The relationship between eating behavior and destination choice in tourism: The example of vegetarianism

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between eating and drinking behavior and destination choice by considering the vegetarianism dimension. When the relevant literature is examined, it can be stated that although there are studies that examine the relationship between the factors affecting food choices (labels, artificial meat, menus, restaurant staff, guides) and destination choices separately, there is no study that examines them as a whole. In this sense, it is thought that the findings obtained from the research will make positive contributions to the literature on vegetarianism and vegan nutrition, destination developers and businesses. The study was carried out using the questionnaire technique within the scope of quantitative research. In the study, valid 449 questionnaires were evaluated, and the answers from 198 vegetarian and 251 omnivorous (omnivorous) individuals were analyzed using package programs. According to the test results, it was observed that there is a positive and significant relationship between eating and drinking behavior and destination choice. As a result of the multi-group analyzes, the effect of eating and drinking behavior on destination selection was significant for both omnivorous and vegetarian groups, while the effect was higher in vegetarian individuals. There was also a difference between vegan and other vegetarian groups. In addition, when demographic variables are examined with difference tests; While gender and vegetarian diet make a significant difference in the relationship between eating and drinking behavior and destination choice; no difference was observed in the variables of age, marital status, education level and income level.