Uniqueness of tea traditions and impacts on tourism: the East Frisian tea culture

Purpose The purpose of this study, a case study, is to present the uniqueness of the only UNESCO-awarded tea consumption tradition worldwide and its implications on the tourism industry by analyzing and weighting initializing effects of tea on the regional economy, as well tea tourism-related cultural and social rootings. Design/methodology/approach Between 20 July 2020 and 20 August 2020, qualitative interviews have been conducted with regional experts, as well as relevant statistics have been evaluated, cultural and social effects have been analysed and weighted, following two main research questions: can “Tea”, along with its history and tradition, be used effectively for initializing tourism and destination brand management? What kind of instruments are useful for reinforcing authentic tea-oriented destination marketing? In addition, the European Tea Speciality Association (ESTA) supported this research project also with another qualitative interview. Furthermore, two workshops of the Working Group on International Tea Tourism have been used to discuss and reflect the impacts of tea museums and tea consuming traditions as well as the European Tea Research Circle (ETRC). Findings Tea and its culture is a strong motive for initializing tourism, as it is linked to cosy ceremonies and social gathering. The brand awareness of the destination “East Frisia” as the “tea destination” of Germany is powerful, and the “East Frisian Tea Ceremony” became a regional social anchor and element of loyalty for tourists and citizens. It is useful and profitable to develop more tea-related authentic evens and products to use this UNESCO award and the positive image of tea ceremonies to strengthen the regional economy. Research limitations/implications As the UNESCO award was awarded in 2016, any impacts could only be evaluated for a short period of time. Practical implications The specific tea culture in East Frisia has the potential for establishing this region as the most unique region for Tea Tourism in Central Europe. This should be evaluated and developed within additional measurements and programmes. The aim should be a plan for additional mapping and tea-related events and attractions to use this unique heritage for developing sustainable tourism and strengthening the regional hospitality infrastructure. Social implications The East Frisian tea culture is empowering people and functions as a harmonic link among the inhabitants of a structurally underdeveloped region. Thus, this habit is a key factor for the stability and pride of the inhabitants, involving citizens and keeping traditions alive. Originality/value The combination of a cultural heritage award and a habit for celebrating the consumption of a hot beverage is unique worldwide. Therefore, this analysis is a valuable support for the transfer of applicable knowledge from academia to the industry as well as the first research project about the link between tea consuming heritage and tourism in Europe.