Changing perspectives of international second home tourists towards recreational activities in Türkiye

Abstract

Study Objective: This study aims to empirically analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on changes in international second residence tourists' perspective on recreational activities and their recreational experiences.Methodology/approach: An empirical qualitative perspective was adopted in the study. Online surveys were sent to a total of 500 international second residence tourists in Alanya/Turkey. Analyzes were made on the 430 response data returned.Orginality/value: Recreational areas are extremely important in the destination selection of international second home tourists’. There is a gap in studies focusing on changes in their recreational experiences during the pandemic. For the sustainability of the demand for second homes in the destination, it is necessary to follow the changes experienced during the pandemic process and to make provision for negativities. The study compares the purposes of participating in recreational activities of international second home tourists before the pandemic and during the pandemic period. It also comparatively analyzes the level of participation in indoor, outdoor and virtual recreational activities before the pandemic and during the pandemic period.Main results: Study results confirmed that the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the recreational activities in which second residence tourists participated.While the pandemic has reduced the interest in indoor activities, it has also increased the interest in outdoor and virtual activities significantly. Theoretical/methodological contributions: The pandemic process has not yet been fully clarified. Thus, the black swan theory remains valid for the Pandemic Process. The results of this study provide an understanding of the effects of COVID-19 specific to the experiences of international second residence tourists. The results of this study will guide the ongoing studies on second homes. Social/management contributions: In the new normal process, the demand for recreation areas has increased. Thus, carrying capacity problems arose. As a result, the destination satisfaction of international second home tourists may decrease and may decide to leave the destination. Locals who cannot use recreational areas may feel displaced. It must be taken into account that the pandemic has brought xenophobia to the agenda. Local governments should definitely make a new plan for the use of recreational areas in order to prevent possible conflicts between international second home tourists and local people.