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"Destination"
research Vol. 4, No. 1 (2026) • pp. 65-85

Smart destination applications in Türkiye and global examples: A comparative analysis

Hasene Nur Gök, Şule Aydın

This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of smart city/destination applications in Türkiye and around the world and to identify areas where smart destination management can be further developed in Türkiye. The research was designed using a multiple-case study approach within the framework of qualitative research. Document review was utilized as the data collection technique, and secondary sources such as academic studies, institutional reports, municipal websites, strategy documents, project descriptions, and digital destination applications were evaluated. The study’s sample was determined using purposive sampling; a total of ten cities were included in the analysis: Benidorm, Singapore, Helsinki, Amsterdam, and Valencia from around the world, and Konya, Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, and Mugla from Türkiye. The global cities were treated as the global reference group, while the Turkish cities were treated as the local analysis group. The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis method that combined deductive and inductive approaches. As a result of the analysis, nine main themes were identified: smart governance and institutional capacity; smart transportation and mobility; digital services and local resident/visitor experience; data-driven management and digital infrastructure; smart tourism and cultural heritage management; environmental sustainability and resource management; accessibility, inclusivity, and visitor convenience; innovation ecosystem and experimental applications; and security, risk, and resilience management. The findings indicate that cities in Türkiye have advanced examples, particularly in transportation integration, mobile municipal services, digital payment systems, geographic information system (GIS)-based mapping, and tourist information applications. In contrast, it was determined that in cities around the world, data-driven decision support systems, digital twin applications, environmental sensor infrastructures, capacity management, living lab applications, institutional certification, and inclusive accessibility solutions have developed in a more comprehensive and measurable manner. In conclusion, the study highlights that smart destination applications in Türkiye should not remain limited to the level of digital service delivery but must be transformed into data-driven, sustainable, inclusive, measurable, and integrated destination management systems.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21759169
research Vol. 4, No. 1 (2026) • pp. 47-63

The glass ceiling experiences and professional challenges of female employees in travel agencies: A qualitative study in Düzce province

Muhammet Caner Kaya, Meryem Muhafiz, Ezgi Aydemir, Meryem Demirkal, Hilal Akyol

Women’s participation in the workforce has increased in various sectors both globally and in Turkey following the Industrial Revolution. However, despite this increase, women remain underrepresented in senior management positions. This situation points to the existence of invisible barriers that limit women’s career advancement and is explained in the literature by the concept of the “glass ceiling.” The purpose of this study is to examine the phenomenon of the glass ceiling that women face in their professional lives, the validity of this phenomenon under current conditions, and the difficulties women encounter in their participation in the workforce, specifically within the context of the tourism sector. In the literature, glass ceiling barriers are generally addressed in three dimensions: individual, organizational, and societal. Individual barriers are associated with women’s self-confidence, career perceptions, and professional attitudes; organizational barriers are linked to internal organizational practices, promotion processes, and discriminatory approaches; and societal barriers are related to traditional gender roles and expectations regarding work-life balance. The tourism sector is one of the areas where female employees’ experiences with the glass ceiling have become more visible due to long working hours, a fast-paced work environment, a seasonal employment structure, and working conditions that require emotional labor. Accordingly, this study was conducted within a qualitative research framework to examine the professional experiences of women working at Group A travel agencies in Düzce Province and to identify the barriers they face in their career development. Data for the study were collected through semi-structured interviews with three female participants and analyzed using content analysis. The study found that individual, organizational, and societal barriers affect women’s career development to varying degrees; recommendations were developed to strengthen women’s employment in the tourism sector and support their career development processes.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21378221
research Vol. 4, No. 1 (2026) • pp. 34-46

Food allergy knowledge, attitudes, and practices among employees of food and beverage establishments: Evidence from Şanlıurfa

Fatma Beşaltı Ede, Serkan Yiğit

This study aims to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral levels of personnel working in food and beverage establishments in Şanlıurfa province regarding food allergies. Food allergies are among the important issues in the food and beverage sector in terms of consumer health, food safety, and service quality. The prevalence of eating and drinking out, especially in tourist destinations, makes the awareness and preparedness level of employees in this area even more crucial. A quantitative research method was adopted in the study, and data were collected between September 15 and September 30, 2024, using a face-to-face survey technique. A total of 409 questionnaires were obtained; after removing incomplete and erroneous forms, analyses were performed on 352 valid questionnaires. The research findings revealed that participants' knowledge and attitudes regarding food allergies were at a moderate level, and they exhibited a moderate level of risk in terms of behavior. The results indicate that personnel working in food and beverage establishments are not adequately prepared regarding food allergies and that more systematic training practices are needed in this area. The study makes significant contributions to improving safe service delivery in food and beverage establishments, increasing employee awareness, and strengthening food safety practices at the destination level.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21312101
research Vol. 4, No. 1 (2026) • pp. 18-33

