Influence of gastronomic motivations, satisfaction and experiences on loyalty towards a destination

Abstract

Purpose: The main objective of this research is to establish an integrated model of gastronomy tourism to help some of the main public and private stakeholders design strategies to improve tourists' gastronomic experience and satisfaction, taking gastronomic motivations as a starting point. Furthermore, the difference between destination satisfaction and gastronomic satisfaction has been established in order to determine the degree to which each one influences loyalty towards the destination. Design/methodology/approach: After detailing the theoretical framework for the development of the hypotheses, the study was carried out using a quantitative methodology based on structural equation modelling (SEM). The final sample consisted of 710 tourists who visited Córdoba, Spain – a world heritage city of international renown. Findings: Results indicate that gastronomic motivations, gastronomic experience and destination satisfaction have a direct influence on loyalty towards a destination. Also, destination satisfaction is found to play a mediating role in the relationship between gastronomic experience and loyalty towards the destination. Differences between destination and gastronomic satisfaction have been evidenced. For fostering a tourist's loyalty towards a destination, gastronomic satisfaction alone is not enough; other elements inherent to the destination itself are necessary for full loyalty, whether attitudinal or behavioural. Originality/value: Correctly identifying tourist motivations can help managers of Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) to develop tailored marketing and communication campaigns that boost return visits to the destination or recommendations to family and friends. DMOs need to be aware that DMOs cannot overlook elements such as safety, hospitality or destination cleanliness at the expense of gastronomic satisfaction.