The effect of local culinary elements on tourist satisfaction and intent to revisit: The case of Amasya

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of local culinary elements of Amasya province on tourist satisfaction and their intention to revisit. The study evaluates the perceptions and experiences of tourists visiting Amasya regarding local dishes, and how these perceptions and experiences affect their overall satisfaction and future visitation intentions. The research population consists of tourists who visited Amasya province throughout 2023. The convenience sampling method was used, and data were collected from 400 participants through a survey. The survey form includes questions about demographic information, perception of local cuisine, tourist satisfaction, and intention to revisit. Descriptive statistics, İndependent Sample t-test, and ANOVA were used to examine differences according to demographic variables. Additionally, Pearson correlation and regression analyses were conducted to determine the relationships between local culinary elements, tourist satisfaction, and intention to revisit. The research findings indicate that the local culinary elements of Amasya have a positive effect on tourist satisfaction, which in turn increases the tourists' intention to revisit Amasya. The majority of the participants stated that local dishes enriched their holiday experience and influenced their decision to revisit Amasya. In conclusion, to enhance the gastronomic tourism potential of Amasya and ensure tourist satisfaction, it is essential to effectively promote and market local culinary elements. This study reveals the impact of local culinary elements on tourist satisfaction and revisit intention, contributing to the development of sustainable tourism strategies in Amasya province. Keywords: Local Cuisine, Tourist Satisfaction, Intention to Revisit, Amasya, Gastronomic Tourism