Development a gastronomy management model in guidance of UNESCO gastronomy city criteria: The case study of Afyonkarahisar

Gastronomy is prevalent in various aspects of life, ranging from daily routines to professional spheres, education, leisure, television programs, and festivals. The popularity of gastronomy has been acknowledged by UNESCO, leading to the establishment of the Creative Cities Network theme, focusing on gastronomy cities globally. There is fierce competition among cities in Turkey to be included in the list, which requires fulfilling specific criteria and emphasizing the significance of gastronomy in the city in the application form. In this context, the aim of this study is to develop a gastronomy management model under the guidance of UNESCO gastronomy city criteria.In Afyonkarahisar, a city included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for gastronomy, units related to gastronomy have been identified as the universe. Representatives of these units, comprising the members of the Gastronomy Province Executive Board, were selected as the sample. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 participants recommended by the Gastronomy Province Executive Board, who met the researcher's criteria, between March 10, 2022, and November 10, 2022.The transcriptions of the interviews were subjected to content analysis through computer programs. The necessity for gastronomy management involves identifying gastronomic products, preserving traditional food production methods, conducting awareness activities, increasing efforts for public appreciation, growing gastronomy communities, enhancing community activities, researching factors contributing to local flavors, preserving and promoting traditional cuisine.Within this context, the study identifies the need for inter-agency cooperation for UNESCO standards, standardization in gastronomy, national and international promotion, awareness and educational activities, and the promotion and marketing of gastronomic values. In order to realize these identified elements, an action plan containing the goals and what needs to be done for institutions and organizations and a management model proposal have been prepared under the guidance of UNESCO gastronomy city criteria. Keywords:Gastronomy management model, UNESCO gastronomy city criteria, gastronomy city of Afyonkarahisar