An Empirical Study on The Reasons for Foreign Tourists Preferring Turkish Cuisine

Abstract

This study aims to determine the reasons why Turkish cuisine, which is important for gastronomy tourism, is preferred by foreign tourists and to reveal whether these preferences differ according to demographic characteristics. The importance of the study stems from the increasing share of gastronomy tourism in the Turkish tourism sector and its strategic role in the international promotion of Turkish cuisine. Data were collected from 326 foreign tourists staying in 5-star hotels in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul using a face-to-face survey technique. According to the findings, participants evaluated Turkish cuisine as mostly delicious, satisfying, nutritious and visually rich, and stated that the cuisine attracts attention with its unique flavors and different cooking techniques. In terms of the attitudes examined according to demographic variables, it was determined that women, middle-income groups and older age groups had a more positive view of Turkish cuisine, and a generally critical attitude was displayed regarding hygiene and health issues. In the general evaluation of the research, it was determined that Turkish cuisine is a strong attraction for foreign tourists and that tourists tend to visit Türkiye again and recommend the cuisine to their circle.