A positive destination brand image depends on a number of factors. Food consumption is one of these. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate and clarify the relevance of food for destination brand management. To do so, this investigation employs a qualitative method of research: exploratory research. Using the Algarve (Portugal) as the empirical destination brand, data were collected through in-depth interviews with 58 participants from the UK. This article concludes that consumers use both local cuisine and its availability (through restaurants) to define and evaluate a destination, and that both influence that destination’s brand image. These two variables are part of the dimension called food, which fulfils both a physiological and a social need, since eating can be considered a pleasurable social activity. Therefore, food is a destination brand dimension that should be taken into account when developing a brand strategy. Destination brand managers should act on this dimension to communicate brand values by management licensing and implementing educational programs and systems of quality control to improve the supply side.

中文翻译：

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食品与目的地品牌发展的相关性

一个积极的目的地品牌形象取决于许多因素。食品消费就是其中之一。本文的目的是展示和阐明食品与目的地品牌管理的相关性。为此，本次调查采用了一种定性研究方法：探索性研究。使用阿尔加维（葡萄牙）作为实证目的地品牌，通过对来自英国的 58 名参与者的深入访谈收集数据。本文的结论是，消费者使用当地美食及其供应情况（通过餐厅）来定义和评估目的地，这两者都会影响该目的地的品牌形象。这两个变量是称为食物的维度的一部分，它满足生理和社交需求，因为饮食可以被视为一种愉快的社交活动。所以，食品是制定品牌战略时应考虑的目的地品牌维度。目的地品牌经理应在这一方面采取行动，通过管理许可和实施教育计划和质量控制系统来传达品牌价值，以改善供应方。