What serves as the best bridge in food consumption: experiential value or place attachment?

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper aims to explore the connections between perceived authenticity, experiential values, place attachment, and intentions to re-purchase and recommend among tourists. A purposive sampling method was adopted and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to develop a model for investigating factors that may affect the behavioral intentions in question. Results show that authenticity has a positive impact on behavioral intentions, and with the mediating effect of experiential values, authenticity has a stronger effect on behavioral intentions. Authenticity has also a positive impact on place attachment and experiential values, respectively. With the mediating effect of experiential values, the effect of authenticity on place attachment is also enhanced. As place attachment does not affect behavioral intentions in this model, no mediating effects are identified. The research findings expand insights into the food consumption behaviors of tourists providing valuable practical information for tourism industry, stakeholders and destination marketing organizations.