Status assessment of gastronomic tourism in Aparri, Cagayan, Philippines: Implications for sustainable tourism development

Abstract

Gastronomic tourism has emerged as an important component of sustainable destination development by promoting local culinary heritage, strengthening cultural identity, and creating economic opportunities for local communities. This study assessed the status of gastronomic tourism in Aparri, Cagayan, Philippines, and examined its implications for sustainable tourism development. Specifically, the study evaluated the municipality’s gastronomic resources, promotion and marketing initiatives, stakeholder participation, tourism readiness, and existing challenges and opportunities. A descriptive research design employing a mixed-methods approach was utilized. Quantitative data were collected through a researcher-developed survey questionnaire administered to fifty (50) local stakeholders, while qualitative information was obtained through key informant interviews and field observations. Descriptive statistics, including frequency counts, weighted means, and standard deviations, were used to analyze the quantitative data, whereas thematic analysis was employed for the qualitative responses. The findings revealed that Aparri possesses abundant and authentic seafood-based culinary resources, with respondents generally agreeing that these contribute significantly to the municipality’s tourism potential (overall weighted mean= 3.86). Local delicacies such as aramang, gakka, daing, ipun, ludong, and dilis were identified as the municipality’s primary gastronomic assets. Despite these strengths, the study found that destination marketing, tourism infrastructure, sanitation practices, and institutional coordination remain inadequate to fully support gastronomic tourism development. The study concludes that strengthening stakeholder collaboration, enhancing destination branding, improving tourism facilities, and implementing sustainable tourism strategies are essential to maximizing Aparri’s gastronomic potential. The findings provide practical insights for local government units, tourism planners, and hospitality stakeholders in developing culturally grounded and sustainable gastronomic tourism initiatives.