Food experience, place attachment, destination image and the role of food-related personality traits

Abstract

Food is a necessary part of a trip, but it can also create a memorable experience. This study explores the relations between food experiences, place attachment, and destination image, as well as the moderating effects of food neophobia and food involvement. The study was conducted in Macau using a survey of 450 inbound tourists. Findings indicated that food experience has a significant correlation with place attachment and destination image. This study also found food neophobia has an important moderating effect on the relationship between food experience and place attachment. Food involvement moderated the relationship between food experience and destination image. These results indicate that positive food experiences can increase place attachment and destination image, but its impact is moderated by food-related personality traits.