CULINARY JOURNEY: A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF AUTHENTIC GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCES IN WEST SUMATRA, INDONESIA

Gastronomic tourism has become a global phenomenon where tasting local cuisine is a key reason people travel. West Sumatra, Indonesia, renowned for its rich Minangkabau culinary heritage and culture, serves as an ideal destination for those seeking authentic food experiences. Although Padang restaurants are well-known internationally, the true Minangkabau culinary experience is best enjoyed in its place of origin. This study compares the effects of gastronomic motivation and local food authenticity on authentic culinary experiences and tourist satisfaction among both domestic and international visitors in West Sumatra. Using the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) model and data from 198 respondents, the results indicate that for domestic tourists, authentic culinary experience mediates the relationship between food authenticity and satisfaction, while gastronomic motivation does not have a significant indirect effect. Conversely, for international tourists, both factors have significant direct and indirect effects on satisfaction through authentic culinary experience. These findings highlight the importance of authenticity and active engagement in shaping tourist satisfaction. Therefore, it is recommended that destination management strategies focus on authenticity and cultural storytelling for international visitors, while enhancing interactive experiences for domestic tourists. This research offers valuable insights for developing more effective gastronomic tourism strategies.