Turkish Tourism Research Articles

Assessing Alignment Between Self-Reported Sustainability and Practices in Turkish Tourism

Objective: This study explores the potential of ecotourism as a sustainable alternative for Turkey's tourism industry. We aimed to assess the alignment between tourism facilities' self-reported sustainability efforts and their potential implementation.. Theoretical Framework: The study is grounded in ecotourism and sustainable tourism principles, emphasizing environmental responsibility, community well-being, and long-term tourism viability. Method: Content analysis examined sustainability-related keywords and dedicated sustainability pages on the websites of 161 tourism facilities in Muğla. Results and Discussion: While 104 facilities used sustainability keywords, only 4 possessed recognized sustainability certifications. Limited details on dedicated sustainability pages suggest these keywords may be primarily for marketing. This highlights a potential gap between rhetoric and reality. Research Implications: The study emphasizes the limitations of website analysis for assessing sustainability practices. Future research should incorporate on-site visits, stakeholder interviews, and a deeper marketing analysis. Originality/Value: This research contributes by demonstrating the limitations of website content analysis and highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to assessing ecotourism practices in Turkey. This knowledge can guide stakeholders towards promoting a more responsible and sustainable future for Turkish tourism.

Digital Innovations and Market Dynamics of Tourism Businesses in Turkey

This research explores the intricate relationship between digital innovations and market dynamics within the Turkish tourism businesses. Employing a qualitative approach, data were gathered through in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including representatives from tourism agencies, hoteliers, tour operators, and technology providers. Thematic analysis of the data revealed several key findings. Firstly, digital innovations have enabled tourism businesses to enhance customer engagement and deliver personalized experiences, leveraging social media, online booking platforms, and mobile applications. Secondly, technology adoption has led to improved operational efficiency and cost reduction through automation and optimization of various processes. Thirdly, digital platforms have facilitated market expansion and global reach, enabling businesses to tap into new markets and attract international tourists. However, challenges such as digital literacy, data privacy concerns, and the need for government support remain prevalent. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is crucial in driving digital transformation and fostering sustainable growth in the Turkish tourism industry. While the qualitative nature of this study limits generalizability, future research endeavors could explore longitudinal trends, conduct comparative studies across regions, and investigate the role of emerging technologies. Overall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the impact of digital innovations on the Turkish tourism sector and provides valuable insights for academia, industry practitioners, and policymakers alike.

The Impact of Local Community Attitudes Towards Sustainable Tourism Development on Tourism Development Support

This study aims to examine the impact of local residents' attitudes toward sustainable tourism on supporting tourism development. Conducted in Mersin, a significant destination for Turkish tourism, the study collected survey data from 415 local residents. Various dimensions of sustainable tourism development were considered through a structural model constructed using structural equation modeling. The analysis results indicate that perceived social costs negatively influence tourism development. Additionally, factors positively affecting local residents' support for tourism development include perceived economic benefits, environmental sustainability, maximizing community participation, long-term planning, a community-centered economy , and visitor satisfaction. These findings underscore the importance of local residents' attitudes for the sustainable development of tourism destinations.

Digital nomadism and the tourism industry labor markets

PurposeThis paper aims to develop a vision for the future identifying how digital nomadism affects the labor markets in the tourism industry.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative research method was used. The research data were collected using a semistructured interview form developed by the researcher. The sample consists of twenty people working in the tourism industry as tour guides, travel agency owners, accommodation sector employees and professional managers. The content analysis method was used to analyze the data.FindingsIt was found that employees in the tourism industry are familiar with digital nomadism, interact with employees working as digital nomads and may prefer the digital nomad way of working, while employees in the accommodation sector cannot work as digital nomads due to the nature of their work. It is shown that digital nomadism can be applied to tour guides and travel agency owners.Research limitations/implicationsThe data was collected from employees of the accommodation sector, travel agencies, tour guides and employees of the Turkish tourism labor market. It is recommended that the tourism labor markets adapt to the digitalized world and adjust their working models in this context.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies on the impact of digital nomadism on the tourism labor markets.

