Local Food Tourism Networks and Word of Mouth

Authors

Michael L. Dougherty, Illinois State UniversityFollow
Gary Paul Green, University of Wisconsin- Madison/ExtensionFollow

Volume

49

Issue

2

DOI

10.34068/joe.49.02.05

Abstract

This article draws from surveys of three key components of local food tourism networks: farmers, restaurateurs, and tourists. Key informant interviews were also conducted to complement survey data. Results indicate that word of mouth is central to forming and maintaining local food tourism networks because it links farmers and restaurateurs. Also tourists become aware of tourism opportunities primarily through word of mouth. For these reasons, Extension educators must consider word of mouth when promoting local food tourism. Word of mouth requires time to form "naturally." Therefore, practitioners must create opportunities to link the different hubs in local food tourism networks.

Creative Commons License

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Recommended Citation

Dougherty, M. L., & Green, G. P. (2011). Local Food Tourism Networks and Word of Mouth. The Journal of Extension, 49(2), Article 5. https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.49.02.05