The role of local food in the tourism experience: The case of UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea

Local food in the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea enhances visitor experiences by complementing the region's slow tourism appeal, characterized by tranquility and natural beauty. Despite being rarely mentioned spontaneously, local food was widely purchased, indicating its potential as a key element in destination development if promoted more intentionally through visibility and tastings. This study, based on a questionnaire survey of 890 respondents, reveals that while the Wadden Sea is strongly associated with nature, integrating storytelling around local cuisine could strengthen its identity as both a food and tourism destination.

Arts, A., & Wielenga, B. (2026). The role of local food in the tourism experience: The case of UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea. Research in Hospitality Management, 16(1), 90–99. https://doi.org/10.1080/22243534.2026.2673658