The Impact of the Appeal of Local Cuisine and Its Antecedents on the Gastronomy Experience of Domestic Tourists

The study's aim is to reveal domestic tourists' gastronomic experiences and to test the impact of local cuisine's appeal on the experience under consideration. Data was collected from 727 domestic visitors who visited Gaziantep, Hatay, and Afyonkarahisar, all of which are designated as Cities of Gastronomy. As a result, indicate that involvement, knowledge, and authenticity perception positively influence the appeal of local cuisine, which in turn positively affects the gastronomy experience. The perception of authenticity also has a direct negative impact on the gastronomy experience. The study suggests practical implications for food and beverage enterprises, travel agencies, and local administrations in gastronomy destinations. These include organizing promotional activities that highlight the appeal of local cuisine, presenting local cuisine in an attractive manner, ensuring compatibility between destination services and tourists' expectations, and incorporating distinctive experiences related to local cuisines. The study acknowledges limitations and suggests future research directions, such as longitudinal studies, inclusion of international tourists, examination of cultural differences, and investigation of specific variables related to facility quality and service interactions. Overall, the study contributes to the literature by identifying the factors influencing the appeal of local cuisine and their impact on gastronomy experiences, providing insights for stakeholders in gastronomy destinations.