Exploring The Nexus Between Culinary Attributes and Satisfaction Among International Tourists: A Study of India’s Golden Triangle Circuit

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between culinary attributes and the satisfaction of international tourists visiting India’s Golden Triangle Circuit, comprising Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. The research aimed to identify significant culinary characteristics—such as taste, presentation, authenticity, and nutritional value and evaluate their impact on tourist satisfaction. A purposive sample of 626 tourists participated, completing surveys that assessed 26 culinary attributes using a 5-point Likert scale. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) condensed these attributes into eight dimensions, explaining 63.59% of the variance. Multiple regression analysis revealed that “Uniqueness and Authenticity”, “Cost and Nutritional Balance” and “Nutritional Value and Variety” were the most significant predictors of satisfaction, with coefficients of 0.346, 0.290, and 0.279, respectively. Attributes like “Quality and Freshness” and “Taste Excellence” showed minimal impact, suggesting that tourists viewed them as baseline expectations. The study confirmed that culinary attributes significantly influenced tourist satisfaction. This research emphasized the need to prioritize authentic, varied, and reasonably priced food offerings to enhance the tourist experience.