Evaluation of Gümüşhane's gastronomical products within the scope of creative tourism

Creative tourism is a tourism approach that makes the unique values of destinations visible through experience-based activities and allows cultural heritage elements to regain meaning in social, cultural, and economic terms. Gastronomic products, which are a carrier of cultural heritage, become important values that reveal the unique identity of destinations and support regional development through creative tourism. This study aims to evaluate Gümüşhane's gastronomic products within the scope of creative tourism, to reveal how these products can be integrated into creative tourism activities, and to develop suggestions that can contribute to the tourism diversity of the destination. This study utilized the interview technique, a qualitative research method. Data was collected from stakeholders (n=32) using semi-structured interview forms. Purposive, criterion, and maximum diversity sampling methods were applied to create the participant list, which included local administrators, tourism business owners, the public, and visitors in Gümüşhane. The obtained data were categorized into codes, sub-themes, and main themes. In this context, 5 main themes and 18 sub-themes were identified. These main themes were named as "Current Situation in Gastronomy Tourism", "Regional Culinary Culture", "Potential for Creative Gastronomy Tourism", "Obstacles and Suggestions in Creative Gastronomy Tourism", and "Expected Benefits from Creative Tourism". The research results reveal that Gümüşhane has creative gastronomic tourism potential with its dried fruit paste, rosehip, siron, Araköy bread, dried beans, and other gastronomic products. The findings indicate a need for improvement in promotion, infrastructure, and professional presentation. The willingness of stakeholders to participate and the interest of tourists in experience-based activities offer new opportunities for the city. Accordingly, the study proposes evaluating the products through workshops, festivals, and experience-based events, and strengthening promotion and branding.