Abstract

SOSA SOSA, María Elena  and  ARAIZA SALIDO, Patricia L.. The construction of a food route as a strategy of rural tourism development in Ures, Sonora, Mexico. Estud. soc [online]. 2013, vol.21, n.42, pp.151-174. ISSN 0188-4557.

Rural tourism, through a food route based on the valuation of commodities that support the preparation of food dishes and identity, as a result oflocal culture and environment, offers great opportunities of being implemented in the municipality of Ures, Sonora, Mexico. This research analyzes the tourist bases and those concerning the primary sector, in order to propose a local food route, which can actually involve and benefit the community. The instruments used included a visitor's survey, semi structured interviews applied to small farmers, and to key tourism representatives; also, a focus group session. The results show that certain regional foods and traditional dishes could be transformed into tourist products, because they already have become representative of local products. Also, considering that the municipality of Ures mostly produces livestock, this work recommends the development of a food route based on iconic products such as cheese and jamoncillo, involving local producers and residents.

Keywords : food route; rural tourism; regional food and identity; primary sector.