TURISMO ENOGASTRONOMICO E PAESAGGI DEL CIBO

The course aims to provide students with theoretical and methodological tools to critically analyse the relationships between food, landscape, and tourism. In particular, the module seeks to develop an understanding of the territorial, social, and symbolic dimensions of food and wine tourism, with attention to the processes through which food practices contribute to the construction and representation of tourist territories.

By the end of the course, students will be able to identify the main concepts useful for analysing and interpreting the phenomenon of food tourism and foodscapes, and to critically evaluate the opportunities and challenges associated with the sector’s development, as well as its potential socio-economic and environmental impacts.

The course includes lectures, group work activities, in-depth seminars delivered by experts and academic scholars, mid-term assessments, and applied fieldwork activities. Should contingent circumstances require the course to be delivered in a blended or distance-learning format, adjustments may be introduced with respect to the above.

Attendance is not compulsory but is strongly recommended.

The course explores the relationships between food production and consumption, landscape, and tourism, considering the complex network of meanings attributed to food, understood not only as nourishment but also as a cultural, economic, and symbolic element. In a contemporary context in which food tourism represents one of the most established and rapidly growing segments of the tourism sector, the course analyses the role of food in shaping territorial identities and enhancing tourist destinations.

Considering the idea of landscape as a dynamic set of relationships and processes, the course examines how food-related dynamics are inscribed in space through a plurality of material and immaterial elements, including markets, local production, and everyday practices, contributing to the formation of specific foodscapes with tourism potential.

Through an interdisciplinary approach, the main dimensions of food tourism will be examined. The course will also include the analysis of case studies from both Italian and international contexts. Particular attention will be devoted to understanding food as a potential driver of territorial development, linking local identities with global tourism dynamics.

During the teaching semester, there will be a mid-term written test and/or a final written examination, possibly accompanied by individual or group interactive presentations.

Assessment will consider mastery of the course content, clarity of expression, appropriate use of disciplinary terminology, critical thinking skills, and applied understanding of the topics covered. The ability to collaborate in group work and active participation in seminars, workshops, and course activities will also be taken into account.