Evidence of local gastronomy in rural destinations: A cross-European study

In 2020, the Coronavirus pandemic led to domestic travel to rural destinations. Local gastronomy is key to tourists' expectations, perceptions, and images of rural destinations' authenticity. Empirical data supporting evidence of local gastronomy in rural communities are lacking. This archival research focused on n=549 Cittaslow and non-Cittaslow towns and cities in 19 European countries. Rural towns offer more local gastronomy than cities, and Cittaslow-certified towns more than non-Cittaslow. All rural towns should focus on expanding their local gastronomy, and Cittaslow cities even more so.