From perception to satisfaction: Understanding tourist responses to Istanbul destination image

Ceren Gül Artuner Özder

doi:10.24288/jttr.1851740

From perception to satisfaction: Understanding tourist responses to Istanbul destination image

Abstract

This study investigates how international tourists’ perceptions of Istanbul’s destination image shape overall satisfaction and how these perceptions vary across demographic groups. Using survey data from 216 visitors, exploratory factor analysis identified four image dimensions: comfort, security, and affordability (CSA), cultural attractions, shopping and entertainment, and maintenance and hygiene, while satisfaction was unidimensional. Multiple regression shows that CSA exerts the strongest influence on satisfaction, followed by shopping, entertainment, and cultural attractions. One-way ANOVA indicates significant differences by age, occupation, and region of origin, with region explaining the largest share of variation. The findings refine destination image theory for large urban destinations by highlighting CSA’s primacy and its demographic boundary conditions. Managerially, segment-specific strategies coupled with hygiene/maintenance upgrades and emotional digital narratives are recommended to improve satisfaction and competitiveness.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Tourist Behaviour and Visitor Experience, Tourism Marketing, Tourism Planning

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Ceren Gül Artuner Özder ^*
0000-0003-1496-2772
Türkiye

Publication Date

March 22, 2026

Submission Date

December 30, 2025

Acceptance Date

February 21, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 12 Number: 1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.24288/jttr.1851740

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA95ZU45DK

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Artuner Özder, C. G. (2026). From perception to satisfaction: Understanding tourist responses to Istanbul destination image. Journal of Tourism Theory and Research, 12(1), 36-51. https://doi.org/10.24288/jttr.1851740

AMA

1.Artuner Özder CG. From perception to satisfaction: Understanding tourist responses to Istanbul destination image. Journal of Tourism Theory and Research. 2026;12(1):36-51. doi:10.24288/jttr.1851740

Chicago

Artuner Özder, Ceren Gül. 2026. “From Perception to Satisfaction: Understanding Tourist Responses to Istanbul Destination Image”. Journal of Tourism Theory and Research 12 (1): 36-51. https://doi.org/10.24288/jttr.1851740.

EndNote

Artuner Özder CG (March 1, 2026) From perception to satisfaction: Understanding tourist responses to Istanbul destination image. Journal of Tourism Theory and Research 12 1 36–51.

IEEE

[1]C. G. Artuner Özder, “From perception to satisfaction: Understanding tourist responses to Istanbul destination image”, Journal of Tourism Theory and Research, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 36–51, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.24288/jttr.1851740.

ISNAD

Artuner Özder, Ceren Gül. “From Perception to Satisfaction: Understanding Tourist Responses to Istanbul Destination Image”. Journal of Tourism Theory and Research 12/1 (March 1, 2026): 36-51. https://doi.org/10.24288/jttr.1851740.

JAMA

1.Artuner Özder CG. From perception to satisfaction: Understanding tourist responses to Istanbul destination image. Journal of Tourism Theory and Research. 2026;12:36–51.

MLA

Artuner Özder, Ceren Gül. “From Perception to Satisfaction: Understanding Tourist Responses to Istanbul Destination Image”. Journal of Tourism Theory and Research, vol. 12, no. 1, Mar. 2026, pp. 36-51, doi:10.24288/jttr.1851740.

Vancouver

1.Ceren Gül Artuner Özder. From perception to satisfaction: Understanding tourist responses to Istanbul destination image. Journal of Tourism Theory and Research. 2026 Mar. 1;12(1):36-51. doi:10.24288/jttr.1851740