Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of gastronomic attractions experienced by tourists on destination satisfaction, and to examine the moderating effect of gastronomy motivation in the relationship between gastronomic attractions and destination satisfaction in the case of Edirne in Turkey. Quantitative research design was used in the study. The data of the research were collected from 384 local tourists who participated in the Hıdrellez and Kakava Festivals in Edirne during the first week of May in 2018. In order to determine the perceptions of tourists toward gastronomic attractions and destination satisfaction previously validated scales were utilized. In order to measure gastronomy motivation of the tourists, items developed by the researchers were used. According to the results of the study, it has been determined that the unique and reputed gastronomic attractions had a positive effect on destination satisfaction, and no effect of price & performance on destination satisfaction was found. On the other hand, it has been determined that gastronomic motivation has no moderation effect on the relationship between gastronomic attractions and destination satisfaction.