TOURISM & MANAGEMENT STUDIES, cilt.20, sa.2, ss.39-54, 2024 (ESCI)
In recent years, it has become evident that
gastronomic tourism plays a crucial role in destination development. The
primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of a destination's
gastronomy image on behavioral intentions toward that destination and to
explore whether customer satisfaction potentially serves as a mediating factor.
Within this context, we examined the effects of various components contributing
to a destination's gastronomic image, such as culinary culture, food and beverage
businesses, and gastronomy activities, on behavioral intentions. We also
explored the mediating role of customer satisfaction using SPSS and AMOS
software. The research findings conclusively show that a destination's
gastronomy image significantly influences behavioral intentions, with customer
satisfaction partially mediating this influence. Based on the study's results
and comparative discussions, we offer recommendations to the relevant
literature, destination management entities, businesses in the gastronomy
sector, and tourism policy makers. It is anticipated that the implementation of
these suggestions will enhance the gastronomic image of destinations, increase
overall satisfaction levels, and consequently, boost behavioral intentions.