Memorable gastro-tourism experiences: A systematic literature review

Abstract

This study aimed to conduct a systematic literature review using the standard PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) as integrative review, and deductive content analysis to unravel the components and resulting areas of interest from Memorable Gastro-Tourism Experiences, as well as theories, and methodologies used. The review and synthesis of 60 quantitative, qualitative, and mixed studies conducted between 2015 and 2024 revealed that the study of Memorable Gastro-Tourism Experiences is nascent but active. The primary focus of research lies within aspects such as sensory and authentic experiences, togetherness, social interaction and local culture, esthetics and servicescape, cognitive engagement, gastronomic novelty and curiosity, hedonism and meaningfulness, and hospitable service experiences, mainly. Behavioral intentions emerged as the most studied consequence, but emerging components and effects were also identified. SEM and deductive content analysis methods were primarily used. This revealed high heterogeneity and lack of consensus, indicative of the phenomenon's early yet active research state. The findings propose a conceptual framework of Memorable Gastro-Tourism Experiences as theoretical contributions. Practical implications and future research directions were proposed as well.