The effect of food tourism experiences on tourists’ subjective well-being

Abstract

Food has become a crucial factor in attracting tourists to destinations. Providing tourists with satisfying food experiences has become a significant concern for tourist destinations. This study examines how tourists’ food experiences contribute to their subjective well-being. After con­ ducting a questionnaire survey of 360 tourists who experienced Zibo barbecue food, and analyzing the data using structural equation modeling, it was found that: tourists’ food sensory experience, service experience, and environmental experience positively affect their satisfaction and subjective well-being; The effect of these experiences on tourists’ satisfaction is mediated by tourist attitude; Tourist attitude and satisfaction play a chain mediating role in the effect of sensory experience, service experience, and environmental experience on tourists’ subjective well-being. The research findings help to deepen the understanding of the relationship between food tourism experience and subjective well-being, enrich the theoretical research on food experience and tourists’ well-being, and have insightful significance for the development and construction of other tourist destinations.