미식관광 경험적 가치에 의한 노스탤지어가 정서적 유대감과 장소 애착, 그리고 재방문의도에 미치는 영향

Purpose: This study aims to examine how experiential value in food tourism influences tourists’ revisit intention through the mediating roles of nostalgia, emotional bond, and place attachment. By identifying the psychological mechanisms that transform food-related experiences into behavioral loyalty, this study expands theoretical perspectives on food tourism and emotional consumption. Research design, data, and methodology: A total of 230 valid responses were collected from tourists who had recently experienced food tourism in Gwangju and Jeonnam regions during August 2025. The survey data were analyzed using SPSS 28.0 and AMOS 28.0. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to verify reliability and validity, followed by structural equation modeling to assess the causal relationships among the study variables. Result: Experiential value significantly and positively influenced nostalgia, which in turn enhanced emotional bonding with the place. Emotional bonding was found to be a strong predictor of place attachment, and place attachment significantly increased revisit intention. These results suggest that emotional responses and psychological connections generated through food experiences play a decisive role in shaping loyalty toward destinations. Conclusion: Food tourism experiences not only offer sensory satisfaction but also stimulate affective memories and attachment to destinations. Strengthening emotional and relational components in food tourism can effectively enhance tourists’ behavioral intentions. Destination marketers should leverage local cuisine as a strategic tool to create meaningful, memorable, and emotionally engaging experiences that foster long-term tourism sustainability.