Abstract
This study aims to investigate factors that influence food choice of international tourists at small island settings. In this study, Perhentian Island was selected as a representative of small islands as the island received the largest number of international tourists, particularly in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. A close-ended questionnaire survey was conducted at various tourism spots in Perhentian Island and a total of 173 international tourists were interviewed in this study. Descriptive analysis was applied to summarize the tourists profile and travel pattern. Satisfaction gap analysis generated important factors that influence food choice among island visitors. As the majority of the international tourists to island destinations in Malaysia were on a multi-destination vacation, the results of the study could be crucial to the real needs and expectations of island tourists in Malaysia. Finally, effective development and marketing strategies could be devised to enhance the growth of food tourism, targeting remote island destinations in Malaysia.
Highlights
Tourism research has gained interest of many researchers all over the world due to the significant contribution of tourism industry to a particular economy including Malaysia and other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries
This study has provided a better picture of island based tourism and food choice determinants by island tourists, to Perhentian Island
The study has shown that Perhentian Island has successfully attracted international tourists but mostly from the European market
Summary
Tourism research has gained interest of many researchers all over the world due to the significant contribution of tourism industry to a particular economy including Malaysia and other ASEAN countries. Tourism has emerged as a major important contributor to economic growth through the generation of foreign exchange earnings, employment and income. Tourism stimulates the development of basic infrastructure, contributes to the growth of domestic industries, attracts foreign investment, and facilitates the transfer of technology and information. Tourism has been regarded as a catalyst for the conservation and improvement of the environment, as well as retaining local diversity and culture. In recognition of the potential of tourism to contribute to sustainable economic growth, Malaysia has made serious efforts, since the 1980s, to develop international tourism. Food has always been the main concerns of tourists during their travel, and food is one example of a local cultural resource that has the potential to facilitate a number of community benefits
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