Journal of Tourism, Hospitality and Travel Management (JTHTM)
Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026)

Integrating Food Involvement and Destination Experiential Performance into the Gastronomic Place Attachment Framework

Isyanto, Puji (Unknown)
Yosepha, Sri Yanthy (Unknown)
Yani, Dini (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
27 Mar 2026

Abstract

Gastronomic tourism has evolved from a supplementary activity into a primary driver of destination satisfaction and tourist behavior. Grounded in the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework, this research examines the mechanical transition from internal psychological traits to sustained destination loyalty. Specifically, the study investigates the structural relationships between Food Involvement (FI), Perceived Authenticity (PA), Gastronomic Sensory Appeal (GSA), Destination Experiential Performance (DEP), Gastronomic Place Attachment (GPA), and Revisit Intention (RI). Utilizing a quantitative, cross-sectional design, data were collected from 300 tourists in Bandung, Indonesia, and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that all seven hypothesized relationships are statistically supported. Food involvement serves as a potent internal stimulus that dictates the intensity of both cognitive authenticity and sensory appraisals. These organismic states collectively determine the experiential performance of the destination, which functions as the primary bridge to forming emotional place attachment and revisit intentions. Notably, the findings reveal that while sensory appeal provides physiological gratification, the cognitive validation of authenticity remains the dominant driver of experiential performance for highly involved tourists, functioning as an application of their gastronomic literacy. These insights provide a strategic framework for Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) to leverage culinary heritage as a tool for building destination brand equity and long-term tourist loyalty.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

JTHTM

Publisher

Subject

Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Economics, Econometrics & Finance Social Sciences

Description

The Journal of Tourism, Hospitality, and Travel Management (JTHTM) aims to publish interdisciplinary research that clearly contributes theoretically or methodologically to the body of knowledge relating to all aspects of tourism, travel, and hospitality. JTHTM strives to publish first-rate academic ...