The effect of memorable local food and beverage experiences on the destination attachment of gastro tourists: The case of Marrakech

Gastronomy tourism is a key factor that plays an important role in highlighting many destinations by strengthening and growing day by day. Gastronomic tourism, which is undeniably important in attracting visitors to the region, contributes to the creation of new markets in the context of destinations. In this way, it not only contributes to the destination economy by providing economic input but also creates employment and increases the workforce. Foods in the region are of great importance because of their unique traditions, customs and rituals. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of unforgettable local food and beverage experiences on destination belonging to gastro tourists. The sample of the study consists of 300 foreign tourists visiting Marrakech. In this study, a questionnaire consisting of two parts was used as a data collection tool. Data were analyzed using factor analysis, correlation and regression analysis methods to determine significant differences in SPSS 22 statistical program. According to the results of the research, there is a significant relationship between the gender variable and the dimensions of local food experience. At this point, it is concluded that male foreign tourists participate more in their opinions about their experiences than female foreign tourists. Another finding of the study is that the marital status variable is a significant difference in the opinions of the visitors about the local food experiences. There was a significant difference between the age variable and the local food experiences of foreign tourists. There is a significant difference between destination belonging to foreign tourists and income levels. As a result of the research, it is seen that there is a significant difference between the destination belonging and the educational level of foreign tourists. In the minds of the visitors, it was aimed to contribute to the development of the destination on behalf of gastronomic tourism by identifying various elements that make an experience more important than the others, that come to mind first and that it is an unforgettable experience. However, further original studies should be encouraged.