Abstract
The purpose of this research is to examine the competitiveness of Sarıkamış destination from the perspectives of the licensed luge athletes participating in 2019 Interclub Natural Luge Turkey Championship competition. The research also intends to reveal the relationship between perceived destination competitiveness and tourism experience. Two research questions were addressed in this research. The first question was to examine to what extent the competitiveness of Sarikamis destination from the luge athletes’ perspective. The second question was to reveal the relationship between the tourism experience and perceived destination competitiveness. The Luge athletes have the opportunity to get experience in a wide range of ski centers at national or international area. Therefore, the perspectives of experienced athletes are important in determining the competitive advantage elements of Sarikamis destination. The data collection of this research is the questionnaire conducted with the luge athletes participating in the competition (n=191). The results indicated Sarikamis destination competitiveness from the luge athletes’ perspective that the highest three mean scores were “The destination’s overall favorable image in the world community, “The destination’s commitment to promoting a positive image” and this was following: “The destination’s commitment to providing a safe and secure environment. The research also revealed that the luge athletes’ perception of destination competitiveness and tourism experience in the destination do positively relate to each other. The research provided managerial implications to Sarıkamış destination managers and marketers based on the research findings. Effective image studies should be conducted in order to ensure that the Sarıkamış Cıbıltepe Ski Center can compete with other destinations internationally. In Sarıkamış Cıbıltepe Ski Center, high-quality health services should be provided against the possible injuries and accidents of the athletes.
 Key words: Destination Competitiveness, Tourism Experience, Sports Tourism, Luge Athletes, Sarıkamış.
Highlights
Tourism development and policies is to provide a competitive tourism product and service that will meet the demand, needs and expectations of tourists to attract tourists and increase tourism revenues
The first question was to examine to what extent the competitiveness of Sarikamis destination from the luge athletes’ perspective
The second question was to reveal the relationship between the tourism experience and perceived destination competitiveness
Summary
Tourism development and policies is to provide a competitive tourism product and service that will meet the demand, needs and expectations of tourists to attract tourists and increase tourism revenues In this respect, various researches about the topic are carried out to protect the environment for future generations, to contribute to the national economy and to improve the quality of life of citizens (Dwyer & Kim, 2003; Porter, 1990; Ritchie & Crouch, 2003). In the global marketplace where competitiveness is increasing, how the destinations are created, protected, sustained and how to strengthen their competitive position is a priority and difficult issue of the tourism industry This difficulty arises from the complex and multifaceted structure of the tourism industry (Ritchie & Crouch, 2003). These changes affect the competitive position of destinations is being makes it important to examination the competitiveness to meet the short and long term goals
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
