The role of local food presentation in destination marketing within the scope of sustainable tourism: The case of Safranbolu mansions

Tourism creates an important multiplier effect in the economy of countries. The predominance of the economic effects of tourism for years has caused the damage to the environment to be neglected. Thanks to the concept of sustainability, the excessive pressure of tourism on the natural environment, cultural and historical values has been prevented. Sustainable tourism; It is a type of tourism that respects cultural heritage, cares about the preservation of traditional values, and ensures intergenerational justice. Local dishes with cultural heritage characteristics will not be forgotten in line with sustainable tourism purposes and will be transferred to future generations. Local cuisine is an important tool in experiencing and discovering different cultures. Today, despite the increasingly similar cultures, local dishes make a difference in destination marketing. In this context, the aim of the study is to reveal the current situation of local food presentation in historical mansions in the promotion and marketing of Safranbolu destination within the scope of sustainable tourism. In the study, face-to-face interviews were conducted with business owners and managers who have local dishes on their menus in historical mansions operating in Safranbolu district. The obtained data were analyzed by content analysis method. In the results, it has been concluded that the presentation of local dishes in historical mansions is interesting and intriguing for tourists, but it is not enough for the promotion and marketing of the city. It is recommended to focus on the promotion of local food in festivals and fairs held in the region, to ensure that local flavors receive geographical indications, and to activate a mansion such as a museum where local flavors are presented.