The mediating role of nostalgia in the impact of street foods attributes on toward destination attitudes and behavioral intentions
Journal of Foodservice Business Research, 2025 (Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Publication Date: 2025
- Doi Number: 10.1080/15378020.2025.2536905
- Journal Name: Journal of Foodservice Business Research
- Journal Indexes: Scopus, Academic Search Premier, IBZ Online, ABI/INFORM, Business Source Elite, Business Source Premier, CAB Abstracts, Environment Index, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Hospitality & Tourism Complete, Hospitality & Tourism Index
- Keywords: Behavioral intention, istanbul, stimulus-organism-response theory, street foods, tourist attitudes
- Eskisehir Osmangazi University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This study investigates the mediating role of nostalgia in the relationship between street food attributes and tourists’ destination attitudes and behavioral intentions. Local and authentic gastronomic experiences such as street food can trigger nostalgic feelings, which in turn can increase tourist loyalty and behavioral intentions. Therefore, Based on the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) theory, the study investigates how the authenticity, quality and ambience of street food affect tourists’ perceptions and actions. The study adopts a quantitative research design and uses survey data collected from domestic tourists who have previously visited Istanbul and experienced street food culture. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The findings show that street food characteristics positively affect destination attitudes and behavioral intentions, and nostalgia plays an important mediating role in this relationship. Street food is an important motivator for tourist attitudes and behavioral intentions toward a destination and an important motivator for behavioral intentions in marketing. On the other hand, considering the significant contribution of nostalgia to the formation of positive behavioral intention, creating nostalgic elements in the street food experience can be an important opportunity for destinations. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating nostalgic elements into street food experiences to enhance destination marketing strategies.