Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Geographies, Planning & Tourism StudioS, cilt.2, sa.2, ss.77-89, 2022 (Hakemli Dergi)
The purpose of this research is to determine which elements stand out in the photographs and comments
shared by visitors to Lake Van on the Tripadvisor website. 742 photographs and 278 comments created by
visitors on the online sharing platform Tripadvisor formed the sample of this research. Photographs and
comment analysis were performed through the MAXQDA qualitative data analysis program. As a result,
visitor comments, comprising prominent components of Lake Van, analogies to Lake Van, prominent
components of the city of Van, suggestions, and negative comments are gathered under five themes.
Seven themes were obtained from the visitor photographs; local products, activities, attractions around
Lake Van, reflections, flora-fauna, historical buildings, and islands. In general, it was understood that
the visitors liked the unique view of Lake Van and described it as a must-see place. It is expected that
these research outputs will provide an idea about the destination image to all stakeholders and visitors
involved in the tourism movement.