Peking duck, anyone? An analysis of international tourist food perceptions and influence factors

Abstract

Feelings about local foods are thought to affect visitor perceptions of destination images. This research used content and statistical analysis of 2887 reviews of food posted on Tripadvisor by international tourists to Beijing. A conceptual model was constructed of the process of food perceptions. Country of origin influenced overall perceptions of food and dining in China's capital. Subsequently, international tourists from 45 countries were divided into groups based on economic levels, cultures, and geographic regions, and differences in food perceptions were further analyzed. The economic levels of countries significantly influenced taste preferences, service perceptions, and negative emotions, and cultural backgrounds affected dining reasons, flavor and restaurant location perceptions. However, it was found that the geographical regions of visitors did not significantly impact food perceptions. The research findings have reference value for destination food marketing strategies.