What hospitality and tourism higher educators learned from COVID-19: A case of Turkiye

Among all the sectors, the hospitality and tourism sector has been detrimentally affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This research aimed to determine how changes have been experienced specifically in the Turkish tourism higher education and tourism sector. Twenty-seven academics from the hospitality and tourism education departments were interviewed. Most agreed that restrictions have limited student access to hands-on practical courses and internships, which are crucial to developing necessary competencies. Moreover, the results showed the curriculum does not always meet the needs of the hospitality industry for a trained and skilled workforce. The challenge is to decide what else should be taught and what methods and teaching approaches should be used. As a result, industry-academia cooperation is necessary to reassess the curriculum programs to meet sector needs considering the pandemic impacts.

Development of Cultural and Faith Tourism in SCO and Turkic States: Uzbekistan's Potential and the Exemplary Turkish Case

This article treats Turkish tourism sector's recent changes, focusing on its increasing relationships with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries and Turkic states. The paper examines about Turkiye's efforts to expand its tourism partnerships beyond its traditional European allies and emphasizes its cooperation with SCO member countries such as Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Furthermore, it underlines Turkey's efforts to revive the ancient Silk Road—particularly through the "Middle Corridor" plan—in an effort to increase Turkic states' cultural, economic, and tourist collaboration. Cultural and religious tourism in the Turkic states is highlighted, with a particular emphasis on Turkiye and Uzbekistan. The paper concludes with practical proposals to further develop of cultural and faith tourism, i.e. effective promotional campaigns, cheap flights, and visa-free travel. Generally, the article provides a thorough overview of Turkiye's ever expanding tourism sector as well as its strategic efforts to promote significant cooperation within the SCO region.

Understanding tourists’ intention in the face of earthquake risks: An analysis of word-of-mouth impact in the turkish tourism context

Purpose – The objective of this research is to uncover the correlation between word-of-mouth communication, electronic word-of-mouth communication, perceived risk, and the intention to visit Turkey following an earthquake that occurred in February 2023. Methodology/Design/Approach – Data was collected from adult participants aged 18 and above in the United States of America. After data collection, any missing patterns in the data records were addressed, resulting in a refined dataset consisting of 501 participants. The analysis was performed using SmartPLS-4 and SPSS. Findings – According to the results, positive word-of-mouth about earthquakes does not decrease tourists’ perceived risk of visiting Turkey. However, positive word-of-mouth and electronic word-of-mouth about earthquakes do increase tourists’ intention to visit Turkey. Positive electronic word-of-mouth about earthquakes reduces tourists’ perceived risk of visiting Turkey. Lastly, the perceived risk associated with earthquakes decreases tourists’ intention to visit Turkey. Originality of the research – In a ground-breaking research endeavour that examines the seismic events of February 2023, this study pioneers an investigation into the complex motivations of tourists who choose to visit Turkey. It unravels the intricate interplay between word-of-mouth communication, electronic word-of-mouth, perceived risk, and the inclination to visit Turkey following the earthquake

Neurotourism and National Tourism Promotion: A Thematic Analysis of the Turkish Tourism Market Based on Neuroscience

Neurotourism and National Tourism Promotion: A Thematic Analysis of the Turkish Tourism Market Based on Neuroscience

The Role and Importance of TÜRSAB as a Professional Organization in Turkish Tourism on the Centenary of the Republic of Turkey

