Impact of Local Food as a Tourist Destination Attraction

The increase in the purchasing power of individuals will enhance tour and tourism. Tourism as an experience and excitement is enhanced by the destination’s foods. Local foods are foods produced and consumed by tourists in a particular destination. Local foods formed one of the core elements of tourist destinations. This study investigated the influence of local food on tourist destination attraction with a focus on the ‘Masa’ delicacy in Minna Niger state Nigeria. The study adopts a quantitative research approach surveying 136 respondents including tourists, businessmen, artisans, and students Five restaurants were selected purposively for the study based on accessibility and willingness to participate. The results indicate that local foods are highly important to tourists, especially among the age group 25-35, who accounted for the highest customer patronage. Respondents generally agreed that tourist destination attraction is driven by local foods. In addition, respondents agreed that the uniqueness of local foods enhances pleasure and happiness. The study further found that local foods in destination attractions enhance social prestige and status, especially among the youths in the age group (15-25) which boost vacations among tourists. Respondents further agreed that local foods served as an appealing flavour for tourism destination loyalty and recommendations. However, the concern for hygienic, aesthetic package, and environmental friendliness should be the utmost consideration. The study suggests that local foods should form part of tourism destination management, however, done in consideration of the purchasing powers of the tourists to enhance the overall experience.