Food Routes in the Dutch UNESCO Wadden Sea Region

Food routes in the Dutch Wadden Sea emerge as a promising yet underdeveloped tool for sustainable regional development and food consciousness. Unlike traditional food tours, these routes aim to foster short food supply chains, promote local food cultures, and engage visitors through immersive experiences. A qualitative study involving interviews with businesses across sectors—restaurants, farms, and food producers—revealed that while participation drives visibility and customer attraction, challenges such as poor coordination, lack of measurable outcomes, and limited diversity in offerings hinder their potential. Effective implementation requires grassroots support, strategic planning, marketing, clear value propositions, and impact monitoring. This research highlights the shift from consumption-driven tourism to more sustainable, community-centred initiatives, offering valuable insights for policymakers, planners, and local businesses aiming to promote local food and culture.

Wielenga, B., & Arts, A. (2026). Food Routes in the Dutch UNESCO Wadden Sea Region. Sustainable Narratives and Technologies in Tourism, 220–236. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003747185-13