World Food Day, celebrated on 16 October, offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of local production and to celebrate, across the globe, the men and women who support and strengthen their communities through food-related initiatives, generating a positive impact, particularly in the field of agricultural production. Diversified agricultural models are emerging worldwide in response to the growing diversity of lifestyles, trends and eating habits (for example, specific diets such as vegetarian, new food services, local production, etc.). This is particularly evident in rural areas, where outdoor activities and experiences along long-distance routes are becoming increasingly popular, and where participants are increasingly seeking authentic local experiences, including those involving food tasting.

In fact, according to the article ‘The European market potential for adventure tourism’, adventure tourism is based on three elements: some form of physical activity, contact with nature and an immersive cultural experience, and Europe is a leading region in this type of tourism. These trends are also reflected in several projects selected through the DETOUR Open Call, which have received funding opportunities to develop and implement innovative tourism initiatives along European cultural routes, , including food-related projects such as the introduction of vegan menu options in Italy and beekeeping initiatives in Bulgaria.

In general, there are two types of active experiences in adventure tourism, depending on the activities undertaken: ‘soft’ adventure and ‘hard’ adventure. Soft adventure attracts the largest number of participants, as these activities are often low-risk and require little or no experience. Tourists taking part in soft adventure activities, including hiking along trails, also enjoy sampling local food and produce in the areas they visit.

Furthermore:

• nearly 9 out of 10 tourists would be willing to pay more to protect the local environment;
• 52% prefer to consume locally sourced products;
• over 35% prefer to go on holiday outside the peak tourist season, thereby creating opportunities for tour operators during the off-season and helping to reduce tourist overcrowding.

These three factors are typical of those who walk along trails. This is why long-distance routes represent not only a wonderful experience but, above all, an opportunity for local development, precisely because they involve a wide range of SMEs, not just those in the tourism sector. Adventure travellers often have a greater sense of personal responsibility for protecting the places they visit and for making a positive impact on the communities and environments they encounter, and they do so by appreciating and purchasing local food.

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