food and hospitality markets are full of potential. In addition to better prices and greater profitability, switching to premium products allows the businesses to further distinguish themselves from both Irish and global competitors. In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Irish organic smoked salmon achieves a price premium over Scottish and Norwegian organic smoked salmon, further exemplifying the power of Irish quality in the international market and the opportunity to introduce high quality products in these markets. Earlier stated the purpose of this statement, this study will investigate if food tourism in Ireland can be used as niche market to promote tourism in Ireland or not.

Significance of the study

According to the World Tourism Organization, tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. As the largest business sector in the world economy, the travel and tourism industry is responsible for over 230 million jobs and over 10 percent of the gross domestic product worldwide. In 2006, travel and tourism (consumption, investment, government spending, and exports) is expected to grow 4.6 percent and total $6.5 trillion. Tourism is a principle “export” (foreign exchange earner) for 83 percent of developing countries, and the leading export for one-third of the poorest countries. For the world's 40 poorest countries, tourism is the second most important source of foreign exchange, after oil (Kim, Greenwell, Andrew, Lee and Mahony, 2008). This defines the importance of this study, as it will strengthen the Irish economy at the same time will create more opportunities for food industry in Ireland.

Research Questions

In accordance with the purpose and significance of this study this research will attempt to answer the following questions:

In what period of a year majority of the tourists visit Ireland?

What is the main purpose of the majority of the tourists for visiting Ireland?

To what extent Irish food attracts tourists?

What is the frequency of visitor in Ireland?

How Irish food industry can be used as niche market to promote overall tourism?

LITERATURE REVIEW

Republic of Ireland

The island of Ireland has a population of about 6.2 million people. It is divided into the 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland and the partially devolved six counties of Northern ...