Turizm endüstrisi içerisinde yer alan meslek kuruluşları genel itibariyle turizm işletmelerinin gelişmesine katkı sağlayan, sorunları çözmede destek olan, ulusal ve uluslararası alanda gelişmeleri takip eden bir yapıda faaliyet göstermektedir. Turizm endüstrisiyle ilişkili faaliyet gösteren meslek kuruluşlarından biri de seyahat acentacılığı alanında Türkiye’deki en önemli meslek kuruluşu Türkiye Seyahat Acentaları Birliği’dir (TÜRSAB). TÜRSAB 1972 yılında kurulduğundan bugüne hem seyahat acentalarına hem de Türkiye turizmine önemli katkılar sağlamıştır. TÜRSAB, turizmi teknolojiyle entegre ederek çağın gereklerine uyum sağlamaya yönelik kurduğu tüm birimleriyle, gerçekleştirdiği fuarlar, etkinlikler, akademik faaliyetler, yayınlar ve raporlarıyla sürekli gelişmektedir. TÜRSAB’ın hedefleri arasında yeni pazarlar araştırmak, bu pazarlarda sektör açısından ikili iş birliği vaat eden alanları ortaya çıkarmak, Türkiye’nin tanıtılmasını ve markalaşmasını sağlamak bulunmaktadır. TÜRSAB’ın Türk turizmine yapmış olduğu katkılar incelendiğinde turizm meslek örgütlerinin artması sektörel güçlenme bakımından önemli görülmektedir. Bu çalışmada, Türkiye Cumhuriyeti’nin yüzüncü yılında turizm endüstrisine son elli yıldır yön veren önemli meslek kuruluşlarından biri olan TÜRSAB’ın tarihçesi, kuruluşu, amaçları, faaliyetleriyle ele alınarak, Türkiye turizmine katkılar ortaya konmaya çalışılmıştır.

Institutions, Organizations, and Individuals Leaving a Mark in Turkish Tourism (1923 - 2023)

Bu yazıda Türkiye Cumhuriyeti döneminde turizm alanında iz bırakanlar üzerine yürütülen çalışmanın sonuçları yer almaktadır. Cumhuriyet’in ilan edildiği 1923 yılından içinde bulunduğumuz 2023 yılına kadar geçen yüz yıllık süreçte turizm alanında sayısız gelişme olmuş, sayısız kurum, kuruluş ve insan bu alana katkıda bulunmuş ve bulunmaktadır. Türk Turizminde İz Bırakanlar listesi, önceden başka çalışmalar ile elde edilen kurum, kuruluş, kişi ve etkinlikten oluşan iki bin maddelik liste temel alınarak oluşturuldu. İlk aşamada liste 100 kişiye düşürüldü. Her biri turizmin farklı alanlarında uzun yıllar görev yapmış 12 kişilik bir uzman grup üzerinde üç aşamalı Delfi tekniği çalışma yürütüldü. Sonuç olarak, ilerleyen sayfalarda yer alan başlıklarda Türk Turizmine İz Bırakanlar listesi elde edildi.

Pioneering - Original - Precedent Ak-Tur Holiday Settlements in Turkish Tourism History

Datça ve Bodrum Ak-Tur Tatil Siteleri, EPA Mimarlar Grubu tarafından Ak-Tur Turizm ve Endüstri A.Ş. için eşzamanlı olarak 1973 yılında turizm amaçlı tatil yerleşimi olarak planlanıp uygulanmış ve 1976 yılında hizmete girmiştir. İşletme modeliyle Türkiye turizm tarihinde farklılaşan bu sitelerdeki konutlar, sahiplerinin konaklamaları dışındaki zamanlarda iç ve dış turizm taleplerini karşılamak üzere tasarlanmışlardır. Bu çalışma mülkiyet, kullanım, altyapı ve sosyal donatılarıyla bu yerleşmelerin Türkiye’deki devre mülk sistemine öncülük etmiş olması temel savına dayanmaktadır. Bu makale, Datça ve Bodrum Tatil Siteleri’ni devre mülk ve ikinci konut olguları çerçevesinde ele almayı; Ak-Turlar’ın kuruldukları günden bugüne süregelen niteliklerine ve Türkiye turizm tarihindeki önemlerine işaret etmeyi; böylelikle ilgili alanyazınına katkıda bulunmayı amaçlar. Bu makale, nitel araştırma yöntemiyle, Ak-Tur Tatil Yerleşimleri’ne ilişkin ana savı destekleyen verileri ‘öncü’, ‘özgün’ ve ‘emsal’ olmak üzere üç eksenli bir kuramsal çerçevede sorgulamakta; çağdaşları ve sonraki uygulamalarla ilişkilendirerek yorumlamaktadır.

