The relationship between the destination preference reasons and gastronomic consumption trends of tourists and its effect on their behavioral intentions (A case of İstanbul)

The purpose of this thesis research is to reveal the relationship between the destination preference reasons of tourists and their gastronomic consumption trends. In addition, it is to determine the effect of destination preference reasons and gastronomic consumption trends on behavioral intentions. In this context, a survey was conducted for domestic and foreign tourists visiting Istanbul and a total of 403 data that can be analyzed were obtained. In line with the hypotheses formed in accordance with the purpose of the study, the mean values of the expressions, exploratory factor analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis were performed. According to the findings obtained from the analyzes, positive significant relationships were determined between the dimensions of gastronomic consumption trends and the reasons for preferring destinations. However, the effect of molecular cuisine tendencies dimension and cultural and environmental attractions dimension on behavioral intentions were not found to be meaningful. In this respect, the research reveals information with a theoretical originality. In the light of the results obtained from the research, suggestions were made to the relevant institutions and it was emphasized that the subject should be researched more since there are few studies on this subject in the literature.