Repositioning Cities as Development Model Based on the Concept of Creative City: A Case of Kozhikode as a City of Gastronomy

Creative cities have become a popular approach for urban renewal and revitalization. The inclusion of the “Cities of Gastronomy” category within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network results from the significant value placed on gastronomic experiences. Kozhikode's economy primarily relies on the service sector, encompassing tourism, IT, and education, rendering it vulnerable to risks such as fluctuating tourist numbers and global economic downturns. This chapter presents a forward-looking strategy to establish Kozhikode's brand identity as a city of gastronomy. This study showcases the potential of gastronomy to drive economic development, foster cultural exchange, and promote sustainable food systems, thus nurturing resilient and inclusive communities. The study employs a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including interviews, surveys, and economic indicators, to evaluate the effectiveness of the Creative City model in Kozhikode. It assesses the existing culinary infrastructure and analyzes food clusters, identifying gaps, and areas for improvement in service delivery. To attract gastronomy enthusiasts and solidify the destination's reputation as a gastronomy hub, it is imperative to promote the development of innovative and diverse gastronomy tourism products and experiences. The findings emphasize the importance of recognizing gastronomy's role as a catalyst for positive change in urban environments and suggest avenues for further research in this evolving field of urban development.