Local food heritage in a mountain tourism destination: evidence from the Alagna Walser Green Paradise project

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims at assessing the role of authenticity of local food in contributing to tourism as an ecosystem service in a small mountain tourism destination, i.e. Alagna Valsesia (North-West of Italy).Design/methodology/approachA mix method approach has been adopted. The research has been carried out by using both CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interview) and PAPI (Paper And Pen Interview) methodologies for surveys on the accommodation facilities managers and tourists. In addition, an analysis of electronic word-of-mouth platforms (TripAdvisor and Google) was implemented to understand more in-depth the local foodservice.FindingsFindings show that Alagna Valsesia embodies its authenticity with the tradition of the local culture, characterised by natural heritage and Walser uses. Some tools are identified to improve the attractiveness of the tourist destination.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of this study can be found in the study' application to a rather limited and geographically restricted area.Practical implicationsThe results provided by this study can help local policy-makers in driving local policies and public funds in implementing ecotourism based practices.Originality/valueAlthough the role of local food has been much studied in relation to the tourism sector, to the knowledge of the authors, this contribution represents a first attempt to analyse local food's role in terms of local food's crossover contribution to supporting cultural tourism.

Quality of Life in Rural Areas: A Set of Indicators for Improving Wellbeing

“…The proposed set of indicators was elaborated with regard to Alagna Valsesia, a rural mountain municipality involved in a process of enhancement and development of sustainable tourism. The research project called "Alagna Walser Green Paradise" was structured in four pillars [66], underlined at the European level [67], to evaluate how to make tourist destinations smarter:…”

“…One of the main peculiarities of Alagna Valsesia is the typical culture of Walser. Its origin is Germanic and the first migrations to the slopes of the Monte Rosa massif [66] date back to the 13th century. This population developed an extraordinary ability to adapt to mountain life.…”

Guest editorial: Circular economy in the agri-food, tourism and hospitality industries in the post-pandemic era

“…In the field of mountain tourism, Beltramo et al (2024) have assessed the role of authenticity of local food in contributing to tourism as an ecosystem service the Alagna Valsesia destination, namely a small mountain destination in North-West of Italy. Through a mix method approach based on the computer assisted web interview (CAWI) and the paper and per interview (PAPI) methodologies among managers and tourists, the research highlights that authenticity, tradition and local food can contribute to support cultural tourism.…”

“…In the field of mountain tourism, Beltramo et al . (2024) have assessed the role of authenticity of local food in contributing to tourism as an ecosystem service the Alagna Valsesia destination, namely a small mountain destination in North-West of Italy.…”

Foraging Practices and Sustainable Management of Wild Food Resources in Europe: A Systematic Review

“…In fact, the European Union has implemented a labelling system, defined as an optional quality term and called "mountain product", dedicated to European mountain foods and their enhancement [13]. Furthermore, local mountain food is an important element of a stay in mountain areas [14,15] and is an expression of the authenticity and ecosystem services of an area [16,17]. The effect of public policy towards the promotion and selling of wild plant resources needs to be carefully analyzed because it could lead to misleading results [18,19].…”