ANALYSIS OF TOURISM OFFERS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF CULTURAL TOURISM. CASE STUDY TURKEY

Mehmet Ozan Karakaya, Cosmina-Simona Toader

Abstract


The aim of this research is to analyses cultural tourism offerings in Turkey in terms of experience and depth. Despite Turkey's rich cultural heritage, it has been found that most agencies focus more on sun, sea and sand tourism in the Mediterranean, Aegean and Istanbul regions rather than promoting these, and do not address other cultural riches in depth. Eighteen Turkey-based travel agencies were examined and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The travel agencies were divided into two groups: Group A (n=10, mass market operators) and Group B (n=8 niche operators). Agencies in Group A offer standardized, tangible heritage-focused, passive observation-based circuit tours based on mass tourism logic. Group B agencies, on the other hand, offer tours that are more focused on intangible heritage, active experiences and expert guidance. As a result, it is evident that the problem with Turkey's cultural tourism supply is one of quality rather than quantity. The current offerings fall short of demonstrating Turkey's true potential.

Keywords


tourism; culture; destinations; heritage; travel agencies.

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Copyright (c) 2026 Mehmet Ozan Karakaya, Cosmina-Simona Toader

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LUCRĂRI ȘTIINȚIFICE MANAGEMENT AGRICOL

ISSN print 1453-1410
ISSN online 2069-2307
(former ISSN 1453-1410, E-ISSN 2069-2307)

PUBLISHER: AGROPRINT Timisoara, Romania
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