Craft beer, tourism and local development in South Africa

This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book explores the context of food, tourism and regional development. Food and development interrelationships are complex and positive outcomes not self-evident, particularly where food production is part of global agricultural trade. In economic value terms, food tourism and specifically agritourism can contribute to cost reductions and higher economic returns as a result of direct marketing, but interrelationships are complex. In framing food consumption as a biocultural process, flavours can create bonds between cultures while also strengthening local economies. As Mulcahy emphasises, to realise the tourism potential of food experiences, it will be crucial to build capacity. In order to make a contribution to local development, products, events or festivals based on food need to create economic value.