Abstract
The relationship between tourism and food is gaining significance, and gastronomic experiences are increasingly influencing tourists' choice of destination. This study aims to establish the correlation between food preferences and destination selection, taking into account the vegetarianism dimension. In this study, data were collected from a sample of 198 vegetarian and 251 omnivorous individuals. The data underwent analysis using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modelling and multiple group analysis. The results show a significant positive correlation between eating behavior and destination choice. The impact of eating behavior on destination choice was found to be significant among both omnivore and vegetarian groups, with a more pronounced effect observed among vegetarian individuals. Additionally, differences were observed between vegan and other vegetarian groups. Upon scrutinizing demographic variables through comparison tests, it was found that gender and adherence to a vegetarian diet were significant factors influencing the relationship between eating behavior and destination choice. No notable differences were detected in age, marital status, educational status, and income level variables. Upon examination of the existing literature, it is evident that there is a dearth of studies that specifically address the potential relationship between a vegetarian diet and tourism. While there are studies that separately examine the factors affecting food preferences (such as product labels, artificial meat, restaurant menus and staff, and guides) and destination choices, there is a lack of research that examines the relationship as a whole.
Published Version
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