Abstract

This study identified factors influencing tourists’ decisions to explore local food options at UP Diliman. It examined motivations for trying local food, the relationship of these choices to the overall visitor experience, gaps in existing food offerings, and possible improvements that could diversify the campus food landscape. The researchers used a descriptive survey method and distributed questionnaires to tourists and visitors at UP Diliman. The survey gathered data on respondent characteristics, visit frequency, food preferences, and factors influencing food choices. Exploratory factor analysis and binary logistic regression were used to identify relationships among variables and determine the most influential factors. The findings indicated that tourists considered affordability, cleanliness, environmentally responsible practices, cultural diversity, food quality, portion size relative to price, and customer service when exploring local food offerings. These factors were reported to influence the overall dining experience. The study concluded that local food offerings were important to tourist behavior and sustainable tourism development at UP Diliman. It recommended promoting authentic local cuisine to support tourist satisfaction, local vendors, and the cultural and environmental sustainability of the area.