Guest experience and unique accommodation features in Göreme, Cappadocia: An Airbnb review analysis

Year 2024, Volume: 9 Issue: 3, 317 - 325

Koray Çamlıca

https://doi.org/10.31822/jomat.2024-9-3-317

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of unique accommodation features on guest experiences in the Göreme town of Cappadocia, focusing on Airbnb reviews. By analyzing 5,677 reviews from 122 Airbnb listings, the research identifies key features such as cave dwellings, panoramic views, and hot air balloon experiences, which significantly contribute to guest satisfaction. A mixed-method approach has been used, combining frequency analysis and sentiment analysis, to evaluate how these unique elements shape guests' perceptions and overall satisfaction. The findings highlight the critical role of both aesthetic qualities and service standards, emphasizing the need for hosts to balance unique architectural features with essential hospitality services like cleanliness and maintenance. This research provides insights for Airbnb hosts and destination marketers to enhance the appeal of Cappadocia as a premier destination for immersive, authentic tourism experiences. The study also offers strategic recommendations for improving marketing efforts and destination management by leveraging Cappadocia's cultural and natural heritage to create memorable guest experiences. As a suggestion for future research, it may be useful to extend the findings of this study to a wider geographical area and examine different tourist profiles.

Keywords

Cappadocia, Airbnb, Guest experience, Accommodation features, Sentiment analysis.

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