A Century of Turkish Tourism Education: Historical Overview of Secondary Education

Bu çalışma ortaöğretim düzeyinde verilen turizm eğitiminin tarihsel süreçte nasıl ele alındığını, değiştiğini ve geliştiğini çeşitli tarihi belgeler ışığında anlamaya çalışmaktadır. Bu amaçla Turizm Danışma Kurulları raporları, Kalkınma Planları, Turizm Özel İhtisas Komisyonu Raporları ve Millî Eğitim Şuraları belgeleri incelenerek turizm eğitimi konusunun Cumhuriyet tarihi boyunca nasıl bir gündem yarattığı incelenmiştir. Böylece Basın ve Yayın Genel Müdürlüğü, Turizm Bakanlığı ve Millî Eğitim Bakanlığı’nın turizm eğitimi konusundaki önerileri, kararları ve faaliyetleri mercek altına alınmıştır. Cumhuriyet tarihinin turizm eğitimi alanındaki genel bir perspektifini sunan bu çalışma, eğitimin niteliğinin önemini ve dönüşümünü kapsamlı bir pencereden ortaya koymuştur.

Last Fifty Years of Turkish Tourism (1973-2022): Evaluation of Foreign Tourist Demand in the Context of Policies, Strategies and Crises

Toplumsal ve ekonomik olaylar, siyasal krizler, savaşlar-çatışmalar, doğal afetler ve salgın hastalıklar gibi dışsal şoklara karşı kırılgan dinamiklere sahip olan Türkiye turizminin gelişimi 1980’li yıllardan itibaren ivme kazanmıştır. Yürürlüğe konulan ulusal politika ve stratejilerin etkisiyle Türkiye turizmi, planlı dönemle birlikte sistematik olarak ele alınmaya başlanmıştır. Türkiye turizminin gelişimini anlamak için Türkiye’ye yönelik uluslararası turizm hareketlerinin zamansal ve alansal dinamiklerinin analiz edilmesi önem arz etmektedir. Çalışmada 1973-2022 yılları arasında Türkiye’ye yönelik uluslararası turizm hareketleri kapsamında gelen yabancı turistlerin çeşitli değişkenlere göre değişimlerinin zamansal ve mekânsal boyutlarını ortaya koymak amaçlanmıştır. Sözü edilen değişkenler; yabancı turistlerin yıllara, aylara ve taşıt araçlarına göre değişimi; giriş yaptıkları sınır kapılarının bağlı bulunduğu illere ve geldikleri ülkelere göre dağılışı/değişimi olarak sıralanmaktadır. Çalışmada çeşitli veri kaynaklarından elde edilen ikincil veriler ele alınmış; konuya ilişkin tablo, grafik ve haritalar hazırlanarak değerlendirilmiştir. Türkiye’ye yönelik uluslararası turizm hareketlerinin 1980’li yıllardan itibaren ivme kazandığı görülürken küresel, bölgesel ve ulusal ölçekte meydana gelen olaylar, yabancı turist talebinde dönemsel değişmelere neden olmuştur. 1990’lı yıllardan sonra Türkiye turizmini yıl geneline ve Anadolu’ya yayma, pazarı çeşitlendirme ve alternatif turizm türlerini geliştirme politikalarının yürürlüğe konulmasına rağmen turizmin mevsimselliği ve kıyılarda yoğunlaşması sorunu aşılamamıştır. Nitekim yabancı turistlerin geldikleri ülkelerde Avrupa pazarının hakimiyeti devam etmiş, Güneydoğu Asya gibi potansiyel pazarlara ulaşılamamıştır.

