Women's experiences in gastronomy tourism: The case of Van province from the perspective of gender norms and social capital

Gastronomy tourism highlights the culinary heritage of destinations, enhancing travelers' motivations and experiences. Beyond offering authentic flavor experiences, it supports local economic development, preserves cultural heritage, and promotes gender inclusivity by encouraging women's participation in the workforce. The authenticity, richness, preparation, and presentation of local dishes enhance the attractiveness of destinations, increasing their competitiveness. The role of women in gastronomy tourism is crucial not only for economic contributions but also for challenging gender norms and strengthening social capital. Female chefs and entrepreneurs are stepping beyond traditional roles, contributing innovatively and acting as agents of social change. This study explores the experiences of female chefs and entrepreneurs in the gastronomy tourism sector in Van, Türkiye, analyzing the opportunities and challenges they face and how gender roles shape their careers. A qualitative, phenomenological design was employed, using semi-structured interviews for data collection. Findings reveal that social networks and community support mechanisms are vital for empowering women in this sector and provide insights that can inform local policy strategies and sustainable tourism development.. Keywords: Gastronomy Tourism, Female Chefs, Gender, Social Capital, Van