Tourists' negative destination behaviours: A systematic review and conceptual framework of destination rejection, avoidance and boycott

Hakan BENEK

Despite decades of scholarship on destination choice, satisfaction, and loyalty, the question of why tourists deliberately refuse, avoid, or boycott destinations has remained conceptually fragmented. Multiple overlapping constructs  (destination rejection, avoidance, boycott, repulsion, and non-visitation intention) circulate in the literature without consistent definitional boundaries. This paper does not claim to establish a new independent research domain; rather, it performs an integrative conceptual clarification: a typological refinement that specifies the distinct psychological mechanisms, antecedent structures, and management implications of each form of negative destination behaviour. Drawing on a systematic review and conceptual synthesis of 29 peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2026, conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines (Page et al., 2021), the paper identifies four thematically and mechanistically distinct clusters: (1) active destination rejection, (2) protective/risk-based avoidance, (3) moral/political boycott, and (4) negative image-based passive non-selection. Two theoretically primary mechanisms are designated: Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) for risk-based avoidance, and Social Identity Theory (SIT) for boycott and identity-based rejection. Six additional theoretical frameworks serve as complementary rather than co-equal explanatory resources. Two exploratory effect-size syntheses are reported in Appendix C as illustrative material  ( not as meta-analytic claims ) noting that full pooling was not feasible due to limited effect-size comparability across studies. The most important practical implication is type-specificity: the management response to moral/political boycott must be fundamentally different from the response to risk-based avoidance or passive non-selection. Implications for DMOs and an eight-priority future research agenda are provided.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20744602
Research Papers Vol. 3, No. 2 (2026) • pp. 87-99

Haute Cuisine, Cultural Capital, and Tourist Destination Image: A Qualitative Study from Türkiye

Osman Özer

This study approaches haute cuisine and fine dining not only as an area of gastronomic development but also as a strategic tool for the image building, international positioning, and competitive differentiation of tourist destinations. The primary objective of the research is to examine the role of the fine dining ecosystem in Turkey on destination image from a multi-stakeholder perspective and to reveal its contributions to the destination marketing and management literature. The research was designed within the qualitative research paradigm using a phenomenological approach; data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. A total of 19 participants, selected through purposive sampling, consisted of Michelin-starred chefs, fine dining restaurant owners, young generation chefs, gastronomy academics, gastronomy writers, consumers who regularly experience fine dining, and international gastrotourists. The data obtained were analyzed using thematic analysis. The research findings show that fine dining experiences enhance the perceived prestige, cultural sophistication, and experiential value of destinations. Fine dining stands out as a symbolic tool that highlights the dimensions of exclusivity and quality in destination image, especially for tourist segments with high spending potential. It was determined that international guides such as the Michelin Guide play an important role in increasing the global visibility of Turkey's fine dining scene; however, this visibility has not yet been transformed into a comprehensive and sustainable strategy in the context of destination marketing and management. In conclusion, the study reveals that fine dining is not only a gastronomic value for Turkey but also a strategic asset in terms of destination image and international competitiveness; it offers important theoretical and practical insights in the context of destination management, gastronomic diplomacy, and brand positioning.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18118050
Research Papers Vol. 3, No. 1 (2025) • pp. 11-16

Accessible tourism in Cappadocia: a qualitative study from the perspective of tourism stakeholders

Fatmagül Hanbal, Koray Çamlıca

This study aims to examine the current state of accessible tourism in the Cappadocia region through the perceptions of tourism stakeholders. Adopting a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 tourism professionals, and thematic analysis was applied. The findings reveal that despite the region's natural and historical appeal, accessibility for individuals with disabilities is limited due to physical infrastructure deficiencies, inadequate staff training, and geographical challenges. Participants made recommendations emphasizing infrastructure improvements, training programs, and the role of local authorities. The research highlights the need for systemic interventions to make Cappadocia an inclusive destination, contributing to sustainable tourism policies.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.16951209
Theoretical paper Vol. 3, No. 1 (2025) • pp. 1-9

An overview of the Sephardic Cultural Heritage in İzmir through the lens of religious tourism

