Abstract
- Many places are synonymous with specific foods. Advances in packaging science, supply chain management, and internet platforms now allow for the sale of place-specific food specialty items online direct to consumers. With tourism down due to the coronavirus pandemic, destinations such as those in the Caribbean, could capitalize on the increased interest in online specialty food ordering. However little is known about the relationship between the popular phenomena and tourism. Thus, a qualitative content analysis study focusing on cuisine of the Caribbean was employed to examine how tourism and the online purchase of food specialty items intersect. Data revealed that the food products were intimately linked to travel. Suggestions for ways the Caribbean might exploit these connections to travel and support the fledgling tourism industry are discussed.