Contribution/ Originality: This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the relationship between gastronomic tourism and sustainability from three different contexts (economic, social and environmental) within the hospitality and tourism industry in Malaysia. 1. INTRODUCTION In an era where everyone can fly, tourism activities can be looked as a necessary segment in life, which provides not only new experiences to those who practice it, but also reduces tension and increases happiness in life. As a multifaceted industry, the tourism sector not only contributes to the development of well being, economic and social development of a country (Babolian, 2016; Diaconescu, Moraru, & Stănciulescu, 2016; Scarpato, 2003) but the sector also has a close relationship with other industrial segments including the environment and local communities as asserted by Diaconescu et al. (2016). The symbiotic relationship between tourism and other industrial sectors not only helps in support the economic growth of a country; by creating an opportunity for those who are seeking employment, but also strengthens a region's identity, sustain cultural heritage, contests fears of global food homogenization and facilitates the regeneration of an area's socio-cultural fabric (Everett & Aitchison, 2008).
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