The purpose of this research is to examine how food festivals might stimulate local economies and attract tourists. There has been a recent emphasis on the importance of food tourism as a form of cultural tourism, especially in less urban settings. Sustainable development, authentic tourism experiences, robust local economies, and environmental protection can all benefit from the consumption of locally sourced foods and food products. While earlier studies focused on the positive effects of culinary tourism on the economy, more recent ones have shifted the focus to the positive social and cultural effects. Regional identities can be strengthened and local goods promoted through the use of direct sales channels like festivals and one-of-a-kind events. The purpose of this research is to add to the current body of knowledge in the subject by investigating the function of food festivals in fostering food tourism and regional development. Data will be gathered through questionnaires and analyzed with Chi-square and ANOVA tests among other statistical tools. The results will shed light on how people's perspectives, economic rewards, and destination branding are affected by culinary festivals. The findings will be helpful for tourism industry stakeholders, policymakers, and communities who want to use food festivals to foster long-term regional growth and improve visitors' experiences.

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Keywords: Food Festivals, Food Tourism, Regional Development, Destination Branding.