Exploring the components of meal-sharing experiences with local foods: a netnography approach

Creative Commons License

ATSIZ O., ÇİFÇİ İ., Rasoolimanesh S. M.

CURRENT ISSUES IN TOURISM, cilt.25, sa.6, ss.919-936, 2022 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 25 Sayı: 6
  • Basım Tarihi: 2022
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1080/13683500.2021.1905619
  • Dergi Adı: CURRENT ISSUES IN TOURISM
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, ABI/INFORM, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), CAB Abstracts, Geobase, Hospitality & Tourism Complete, Hospitality & Tourism Index, PAIS International, Veterinary Science Database
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.919-936
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: authenticity, awe, local foods, Meal-sharing experience, netnography method, servicescape, social interaction
  • Yozgat Bozok Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study aims to explore and ascertain the components of meal-sharing experiences with local foods of international travellers. This study offers insights into the factors influencing local food tourists' evaluation of destination experiences of a sharing economy platform. A netnography approach is applied to understand the meal-sharing experience and 957 online reviews are examined which were posted on Eatwith by visitors who participated in the meal-sharing economy platform in Rome (Italy) between 2013 and 2020. Findings reveal seven components of meal-sharing experiences with local foods: authenticity, social interaction, local hospitality, awe, local culture, novelty, and servicescape. Findings show that participants can interpret their meal-sharing experience in different ways. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first research that uses online reviews to explore and understand the meal-sharing experience with local foods. This study has unique theoretical contribution by exploring the components of meal-sharing experience with local foods, as well as practical implications for service providers in order to enhance their service and experience quality.