Revisiting the Nexus between Turkish Tourism Index Returns and Economic Policy Uncertainty: Partial Wavelet Coherence Analysis

This study reevaluates the well-documented negative relationship between the Turkish tourism index stock returns and economic policy uncertainty (EPU) indices using a wide range of EPU indices that span from 1997 to 2003. The aim of the paper is to find out whether EPU indices a have particular importance for the tourism companies’ stock returns or they end up with the same consequences regardless of the sector. To this end, Partial Wavelet Coherence analysis is conducted using the BIST 100 and the real effective exchange rate indices as conditioning variables. Results show that the negative relationship between the EPU indices and Turkish tourism index returns tends to disappear when controlled for the BIST 100 index returns. EPUs are shown to have no particular effect on the excess stock return performance of Turkish tourism companies. The policy uncertainties in Europe (particularly in France and, to a lesser extent in Germany) become effective only after controlling also for the changes in real effective exchange rates.

Analyzing the tourist markets with a new tool: Tourist market typology

To develop appropriate strategies through classifying the tourist markets is an important issue to increase the tourism revenue. In this study, a tourist market typology was developed. Tourist markets were divided into eight groups in terms of their average daily expenditures, average length of stay, and their contribution to the tourism revenue of destination. Typology of tourist markets was applied using the Turkish tourism data of 2018. It gives concrete recommendations about which strategy to be pursued for each markets in order to maximize the tourism revenue while controlling the cost that associated with the tourism operations.

Turkish Tourism History with Documents Devlet-i Aliyye (Ottoman) Passport

Turkish Tourism History with Documents Devlet-i Aliyye (Ottoman) Passport

The review of the data of Turkish tourism industry via the trend analysis method

The way for Turkey to increase its tourism related income and to reach to a higher place within the global competition goes through achieving sustained tourism activities and keeping the whole tourism industry standing. This can only be achieved by rendering the enterprises in the industry financially improved and by conducting effective financial analyses. In this study, within the scope of findings, obtained by implementing trend analysis method onto the industrial data of the tourism industry, which is comprised of the accommodation and food & beverage related businesses in Turkey, supplied by The Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye, determinations regarding the financial status of the industry have been made. In Turkish tourism industry, the profitability between 2015 and 2018 was not at the desirable level. For the continuation of the success of the industry which recovered in 2019 and have been going through a successful period, as well as for the ensuring the efficiency of its activities, taking measures towards strengthening the structure of its equity capital and long-term foreign resources, shall be most beneficial for the industry.

Turkey at the crossroads: a study of geopolitics and tourism re-alignment

ABSTRACT This article examines the development of tourism in Turkey. It focuses mainly on the relationship between the country’s shifting geopolitical alignment and the recent changes in the countries of origin of its international tourist clientele. The study outlines geopolitical aspects of tourism, highlighting how it can be part of government strategies to reflect shifting geopolitical alliances and relationships. In the case of Turkey, there has been something of a move away from Europe and NATO towards enhanced relations with Russia and China. The article draws on an analysis of official statistics, interviews with key stakeholders in the Turkish tourism sector and direct field observations at tourist sites.

Editorial: academic peer reviewers – The good, bad, and the ugly

Editorial: academic peer reviewers – The good, bad, and the ugly

The role of management organizations and local governments in destination marketing: the case of Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA)

The second viewpoint is industry-focused and is authored by Mr. Murat Toktaş. He is the founder/president of KATID (Black Sea Tourist Operators Association), the founder/president of SKAL Karadeniz, and the founder/vice-president of TUROYD (Tourism Hotel Managers Association) and a member of the Board of Directors of TUROFED (Turkish Hoteliers Federation). In his viewpoint, he explains how destination management organizations (DMOs) work with local governments in Turkey. He suggested a successful destination marketing strategy for the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA). Collaboration between local and DMOs is essential for destinations to be adequately promoted and become a successful brands. Marketing is effective when a destination's artistic and cultural features are correctly promoted, as in the case of TGA. This viewpoint also concludes with several future research directions.