Motivations of the Culinary Tourist in the City of Trapani, Italy

Abstract

Culinary tourism is a popular practice and the resulting economic activity has great potential to enhance the attractiveness of a tourist destination. When visitors search for unique and genuine gastronomic experiences in a visited area, gastronomy becomes a germane motivation for selecting a travel destination. This study addresses culinary tourism through segmentation of visitors to Trapani, Italy, concerning the importance of gastronomy in their choice of travel destinations. This study identifies three types of tourists with different degrees of interest in local gastronomy: survivors, enjoyers, and experiencers. According to the results of statistical analysis, experiencers (tourists with a great interest in local gastronomy) show the greatest appreciation for local food as well as being the group that makes the greatest economic impact in the area.