Food storytelling and the Bolognese project : audience engagement and tourism promotion in gastronomic narratives

Abstract

This thesis investigates how food storytelling engages digital audiences emotionally and contributes to tourism promotion by focusing on the Bolognese project, a case study developed by the author that includes a short documentary and correlated social media content. An analysis of online audience comments and stakeholder interviews explores how storytelling elements such as sensory detail, personal testimony, and authenticity affect perceptions of place and travel intention. Expanding on existing literature in storytelling, food tourism, audience reception, and sustainability, the research adopts a qualitative case study approach grounded in audience reception theory. Findings suggest that emotionally resonant food narratives evoke feelings of nostalgia, admiration, and trust, reinforcing destination appeal and a desire for meaningful travel experiences. According to this study, digital audiences often co-create narratives by sharing memories and personal reflections, while institutional stakeholders highlight the strategic potential of food storytelling to foster cultural resilience and sustainable tourism. Finally, this research positions food storytelling as a powerful tool for cultural mediation, bridging emotion and place, tradition and innovation. It provides theoretical and practical insights to leverage food storytelling strategies to foster audience engagement and promote sustainable tourism in a digital media landscape.