Research Article

Exploring the Role of Festivals in Destinations Branding

Volume: 9 Number: 1 February 27, 2026
TR EN

Exploring the Role of Festivals in Destinations Branding

Abstract

In addition to augmenting income and prolonging the average duration of stay, festivals are regarded as one of the attractions that contribute to destination branding due to their provision of unique experiences. The present study aims to investigate the role of festivals in destination branding based on empirical data collected from attendees of the Çanakkale Culture Route Festival, which is held annually by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Nineteen participants were interviewed using a semi-structured format regarding the festival's influence on destination branding. Following the data analysis, the findings suggest that the festival has the potential to considerably improve destination branding through the promotion of social interactions among local residents and the stimulation of the local economy. These insights will also aid policymakers in enhancing the quality of the festival and the overall destination branding process. By contributing to the existing body of literature, this study enriches understanding of the functions of festivals within the context of destination branding. Furthermore, the limitations and recommendations for future research are outlined in the concluding section of the article.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

2209-A - Research Project Support Programme for Undergraduate Students

Ethical Statement

The study's ethical standards were reviewed and approved by the Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Ethics Committee (Reference Date 04.04.2024 - Reference Number 05/55).

References

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  6. Carter, N., Bryant-Lukosius, D., DiCenso, A., Blythe, J., & Neville, A. J. (2014). The use of triangulation in qualitative research. Oncology Nursing Forum, 41(5), 545–547. https://doi.org/10.1188/14.ONF.545-547.
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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Cultural Heritage Tourism, Visitor and Audience Studies

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

February 27, 2026

Submission Date

August 21, 2025

Acceptance Date

January 30, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 9 Number: 1

APA
Yalçınkaya, T., & Nur Çaylan, D. (2026). Exploring the Role of Festivals in Destinations Branding. GSI Journals Serie A: Advancements in Tourism Recreation and Sports Sciences, 9(1), 441-452. https://doi.org/10.53353/atrss.1770003
AMA
1.Yalçınkaya T, Nur Çaylan D. Exploring the Role of Festivals in Destinations Branding. ATRSS. 2026;9(1):441-452. doi:10.53353/atrss.1770003
Chicago
Yalçınkaya, Tarık, and Damla Nur Çaylan. 2026. “Exploring the Role of Festivals in Destinations Branding”. GSI Journals Serie A: Advancements in Tourism Recreation and Sports Sciences 9 (1): 441-52. https://doi.org/10.53353/atrss.1770003.
EndNote
Yalçınkaya T, Nur Çaylan D (February 1, 2026) Exploring the Role of Festivals in Destinations Branding. GSI Journals Serie A: Advancements in Tourism Recreation and Sports Sciences 9 1 441–452.
IEEE
[1]T. Yalçınkaya and D. Nur Çaylan, “Exploring the Role of Festivals in Destinations Branding”, ATRSS, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 441–452, Feb. 2026, doi: 10.53353/atrss.1770003.
ISNAD
Yalçınkaya, Tarık - Nur Çaylan, Damla. “Exploring the Role of Festivals in Destinations Branding”. GSI Journals Serie A: Advancements in Tourism Recreation and Sports Sciences 9/1 (February 1, 2026): 441-452. https://doi.org/10.53353/atrss.1770003.
JAMA
1.Yalçınkaya T, Nur Çaylan D. Exploring the Role of Festivals in Destinations Branding. ATRSS. 2026;9:441–452.
MLA
Yalçınkaya, Tarık, and Damla Nur Çaylan. “Exploring the Role of Festivals in Destinations Branding”. GSI Journals Serie A: Advancements in Tourism Recreation and Sports Sciences, vol. 9, no. 1, Feb. 2026, pp. 441-52, doi:10.53353/atrss.1770003.
Vancouver
1.Tarık Yalçınkaya, Damla Nur Çaylan. Exploring the Role of Festivals in Destinations Branding. ATRSS. 2026 Feb. 1;9(1):441-52. doi:10.53353/atrss.1770003

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