Thesis Type: Postgraduate
Institution Of The Thesis: Van Yüzüncü Yil University, Turizm Fakültesi, Turizm İşletmeciliği Bölümü, Turkey
Approval Date: 2023
Thesis Language: English
Student: JAILAN ABDULKAREEM MUSA
Principal Supervisor (For Co-Supervisor Theses): Emine Cihangir
Co-Supervisor: Mehmet Şeremet
Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
Abstract:
The tourism sector is one of the most important global income sectors, and an increasingly important sector in Turkey. Turkey hosts tourists of different nationalities every year, and has recently attracted an influx of tourists from the Middle East. Therefore, it is important to understand the profiles, motivations and experiences of Arab tourists to ensure tourism development and tourist satisfaction in Turkey. We investigated Middle Eastern tourists' nature, culture and gastronomic experiences through qualitative case studies, interviews, and observations. Arab tourists, from different Middle Eastern countries, answered 32 interview questions each. We also included 9 questions for tour guides. Data were collected via interviews and observations with 26 participants, a focus group included 13 participants, and 7 tourist guides. In addition to them I have also interviewed a man who are service driver in August 2022. Most Arab tourists were primarily motived to visit Turkey for its nature. This suggests that Turkey's natural beauty is one of the most powerful contributors to tourist satisfaction. While nature was the most attractive element, Arab tourists were also attracted by gastronomy and then culture. They were influenced by Turkey's socio-cultural values and, especially, by Turkish television programs. The tourists were deeply affected by Turkish culture, sometimes supplementing their own culture (or leaving it behind entirely) to imitate Turkish culture. This thesis concludes with suggestions for those working in the tourism industry to better appeal to Arab tourists and grow this emerging market in Turkey.