“G@strotourism”: How Technology and Human Perception Mechanism Shape Food Tourism Experience and Behavior for Sustainable Economic Development

The present study investigates the relationship between human perception, multisensory gastronomic experiences, and technological mediation within the context of gastrotourism. The research introduces the concept of G@strotourism as a perception-centered and digitally mediated experiential tourism framework, where tourist experiences are shaped through the interaction of sensory engagement, experiential memory, and digital technology. A quantitative methodology was employed, with data collected from 942 international tourists who had visited Greece at least once. EFA, CFA, and SEM analyses were conducted to examine the relationships among pre-trip perceptions, memorable food experiences, technologically enhanced memories, loyalty, and behavioral intention. The findings provide preliminary evidence that technologically enhanced gastronomic experiences influence memory formation, emotional attachment to destinations, and future tourist behavior. The study contributes to the literature on perception-centered tourism experiences by highlighting the roles of sensory perception, memory processes, and digital mediation in gastronomic tourism, and by discussing their implications for tourism experiences enhanced through digital technologies.