Strategy for Developing Spice Tourism

Abstract

Spices are always considered an integral component of the cultural heritage of the place. They provide historical, cultural, social, and geographical identities to the region. These identities are helpful in the development of tourism based on the special interest in experiences, consumption, and purchase of spices. The phenomenon can be formally named ‘spice tourism'. The emerging area of spice tourism needs to be well-researched as very limited research is observed, specifically in the Indian context. Thus, identifying its dimensions, industry stakeholders, and industry framework is the need of the hour. Thus, through the case study approach, the researcher tried to design and develop destinations of Maharashtra state based on the available strengths, opportunities, and needs of potential customers. The researcher aimed to identify, develop, and promote spice tourism destinations in the state. Further, challenges of climate, spice production, global competition, and community issues were discussed for appropriate planning.