Page 557 - Stk 2015 Bildiriler E-Kitap
P. 557
THE EFFECTS OF FESTIVALS ON FESTIVAL VISITORS: THE CASE OF ALACATI HERB
FESTIVAL
Esin ÖZKAN
Samet Can CURKAN
Engin Can SARAK
ABS TRACT
Countries which try to get a greater share from the international tourism market where needs and expectations are changing
rapidly work for promoting the diversification of the tourism industry and alternative tourism activities in addition to existing
tourism products. Changes in tourist demand and needs occurring with increasing number of people involved in tourism
occur in forms of tourism which are based on culture and rural tourism resources in a slow but sure development process and
incorporate all features related to the traditional life of the region. In this way, it is intended to create positive outcomes such
as gaining competitive advantage, establishing sustainability, improving the seasonal spread of tourism and the extension of
the tourist season.
Nowadays, people’s desires to enjoy and participate in feasts, festivals and entertainment held on weekends or during certain
periods of the year that are attractive and frequently followed by them to get away from the stress of everyday life are
increasing day by day. In parallel, the tourism destinations, the villages and towns that are famous with their own products
and communities with their self-worth also started to organize feasts and festivals in order to meet people's demands and
desires. The purpose of these feasts and festivals are not just limited to these; however, the revival of the tourism activit ies,
providing economic gains, promotion and marketing of the products in the regions are also included.
Survey method was used in this study which aims to determine the effects of Alaçatı Herb Festival on Alaçatı town and the
opinions of local people about the festival. SPSS 19.0 statistical software was used to analyze data collected from surveys.
The data were discussed in terms of descriptive and inferential statistics. Factor analysis, reliability analysis, and variance
analysis were performed.
The research results have shown that Alaçatı Herb Festival has positive effects on promotion of Alaçatı. Visitors of the
festival state that the festival gives local people an opportunity to show their skills and to gain economic benefit. M oreover,
the festival makes local people conscious of protection of the local culture. On the other hand, the results of this study have
also revealed that the promotional activities arranged for the festival and other activities during the festival were insufficient.
Keywords: Tourism, Festival Tourism, Çeşme, Alaçatı, Alaçatı Herb Festival.
543
FESTIVAL
Esin ÖZKAN
Samet Can CURKAN
Engin Can SARAK
ABS TRACT
Countries which try to get a greater share from the international tourism market where needs and expectations are changing
rapidly work for promoting the diversification of the tourism industry and alternative tourism activities in addition to existing
tourism products. Changes in tourist demand and needs occurring with increasing number of people involved in tourism
occur in forms of tourism which are based on culture and rural tourism resources in a slow but sure development process and
incorporate all features related to the traditional life of the region. In this way, it is intended to create positive outcomes such
as gaining competitive advantage, establishing sustainability, improving the seasonal spread of tourism and the extension of
the tourist season.
Nowadays, people’s desires to enjoy and participate in feasts, festivals and entertainment held on weekends or during certain
periods of the year that are attractive and frequently followed by them to get away from the stress of everyday life are
increasing day by day. In parallel, the tourism destinations, the villages and towns that are famous with their own products
and communities with their self-worth also started to organize feasts and festivals in order to meet people's demands and
desires. The purpose of these feasts and festivals are not just limited to these; however, the revival of the tourism activit ies,
providing economic gains, promotion and marketing of the products in the regions are also included.
Survey method was used in this study which aims to determine the effects of Alaçatı Herb Festival on Alaçatı town and the
opinions of local people about the festival. SPSS 19.0 statistical software was used to analyze data collected from surveys.
The data were discussed in terms of descriptive and inferential statistics. Factor analysis, reliability analysis, and variance
analysis were performed.
The research results have shown that Alaçatı Herb Festival has positive effects on promotion of Alaçatı. Visitors of the
festival state that the festival gives local people an opportunity to show their skills and to gain economic benefit. M oreover,
the festival makes local people conscious of protection of the local culture. On the other hand, the results of this study have
also revealed that the promotional activities arranged for the festival and other activities during the festival were insufficient.
Keywords: Tourism, Festival Tourism, Çeşme, Alaçatı, Alaçatı Herb Festival.
543
