An exploratory study of resident perceptions toward the tourism industry in Cappadocia: a Social Exchange Theory approach

ÖZEL Ç. H., KOZAK N.

ASIA PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TOURISM RESEARCH, cilt.22, sa.3, ss.284-300, 2017 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 22 Sayı: 3
  • Basım Tarihi: 2017
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1080/10941665.2016.1236826
  • Dergi Adı: ASIA PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TOURISM RESEARCH
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.284-300
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Social Exchange Theory, resident perceptions, tourism development, Cappadocia, Turkey, COMMUNITY TOURISM, NATIONAL-PARK, ATTITUDES, IMPACTS, DEPENDENCE, SUPPORT, MACAO
  • Anadolu Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This paper evaluates the perceptions of Cappadocia residents on the impacts of tourism development and resident attitudes toward tourism. Social Exchange Theory underpinned this study of the perceptions of Cappadocia's residents and their attitudes toward tourism. Primary data were collected from tourism industry professionals, officials of non-profit organizations and handicraftsmen. Twenty-three in-depth interviews were conducted with Cappadocia residents, and the data were analyzed with content analysis. Results highlight that "Economic," "Socio-Cultural" and "Environmental" aspects can be inferred to encompass resident perceptions toward the impacts of tourism development in Cappadocia. Residents tend to recognize the economic benefits as well as socio-cultural and environmental costs. Results indicate that Social Exchange Theory can be used in explaining the perceptions of Cappadocia residents and reactions to tourism phenomena. This study is expected to provide practical ways for concerned authorities to make future policies and strategies to eradicate problems that create unpleasant feelings amongst residents.