Amenumey, E. K., Dayour, F. Adongo, C. A. (2015). Why they Consume Indigenous Food and Beverage in Ghana: the International Tourist Perspective. Journal of Arts and Social Science,3 (1), 171-197 Why they consume indigenous food and beverage in Ghana: The international tourist perspective. Amenumey, E. K 1 ., Dayour, F. 2 and Adongo, C. A 1 . 1 Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management University of Cape Coast, Ghana Kwesilarge@yahoo.co.uk +233245112925 2 Department of Community Development University for Development Studies Wa, Upper West Region, Ghana Fdayour@gmail.com +233207654943 Abstract The consumption of indigenous food and beverages can add to the competitive marketing of tourist destinations. The study attempted to examine the factors that motivate tourists to consume indigenous food and beverage in Ghana. Using a survey approach, data were collected from 891 tourists using questionnaires. Respondents were accidentally sampled at various eateries, entertainment centres, attractions and streets across the cities involved. The factor analysis, t-test, ANOVA and some descriptive statistics were used in the data analyses. The results revealed a four-factor solution, made up of cultural experience, excitement, interpersonal reasons and health concerns as explanatory variables of tourists’ motivation to consume local food in Ghana. It was also found that while some motivations differed by tourists’ background characteristics, others did not. It was, therefore, concluded that the primary factor that motivated tourists to consume local food/beverage in Ghana was the quest for a cultural experience. The study recommends that service providers in the Ghanaian food industry should focus attention on providing quality and authentic indigenous food/beverage services to tourists. The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and other event organizers could encourage the packaging of local food bazaars, specially targeted at enhancing the cultural experience of international tourists. Keywords: Ghana, local food, motivation, international tourists