Selda Yesügey

The aim of this study is to examine the Sephardic Jewish cultural heritage in İzmir from the perspective of religious tourism, to raise awareness about this heritage, and to explore how it can be preserved and sustainably utilized through tourism. Adopting a qualitative research approach, the study relies on secondary data sources to conduct a situational analysis. Within this scope, both tangible heritage elements, such as places of worship and residential spaces related to Sephardic Jews in İzmir, and intangible cultural heritage elements, including culinary traditions, handicrafts, and the Ladino language, are examined. Due to the limitations of the research, the four most prominent and best-preserved synagogues among the 11 Sephardic synagogues in Izmir were emphasized. For culinary culture, Boyoz and Sübye, known as Izmir delicacies, were discussed. The study aims to contribute to destination marketing strategies, the development of alternative tourism forms, and the preservation of cultural diversity. Additionally, it seeks to address a gap in the literature by contributing to the field of religious tourism through the relatively underexplored case of Sephardic Judaism in Türkiye.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.16910782
Theoretical paper Vol. 3, No. 1 (2025) • pp. 17-23

Digital revitalization of cultural and historical experiences in the Van Lake Basin with augmented reality: A conceptual approach

Ali Bozbey, Ali İnanır

Augmented reality (AR) applications can support tourism through the reconstruction of historical structures in their original forms, interactive tour guides, and digital information systems. The aim of this study is to explore how the cultural and historical heritage of the  Van Lake Basin can be digitized using AR technology and how a more interactive experience can be offered to visitors. Creating a conceptual framework in this research was conducted by reviewing the literature and considering the resources available in the region evaluates the impacts and feasibility of augmented reality in the regional tourism sector. The findings reveal that implementing AR applications at historical and touristic sites in the Van Lake Basin can contribute both to the local economy and to the region's potential to become a sustainable tourism destination. However, it has also been observed that certain infrastructure and technical requirements must be met in order to effectively implement such applications. It is anticipated that this study will increase academic interest in the region within the context of augmented reality and provide guidance for local authorities and the tourism sector, making AR applications a more attractive option.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17100614
Research Papers Vol. 2, No. 2 (2024) • pp. 43-58

The role of perfectionism in enhancing job performance in İzmir destination hotels

Cemre Çankaya Altuntaş, Meral Dursun Küçükoğlu

Perfectionism is the behavior of people who set goals that are difficult to achieve in order to be perfect, to reach perfection and to exhibit high performance. Job performance, on the other hand, is the behavior of employees in a business in accordance with the purpose of the business while fulfilling their duties. Hotel businesses are labor-intensive businesses and the human element is of great importance. Job performance is affected by factors such as personality traits and behaviors of employees. Therefore, it is thought that perfectionism, which is known as a personality trait, may affect the job performance levels of employees. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between perfectionism perceptions of hotel employees and their job performance. In obtaining the research data, a questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. Convenience sampling method was used in the study and the population of the study consists of employees working in four and five star hotels in Izmir. The data obtained were analyzed with SPSS and AMOS programs. According to the results of the analysis, there is a significant relationship between perfectionism perception and job performance. In addition, it was concluded that perfectionism perception has a positive effect on job performance. According to this result, positive developments in employees' perceptions of perfectionism will positively affect their job performance levels.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14499170
Review Paper Vol. 2, No. 2 (2024) • pp. 69-80

The effect of food and beverages served in accommodation businesses on destination attractiveness

Gökhan Onat

Food and beverage services offered in accommodation establishments are one of the most important elements of the tourism experience. Local cuisine experiences are becoming more and more prominent among tourists' motivations for choosing destinations. Increasing the attractiveness of destinations and ensuring the satisfaction of tourists is directly related to authentic and quality gastronomy services. Food and beverages are considered to be not only a means of consumption but also an important tool for cultural identity and brand value of destinations. In this context, local gastronomy elements offered to tourists can positively affect the overall image of the destination and visitor loyalty. In this study, the effects of food and beverages offered in accommodation establishments on destination attractiveness are examined in the light of the research in the literature. A total of 15 studies were evaluated using content analysis method and the effects of these services on tourist satisfaction, behavioral intentions and destination preferences were revealed. The findings show that quality and authentic gastronomy services have the power to differentiate destinations and this positively affects tourists' destination preferences. In addition, factors such as the way food is presented, its visuality and the atmosphere of the environment in which it is presented are also found to strengthen tourist satisfaction. However, it was emphasized that low quality services may lead to tourist dissatisfaction and damage the image of the destination. With these aspects, gastronomy tourism is considered as a powerful strategic tool in destination marketing.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14540498
Theoretical paper Vol. 2, No. 1 (2024) • pp. 1-12

The role of leadership and emotional intelligence in destination management: A conceptual review

Seçkin Kodal

This study examines the importance of leaders' emotional intelligence skills in the tourism sector and their impact on both employee performance and destination management. Emotional intelligence refers to the ability of leaders to understand and manage their own emotions and the emotions of others and to behave accordingly. In the management of tourism destinations, high levels of emotional intelligence in leaders can have positive effects not only on employee motivation and job satisfaction, but also on the sustainability and competitiveness of the destination. This article discusses the relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership within a theoretical framework and discusses the applications of these two concepts in the tourism sector and especially in destination management. By analyzing the research in the literature, the effects of emotional intelligence on leadership and its benefits in the context of destination management are emphasized and practical suggestions are presented in this framework.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.13284064
Theoretical paper Vol. 2, No. 1 (2024) • pp. 13-23

