Is local food consumption memorable? Exploration of a multidimensional measurement scale to explain tourists' memorable local food consumption experiences

Abstract

Recent trends in local food consumption have stimulated research interest in what makes tourists' local food experiences memorable. Despite previous attempts at investigating this phenomenon, theoretical gaps exist regarding its dimensional structure and the measurement of memorable local food consumption experiences (MLFCEs). Therefore, this study sought to examine the underlying dimensionality and measurement of MLFCEs. An eight‐factor structure for MLFCEs was generated. The overall construct satisfied a series of convergent, discriminant, and nomological validity tests. Furthermore, the scale showed strong explanatory power with regard to attitude toward local food, subjective wellbeing, and destination loyalty. Future studies may benefit from using this scale in different contexts to understand tourists' psychological mechanisms for remembering their experiences.

The effect of food tourism experiences on tourists' subjective well-being

“…A study on tourists' slow food experiences revealed that slow food experiences have a positive impact on tourists' quality of life [ 23 ]. Badu-Baiden and Kim [ 46 ] developed the memorable local food consumption experiences (MLFCEs) scale and verified through structural equation modeling that the scale has strong explanatory power concerning local food attitudes, subjective well-being, and destination loyalty.…”

“…Lifestyles associated with food have a positive impact on attitudes and contribute to satisfaction with experiences and overall life satisfaction [ 44 , 45 ]. Tourists' attitudes towards local food can explain the mechanisms behind their affective, psychological, and subjective well-being [ 7 , 35 , 46 ]. However, there is a lack of explicit and systematic research on the mechanisms by which tourists' attitudes and satisfaction are affected by the food tourism experience on tourists' subjective well-being.…”

Memorable tourism experience of heritage-local food on tourist behavior: Mediating role of destination image and satisfaction

“…In addition, Rajamangsa Culinary also has an essential role as a supporting destination for Sojiwan Temple in Kebondalem Kidul Cultural Tourism Village. The "memorable tourism experience" approach can effectively increase visitor attraction and positive experiences at this location (Badu-Baiden & Kim, 2022;. The concept of Rajamangsa cultural culinary tourism was born because several factors have raised concerns regarding the sustainability of tourism in this location.…”