A Responsible Cultural Heritage Consumption for Senior Tourists in Nicosia

Year 2024, Volume: 9 Issue: 1, 100 - 117, 30.07.2024

Gizem Güvenbaş , Mukaddes Polay

https://doi.org/10.30785/mbud.1387407

Abstract

Cultural heritage consumption plays a pivotal role in senior tourism, providing unique experiences and fostering a sense of connection with the past. This study focuses on the concept of responsible cultural heritage consumption for senior tourists in the historic Walled City of Nicosia. The primary objective is to examine the preferences and challenges of senior tourists in terms of accessibility and engagement with cultural heritage sites. Qualitative research was conducted through documentation, on-site observations and interviews to gather data about the cultural heritage consumption experiences of senior tourists. The research findings reveal that senior tourists are interested in experiencing authentic cultural heritage and desire opportunities for meaningful interactions with local heritage. However, limited accessibility and lack of age-friendly facilities pose significant barriers to their full participation in cultural heritage sites. The study highlights the need for responsible tourism practices that make cultural heritage inclusive for all age groups.

Keywords

Responsible tourism, cultural heritage consumption, senior tourists, inclusive access, Nicosia Walled City.

Lefkoşa’da İleri Yaş Turistler için Sorumlu Kültürel Miras Gereksinimi

Abstract

Kültürel miras tüketimi, geçmişle ilgili bağlantı duygusunu geliştirerek, ileri yaş turizminin gelişiminde önemli rol oynamaktadır. Bu araştırma, tarihi Surlarla çevrili Lefkoşa Şehri'ndeki ileri yaş turistlerin kültürel miras gereksinimini incelemektedir. Çalışmanın amacı, ileri yaş turistlerin kültürel miras alanlarına erişimi ve katılımı konusunda karşılaştıkları tercihleri ve zorlukları incelemektir. Kültürel miras tüketimi bağlamında ileri yaş turistlerin deneyimleri hakkında gerekli verilerin elde edilmesi için çalışmada doküman araştırması, yerinde gözlemler ve görüşmeler yoluyla nitel bir araştırma yaklaşımına yer verilmiştir. Araştırma bulguları, ileri yaş turistlerin otantik kültürel miras değerlerine ulaşmak istediklerini ve yerel mirasla anlamlı etkileşimler için fırsatlar aradığını ortaya koymaktadır. Bununla birlikte, sınırlı erişilebilirlik ve yaşa uygun çevresel düzenlemelerin bulunmamasından dolayı oluşan engeller, ileri yaş turistlerin kültürel miras alanlarına tam katılımlarını önlemektedir. Çalışma, kültürel mirası tüm yaş grupları için kapsayıcı hale getiren sorumlu turizm uygulamalarına olan ihtiyacın altını çizmektedir.

Keywords

Sorumlu turizm, kültürel miras tüketimi, ileri yaş turist, kapsayıcı erişim, Lefkoşa Surlariçi.

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