Cheese Aesthetics in Tourism

Abstract

This chapter examines the aesthetics of cheese in the context of tourism, focusing on the cultural and environmental factors that contribute to its valorization. The objective of the chapter is to explore how cheese becomes a significant element in tourist experiences through the notion of aesthetics which still needs to be analysed in food tourism. The chapter shows that traditional cheese-making practices are juxtaposed with innovative approaches that reveal the role of cheese in tourism through experiences at restaurants. Results reveal the appeal of cheese, where cultural and environmental attributes create a unique aesthetic experience for tourists based on the relationship between people, places, and practices. The chapter also analyses the importance of recognizing cheese as a dynamic artifact that reflects both historical practices and contemporary innovations. Theoretical and practical implications, and opportunities for future research, are discussed.