The frequency of use of gastronomy products with geographcal indication in boutique hotels in Cappadocia Region and their impact on tourist perceptions

The accelerated eating activities due to globalization have brought along issues such as the continuity and sustainability of food culture. In particular, the increasing uniformization of food harms the region's unique food products and prevents it from adhering to its own cultural elements. In this context, the concept of geographical indication (GI) is important for the transfer of food products, which are one of the important representatives of cultural transfer, to future generations and to ensure regional development. As a result of the literature review, it reveals that the use of products bearing GI stamps provides many benefits to the product, producer, consumer and the national economy. In this study, in order to measure the effects of GI food products on tourist perceptions, tourist perceptions were analyzed under the dimensions of "GI product knowledge", "perceived quality", "satisfaction and fulfillment" and "intention to revisit and recommend". The questionnaire prepared to measure tourist perceptions includes a total of 40 statements. 31 of the statements provide information about the dimensions above and the remaining 9 statements provide information about demographic characteristics. The survey was conducted between January 10, 2023 and May 5, 2024. The survey was attended by 500 tourists who are staying or have stayed in boutique hotels in Nevşehir province. Of the questionnaires obtained, 41 forms were found to be incorrect or incomplete. 459 of the questionnaires were taken into consideration. When the results of the analysis are examined, it is revealed that GI food products have a significant and positive effect on tourist perceptions. In order to learn the frequency of use of GI products in the study, 7 boutique hotels were also reached on the same date as the surveys.