Does gastronomy determine visitors’ holiday destination choice? Empirical evidence based on a mixed-methods research approach

Abstract

Gastronomy emerges as one of the key components of visitors' holiday experiences and increasingly shapes vacationers' holiday destination choices. As an integral component of the tourist experience and destinations' cultural heritage, gastronomy enhances visitors' local and cultural understanding. Despite the increase in academic studies on gastronomy, there is still a scarcity of research that investigates whether gastronomy determines visitors' holiday destination choices and the extent to which it does . To bridge this research gap, the current study examines whether gastronomy determines visitors' holiday destination choice and explores the nexus between gastronomy and holiday destination image by adopting a mixed-methods research approach. We have collected data from 205 respondents, who represent45 countries from all corners of the globe, using an online survey. Research findings show that for 87% of the respondents, gastronomy is one of the key factors that determine their holiday destination choice. Especially for Amare Wondirad

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