The role of women in maintaining the heritage value of gastronomy in Castilla-La Mancha

The main objective of this article is to provide a feminine vision in the world of gastronomy in Castilla-La Mancha, where women have a high level of participation, and to make visible the work carried out by many professionals in all areas of this sector from work in the agri-food and wine sector, to room and kitchen work in the hospitality sector, as well as the different roles in the marketing and communication sector. It is intended to analyse the situation of women in the gastronomy sector in the broadest sense, to identify their profiles (professional and training) and their relationship with food products associated with Protected Designations of Origin and Protected Geographical Indications (PDO and PGI) and, thus, to explore the work of these women in the maintenance of the gastronomic heritage of the region and the potential of gastronomic tourism. To study this phenomenon, an investigation has been carried out in the five provinces that make up the region. A qualitative study was carried out through in-depth interviews with women running a PDO or PGI in Castilla La Mancha (10). These responses have been analysed using a textual analysis methodology with word clouds. The results show that gastronomy tourism is an opportunity to promote local economic growth and fight against depopulation in the region. In addition, gastronomy has shown itself to be an instrument capable of economically empowering women who work in the maintenance of the gastronomic identity of Castilla-La Mancha.