The Impact of Mount Athos Cuisine on Religious Tourists Through Experiential Marketing: The Contribution of Monk Epiphanios

The Mount Athos Cuisine is closely connected to the monastic tradition of Mount Athos and has its roots in the ascetic life and religious discipline of the monks. Within the framework of religious tourism, Mount Athos Cuisine attracts many visitors who seek not only spiritual but also physical rejuvenation through healthy eating. Literature indicates that this type of cuisine is characterized by simplicity, a balanced use of local and natural ingredients, as well as the avoidance of animal products due to Christian fasting. This paper explores the connection between experiential marketing and Mount Athos Cuisine, highlighting how the gastronomy of Mount Athos can enhance the tourist experience. Through experiential marketing, visitors are encouraged to actively participate in gastronomic experiences that combine food and spirituality, creating unforgettable memories. The paper reviews the contribution of Mount Athos cuisine to creating meaningful experiences for visitors. It examines specific experiential marketing practices that can be applied in the field of religious tourism, such as participation in food preparation and gastronomic tours. The analysis concludes that Mount Athos Cuisine, through experiential marketing, can attract new visitors and enhance the authenticity of the experience at Mount Athos. To understand the contribution of this cuisine to the tourist’s experience, the role of Monk Epiphanios in Mount Athos cuisine is analyzed as a case study, highlighting the characteristics that create lasting impressions and experiences for visitors.