Travel lifestyle preferences and destination activity choices of Slow Food members and non-members. (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Kuan-Huei; Packer, Jan; Scott, Noel
• Is Part Of: Tourism management. Volume 46(2015)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 10
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: Food tourism -- Motivation to travel -- Travel lifestyle -- Destination activities -- Slow food; Tourism -- Periodicals; 338.4791
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tourman.2014.05.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0261-5177

Abstract

Abstract: This paper explores the relationships between travel lifestyle preferences and destination activity choices of Slow Food members and non-members. Food is an important component of Slow Food members' lifestyle, and members practice the Slow Food philosophy in their daily lives. It was therefore expected that lifestyle preferences would influence destination activity choices in different ways for Slow Food members and non-members. This proposition was tested by comparing 337 Slow Food members' and 207 non-members' questionnaire responses. The results suggest that Slow Food members differed significantly from non-members in travel-related lifestyle preferences and destination activity choices. Slow Food members had lower interest in comfortable travel and higher interest in local culture compared with non-members. This study also found travel lifestyle preferences significantly influenced destination activity choices. Independently of the motivation to travel to a destination, this study offered evidence that travel lifestyle preferences influence participants' destination activity choices. An investigation of the impact of the diverse cultural backgrounds of Slow Food members is suggested as a future area of study. Highlights: We find tourists' destination activities are influenced by travel lifestyle. Interest in new and local culture impacts high engagement in destination activities. Preference for familiarity and comfort negatively influenced local food consumption.