Examination of gastro-tourism potential of Elazığ province with SWOT analysis method

This study was conducted to examine the tourism potential of Elazığ province using the SWOT analysis method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with employees of Elazığ Tourism Directorate and Elazığ Municipality to gather their opinions on Elazığ's gastronomy tourism. The main objective of the study is to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of Elazığ in the field of tourism, and to reveal the potential for gastronomy tourism. The semi-structured interviews revealed strong aspects and opportunities such as the region's culinary culture, local products, alternative tourism activities, and transportation facilities. However, weaknesses and threats were also identified, including lack of promotion, lack of awareness, a sense of insecurity, inadequate establishments, and a prevalence of foreign cuisine restaurants. The findings indicate that Elazığ has the potential for gastronomy tourism and it needs to be developed. This study serves as an important guide for local stakeholders and investors, providing fundamental recommendations for positioning the region more effectively in the tourism sector. Evaluating the potential of gastronomy tourism in Elazığ and passing it on to future generations can play a significant role in the development of the region. The limited number of studies in the literature is the importance of the research, and the research of gastronom tourism potential with SWOT analysis is its difference and originality from other studies.