The Management of Tourist’s Alimentary Needs by the Tourism Industry. The Parameter of Religion

Religion and culture are determinant factors in influencing food consumption. The food sector plays an important role in tourism and directly affects the satisfaction levels of tourists. Food choices made by tourists are determined, to a lesser or greater extent, by the religious parameter; consequently, food constitutes a significant factor concerning the criteria on the basis of which a destination is selected. In this respect, the tourism industry should pay the necessary attention to the aspect of the relationship between religion and alimentation. According to the available data, this parameter has not yet been fully evaluated when planning and promoting destinations in a way effective enough to attract tourists from countries with high spending levels and distinctive alimentary habits which conform to their religion. The present study presents the alimentary habits of tourists on the basis of their religion, explores the way by which the various tourism companies meet the specific alimentary requirements of tourists based on religion, and makes suggestions in order for the tourism industry to rationally adapt to this reality with the aim of raising tourism flows.