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@article{176419,
        author = {G Rajesh Kumar and D. Gunaseelan},
        title = {Exploring Gastronomic Experiences as Travel Drivers: A Study on Culinary Tourism Context},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {11},
        number = {11},
        pages = {5353-5356},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=176419},
        abstract = {Culinary tourism, an emerging niche in the travel sector, emphasizes food and gastronomy as a primary motivation for travel. This study investigates the role of Tamil Nadu's rich and diverse culinary heritage in influencing travel decisions among both domestic and international tourists. Drawing on data collected from 312 respondents, the research examines key gastronomic factors—regional authenticity, local food experiences, food festivals, and culinary storytelling—that shape tourist motivations and satisfaction. Using a structured questionnaire and quantitative methodology, the study employs descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression techniques via SPSS (v25) to explore the relationship between culinary experiences and tourists' travel behavior. Results indicate that 82% of the respondents consider food a significant component of their travel experience, while 68% reported that culinary uniqueness positively influenced their destination choice. The findings further highlight that traditional cuisine, local food markets, and participatory cooking experiences significantly contribute to traveler satisfaction and cultural immersion. The study concludes that culinary assets serve not only as cultural ambassadors but also as strong tourism motivators, especially in the post-COVID era when tourists increasingly seek authentic and sensory-rich travel experiences. Recommendations are provided for tourism stakeholders to integrate culinary tourism into mainstream promotional strategies, enhance infrastructure for food-focused tourism, and preserve regional food traditions as a means to boost sustainable tourism development.},
        keywords = {Culinary tourism, Gastronomy, Tourist motivation, Tamil Nadu cuisine, Food experience, Cultural tourism, Travel behavior},
        month = {July},
        }