Gastronomy, Culture and Tourism in Ecuador

This chapter presents an analysis of the relationship existing between foreign tourists and the gastronomy in a cultural destination such as the city of Cuenca, Ecuador. The study of gastronomic tourism entails the analysis of the visitor’s behaviour. Studies focusing on the relationship between gastronomy and tourism have focused on different aspects, such as tourists or dining destinations. Analysing the motivation is essential in order to understand gastronomic tourism, since the majority of the visitors when travelling turn to restaurants and/or other food establishments to satisfy their basic physiological needs. Gastronomy as motivation, whether principal or secondary, is considered an essential aspect in the satisfaction of the traveller, uniting the concepts of motivation, experience and satisfaction. The greater or lesser gastronomic interest also conditions the culinary motivations and the perception of satisfaction that the tourist experiences. The motivational dimensions of sensory appeal and cultural experience contribute to a greater extent to the satisfaction of the foreign tourist.