Special dietary requirements: Restaurant sector responses across six tourist cities

Abstract

Abstract The key aims of the study were to document and analyze contemporary restaurant practices germane to meeting dietary requirements in significant tourist cities. Social practice theory informed the study. Detailed coding of menu information and TripAdvisor sources for 60 restaurants in six strategically selected tourist cities provided the bases for the work. The results identified locational differences; that overall religious and lifestyle requirements are moderately well presented, while health needs addressed less adequately. Social practice theory insights helped interpret the findings through issues of managerial caution, perceived competence, and image and identity management for both restaurants and customers.