Chapter 5: Specific Dietary Considerations for the Food Tourist

Many businesses offering food to tourists are missing out on a large section of the travelling public. By failing to understand the needs of tourists with specific dietary requirements, they are effectively making their tour, restaurant, hotel, or venue a ‘no go’ option for thousands of people. By taking time to understand and cater to these people’s needs, they can set themselves apart from the competition and enhance their own, and their destination’s, reputation. This chapter looks at what specific dietary needs means in practice, how to cater appropriately, why this is so important, what not to do, labelling considerations and the importance of clear communication.