Food Tourists and Food Image in a Creative City of Gastronomy in Macao, China. Issue 2 (3rd April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wan, Yim King Penny; Choi, Suh-hee
• Is Part Of: Journal of China tourism research. Volume 18:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 376
• Page End: 396
• Publication Date: 2022-04-03
• Subjects: Food tourism -- food tourists' profile -- food image -- City of Gastronomy -- Macao; 美食旅游 -- 美食游客概况 -- 美食形象 -- 澳门美食之都; Tourism -- China -- Periodicals; Tourism; China; Periodicals; 338.479151
• DOI: 10.1080/19388160.2020.1852992
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1938-8179

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study is to understand food tourists in comparison with nonfood tourists to Macao, China, especially their profiles and behavioral characteristics, and to understand how much the regional cultural components and image of the gastronomy are associated with these two groups of tourists. Quantitative surveys with 470 visitors including both food tourists and nonfood tourists were conducted. Results revealed that food tourists and nonfood tourists were not differentiated significantly from each other in relation to demographic background or most of the behavioral pattern, including previous visiting experience. Furthermore, food tourists did not have significantly different images about the gastronomic, cultural, and food-related aspects of Macao, except for a few factors such as age and awareness. Additionally, Hongkongers had a stronger image about Macao as a place for Macanese food than other respondents including the mainland Chinese and international visitors. Results of this study add knowledge to the existing body of food tourism literature and provide some insights to the stakeholders involved in food tourism of ways to strengthen the city's food image for the promotion of the food brand.