Abstract:

Abstract Today, local dishes have become an attraction for those who travel for different reasons such as sports, culture, entertainment, and business. It is known that the image of local dishes is important to destination selection of visitors and it revives gastronomy tourism. International sports organizations, should be seen and evaluated as an opportunity to promote the country and the region by bringing different cultures together and having wide participation. This paper aims to examine international sports organizations that can be an opportunity to introduce local dishes to large audiences at the international level. In the research, the case study of the 2022 ARKAS Optimist World Championship, an international sports organization with the participation of 276 athletes from 61 countries, held in Bodrum town of Muğla, was examined. In the championship, food and beverage activities were examined, and interviews were held with a total of 53 participants. The findings indicate that international sports organizations are important in promoting local dishes and important results can be achieved when evaluated. Finally, an organizational model proposal that can be applied in international sports organizations and can guide the organization committee members is presented.

Keywords: