Analyzing Visitor Experiences in Natural Landscapes through the Lens of Sustainable Tourism

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to explore the experiences of tourists visiting the natural areas of Kastamonu Province by identifying both positive and negative aspects of these experiences. Through this analysis, the study seeks to assess the current state of the destination in terms of its tourism development. Furthermore, the findings are intended to offer indirect contributions to recommendations that align with sustainable tourism principles. Method: The analysis of feedback related to natural areas incorporated data from TripAdvisor, acknowledged as a leading source of travel information globally, and employed content analysis to interpret the reviews. A review of the TripAdvisor listings for Kastamonu province highlighted six key sites in the places to visit category, which garnered 407 user-generated reviews. Results: Among the 407 comments analyzed concerning natural areas, 73,34% expressed positive sentiments (n=842), while 26,66% conveyed negative sentiments (n=306), resulting in a cumulative 1,148 codes. A significant majority, approximately 90%, of the evaluations are rated as excellent or very good, in contrast to 10% that are deemed poor or terrible. The most commonly cited affirmative expressions related to natural environments feature terms such as “magnificent, natural marvel, intriguing, flawless, delightful, remarkably beautiful, extraordinary, and breathtaking,” all of which articulate the appeal of these sites. The predominant theme identified regarding negative factors pertained to issues associated with insufficient transportation pathways. Conclusion: Feedback regarding the natural landscapes in Kastamonu province indicates that tourists express a high level of satisfaction and report predominantly favorable experiences in the region's outdoor environments. The frequency of negative coding stands out remarkably, with visitors highlighting concerns such as environmental pollution, transportation issues, and problems related to infrastructure. Addressing the concerns raised by visitors is crucial for fostering sustainable tourism in the long run, as it will enhance satisfaction levels and protect natural resources.

Keywords

• Sustainability
• Natural Environment
• Tourism
• Visitor Experience
• TripAdvisor

Sürdürülebilir Turizm Kapsamında Doğal Alanlardaki Ziyaretçi Deneyimlerinin İncelenmesi

Abstract

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, Kastamonu İlinin doğal alanlarını ziyaret eden turistlerin deneyimlerini incelemek, bu deneyimlerin olumlu ve olumsuz yönlerini analiz ederek destinasyonun turistik gelişimi açısından mevcut durumu değerlendirmektir. Elde edilen bulgular doğrultusunda, sürdürülebilir turizm ilkeleriyle örtüşebilecek önerilere dolaylı olarak katkı sunulması hedeflenmektedir. Yöntem: Doğal alanlara yönelik yapılan yorumlar, Dünya’nın en büyük seyahat bilgi kaynaklarından biri olarak kabul edilen TripAdvisor sitesinden elde edilen veriler yardımıyla değerlendirilmiş ve yorumlar içerik analizine tabi tutulmuştur. Kastamonu iline ait TripAdvisor sitesinde gezilecek yerler kategorisinde yer alan 6 destinasyon ve toplamda 407 yorum incelenmiştir. Bulgular: Doğal alanlara ilişkin paylaşılan 407 yorum içerisinden %73.34’ü olumlu (n=842) ve %26.66’sının olumsuz (n=306) olmak üzere toplamda 1.148 kodlama yapılmıştır. Yorumların yaklaşık % 90’ı mükemmel- çok iyi, % 10’u ise kötü-berbat derecelendirmeye sahiptir. Doğal alanlara ilişkin en sık tekrar eden olumlu kod destinasyonların güzelliğini nitelendiren “muhteşem, doğa harikası, büyüleyici, mükemmel, harika, çok güzel, inanılmaz, nefes kesici” gibi kelimelerden oluşmaktadır. Olumsuz açıdan en sık tekrar eden kod ise ulaşım yollarının yetersizliğiyle ilgili sorunlar olarak ifade edilmiştir. Sonuçlar: Kastamonu ilindeki doğal alanlara yönelik yapılan yorumlar, ziyaretçilerin büyük ölçüde memnun kaldığını ve bölgedeki doğal alanlarda genel olarak olumlu deneyimler yaşadıklarını göstermektedir. Ancak olumsuz kodlamaların oranı dikkate değer düzeydedir ve ziyaretçilerin çevre kirliliği, ulaşım ve alt yapı problemleri gibi bazı sorunlarla karşılaştığı belirlenmiştir. Dolayısıyla hem memnuniyeti arttırıp hem de doğal kaynakların korunmasını sağlayarak uzun vadede sürdürülebilir turizme katkıda bulunabilmek için ziyaretçilerin yorumları yardımıyla tespit edilen problemlerin çözülmesi gerekmektedir.

Keywords

• Sürdürülebilirlik
• Doğal Çevre
• Turizm
• Ziyaretçi Deneyimi
• TripAdvisor

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