Does Food Tourism Experience Affect Tourists’ Subjective Well-being?

Abstract

Food tourism has become a significant element of the travel industry, enhancing tourists' subjective well-being. This study examines the direct impact of food tourism experiences on tourists’ subjective well being, focusing on four major cities in Indonesia: Jakarta, Surabaya, Surakarta, and Yogyakarta. The research investigates three primary variables food sensory experience, food service experience, and food environmental experience and their influence on tourists' well-being. A quantitative approach was adopted, with data collected from 249 respondents through an online survey. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results demonstrate that all three variables of food tourism experiences significantly affect tourists' subjective well-being. These findings highlight the importance of food tourism in enhancing the overall travel experience, providing practical insights for tourism professionals, local businesses, and policymakers seeking to improve destination appeal and tourist satisfaction.