Evaluation of Geographically Indicated Products within the Scope of Gastronomy Tourism: Example of Van Province
Chapter from the book:
Gençer,
K.
&
Yazıt,
H.
(eds.)
2024.
Current Research on Gastronomy and Culinary Arts-I.
Synopsis
Geographical indication can be defined as the registration and protection of a local product in line with specified regulations. Geographical indication ensures that the structural features of the products are preserved as they are and presented to tourists in this way. This contributes to the sustainability of the products. In addition, the importance of the geographical indication, which creates an environment for tourists who travel within the scope of gastronomy tourism, where it is important to experience local flavors, to be presented with the same quality of local products without spoiling, cannot be ignored in attracting tourists to the destination on a mass scale. In the light of these explanations, the current study aims to evaluate the geographically indicated products of Van province in terms of gastronomy tourism. Qualitative research methods were used in line with the purpose of the study. In line with the purpose of the study, data was obtained by document review, one of the qualitative research methods. The data was generally obtained through the Geographical Indications Portal of the Turkish Patent Institute official website. Relevant literature was consulted to enrich the data. The obtained data were analyzed with descriptive analysis. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that there are 18 products registered with geographical indication in Van province and 2 products are at the application stage. Of the 18 registered products, 6 are registered with the name of origin and 12 with the origin sign. The features of a total of 20 products are discussed in detail in the findings section. Since it is important to evaluate these products in terms of gastronomy tourism in Van province, attention has been tried to draw attention to this issue. It is thought that it is important to register more local products with geographical indications and to include all registered and to-be-registered products in gastronomy tourism in order to develop gastronomy tourism in Van province.