The role of destination carrying capacity within the framework of flow theory

Yusuf Karakuş, Eren Erkılıç

This study addresses the critical relationship between tourist destination carrying capacity and flow theory. In this way, a framework has been drawn by focusing on its complex impact on sustainable destination management. Tourism carrying capacity, defined as the maximum number of tourists that a destination can accommodate without compromising environmental integrity, the well-being of local people or visitor satisfaction, is of central importance in ensuring long-term sustainability. At the same time, flow theory, which defines the state of commitment and satisfaction experienced by individuals, provides an important framework for improving the quality of tourist experiences. This article argues that balancing the carrying capacity of a destination with the principles of flow theory is vital for both environmental sustainability and high-quality visitor experiences. Although issues related to carrying capacity are frequently studied, providing a perspective within the framework of flow theory can provide a better understanding of the existing realities of destination management mechanisms. In this context, the originality of this study is that the literature is examined from a theoretical perspective and the problems related to carrying capacity management are explained from different perspectives. As a result of the theoretical findings, managerial and theoretical suggestions are presented.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.13331419
Theoretical paper Vol. 1, No. 1 (2023) • pp. 15-23

Navigating tourist preferences: The role of cognitive shortcuts in destination choice

Yusuf Karakuş

Theoretical research explores the intricate process of tourist destination selection, focusing on cognitive psychology and cognitive shortcuts. These cognitive shortcuts, which simplify decision-making, are studied in the context of visitor choices. Drawing from cognitive psychology, consumer behavior, and tourism studies, the study comprehensively examines cognitive heuristics, how they relate to perception, motivation, trust, and preferences. Influential factors include destination image, marketing, risk perception, and culture. The study not only enhances understanding but also offers practical insights for Destination Management Organizations. Strategies include shaping destination image, addressing travel risks, and reducing choice overload. In essence, this research illuminates the cognitive shortcuts shaping tourist preferences and provides guidance for adapting to the evolving travel landscape.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10053678
Theoretical paper Vol. 1, No. 1 (2023) • pp. 25-32

The role of contingency theory for tourist destinations management

Eda Kaya, Muhammet Caner Kaya

Contingency theory, known for its ability to adapt to dynamic conditions in an environment, has increasingly come to the fore as an agent of change in the ever-changing environment of the tourism industry. This study looks at the application of contingency theory in the tourism industry, with a particular focus on crisis management, community engagement, technological integration and the promotion of sustainable practices. The potential of the theory to be effective in managing uncertainties and promoting resilience in tourism destinations is presented in its ability to provide perspective. Furthermore, the paper recommends the application of the studies presented to investigate the enduring effects of contingency-oriented strategies on the long-term viability of tourism destinations. This paper emphasizes the interaction between contingency theory and new paradigms such as ecotourism, sustainable development and heritage conservation. It also suggests using contingency theory as a framework for understanding visitor behavior to increase the resilience, sustainability, and resilience of tourism destinations that are dynamic and complex.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10251165
Theoretical paper Vol. 1, No. 1 (2023) • pp. 33-39

Motivated tourists: Gastronomy image and its implications for destination managers

Gökhan Onat

The purpose of this theoretical paper is to provide the reader with a better understanding of the phenomenon by investigating the major relevance that gastronomy image has in the field of tourism destination management. The author makes use of the insights that can be obtained from the theory of motivation to provide direction for their subsequent investigation. Through its findings, the study sheds light on the numerous ways in which gastronomy influences the allure of locales, the degree of contentment that tourists have, and the entire experience that they have while they are on vacation. The purpose of this article is to investigate the ways in which gastronomy image have an impact on the choices that tourists make, as well as the activities that they engage in and the choices that they make. This paper draws conclusions based on previous research and conceptual frameworks that have been previously established.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10454540
Review Paper Vol. 1, No. 1 (2023) • pp. 41-51

Rize from the perspective of convention tourism: Review and evaluation

Melis Angın, Eren Erkılıç

Rize is a city in the Black Sea region and has an important tourism potential with its natural beauties and history. It is thought that convention tourism can offer an effective solution to further increase this potential and to maintain tourism activities consistently throughout the year. This study aims to increase the attractiveness of the destination by evaluating the potential of Rize in the field of Convention tourism. In the first stage, the current situation of Rize was examined in detail by content analysis method, and based on the data obtained, city-specific deficiencies and improvement areas were identified. This research is a guide that aims to reveal Rize's potential for growth and development in the field of Convention tourism.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10466382