Understanding Behavioral Intention in Blok M’s Culinary Tourism: Gastronomy Image, Experiences, and Satisfaction

The culinary industry in Blok M, Jakarta, has experienced significant growth, particularly among teenagers, establishing itself as an iconic culinary center with diverse food offerings. Despite a previous decline, the revitalization of the area, aided by the accessibility of public transportation such as the MRT since 2019, has attracted a steady influx of visitors. The purpose of this study is to examine how gastronomy images and memorable tourism experiences affect behavioral intentions, with customer satisfaction as a mediating role. It investigates factors contributing to positive customer perceptions, including taste quality, uniqueness, and service excellence. A quantitative research methodology is used in this research. Purposive sampling was used to gather data from 201 people who were participating in culinary tourism in Blok M. The analysis was performed with SmartPLS 4.0 software. The findings indicate that both gastronomy image and memorable tourism experiences positively and significantly impact on customer satisfaction and behavioral intentions within the culinary landscape of Blok M. For those involved in Blok M’s culinary tourism industry, this study offers insightful information that highlights the necessity of improving food quality and unique dining experiences to foster customer satisfaction. By concentrating on these variables, stakeholders are able to effectively position Blok M as one of the culinary destinations, driving increased visitor engagement and economic growth in the area.