THE IMPACT OF LOCAL FOOD IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM TRENDS AND CONSUMER BEHAVIOR IN REFERENCE TO MP.

Abstract

Local food is a key part of making tourism more sustainable since it helps people feel connected to their location, boosts local economy, and lowers environmental footprints. In Madhya Pradesh (MP), a state with a lot of culinary history and biodiversity, adding local food to tourism experiences is a new trend that appeals to travelers who care about the environment and culture. This research looks at how local food affects how people act and how sustainable tourism works in MP. It does this by looking at how food appeal, tourist satisfaction, and ecological responsibility are all linked. We used structured surveys with both domestic and foreign visitors who were visiting in MP. The sample size was 200 people, and purposeful sampling was employed to get opinions from visitors who were actively participating in local food experiences. In addition, input from local food sellers and others in the hotel industry was collected to get a sense of the supply side. The survey will show that visitors really like authentic regional food, which makes their trips more enjoyable and helps them appreciate other cultures more. It also hopes to find a link between eating local cuisine and making environmentally friendly decisions when traveling. The results will probably show that Madhya Pradesh needs policies and tourist plans that include food history in the growth of sustainable tourism.