FOOD FESTIVALS & FAIRS 

For this semester's assignment we have chosen the topic "Food Festivals & Fairs" because a topic such as food events is able to link together a wide range of approaches and interests so as to focus on what is becoming an increasingly important area in the development of sustainable hospitality and tourism. 

Nowadays, food events are usualy regarded as part of the supply side of tourism so that they are often regarded as being a form of tourism product. 

Festivals and fairs are intimately related with the mantainance and celebration of community values. However, as a result of both economic and cultural factors, community food festivals have increasingly taken on a role as a commoditised product that is used in order to attract visitors, promote the region or promote the consumption of specific food products. 

Although it is a relatively recent phenomenon, food tourism is gaining importance in Portugal, in similarity with other countries, putting into motion a considerable number of visitors who travel motivated by the gastronomy. Portugal may be considered a destination with a lot of potential for this kind of tourism due to its prominent gastronomic heritage.

This work will focus on two successful food events taking place in Portugal each single year: the Food Fair in Vila do Conde and the Chocolate Festival in Óbidos.