Dining-out preferences of domestic tourists at a gastronomic destination: The major influence of localness in France

Abstract

This exploratory research examines the dining-out preferences of 346 domestic tourists at a gastronomic destination following the COVID-19 pandemic. A conceptual model based on five variables (four independent variables—neophilia, neolocalism, gastronomy knowledge, and sensory appeal—and one moderating: generation) that could influence tourists' preferences for elite, local, and familiar dining was tested on French tourists in France using PLS-SEM. The findings show that dining-out preferences are mainly oriented toward local dining and are positively influenced by neophilia for Gens X, Y, and Z; neolocalism for Gens X and Y; and gastronomy knowledge and sensory appeal for Gen Z. This study therefore suggests that dining-out preferences are determined by localness—defined here as the preference for local dining explained by individual traits and gastronomy expectation related to local food. This research fills an important knowledge gap regarding domestic tourists at gastronomic destinations, with theoretical and managerial implications.