Journal of Recreation and Tourism Research

Rural Tourism Perceptions of Faculty of Agriculture Students

Ali Rıza Mancı — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Rural tourism is a current research area and has become an option to escape from the negative effects of urban life. For this reason, studies on this subject have increased in recent years. This study aims to reveal how students perceive rural tourism activities. In addition, the differences of students' positive and negative perceptions of rural tourism according to their demographic characteristics were examined. In addition, students' expectations from a rural tourism business, the activities they want to participate in and their motivation to participate were determined. A sample of 569 students from Harran University Faculty of Agriculture, which is the research area, was taken by convenience sampling method. Face-to-face survey method was used to obtain the data. Factor analysis, independent sample t and ANOVA tests were used to analyze the data. Accordingly, it was found that the perception of rural tourism did not change according to gender, class, place of residence of their families and willingness to work in rural tourism activities, but those who had previously participated in rural tourism activities thought that this type of tourism created positive effects. It was determined that the participants' departments, holiday destination preferences, time allocated for vacation, rural tourism experiences and awareness of rural tourism led to differences in perception. Based on the findings, managerial and theoretical implications that can shed light on local administrators are presented.

What is the Current Trajectory of Metaverse Tourism Research: A Bibliometric Overview

Meltem Altınay Özdemir — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Metaverse tourism research has seen remarkable progress in recent years, driven by increasing interest and technological advancements.This study addresses a critical gap in metaverse tourism by analyzing its trajectory through bibliometric analysis techniques.Using a dual approach—performance and science mapping analyses—the research evaluates 152 publications to identify key patterns, authors, and sources, providing a temporal overview of metaverse tourism's development.The findings reveal a notable surge in metaverse tourism research since 2022, signifying a shift from generalized topics to more specialized focuses.Articles dominate as the primary publication type, with China leading in publication volume. “Journal of Information Technology and Tourism” emerged as the most influential source, while works by Gursoy, Malodia & Dhir (2022), Buhalis, Lin & Leung (2022), Buhalis, Leung & Lin (2023a) and Koohang et al. (2023) are the most cited.Early studies emphasized virtual reality, smart tourism, and blockchain, with 2023 marking the conceptual establishment of metaverse tourism.Recent research highlights user experience, marketing, adaptation, and destination management.Specific topics like Generation Z, sustainable education, and sustainable tourism have gained prominence, utilizing diverse analytical methods.By mapping collaborations and identifying future research opportunities, this study provides a comprehensive guide for advancing metaverse tourism research and its practical implications.

Revealing the Dark Side of a Destination Through Walking Tourism and the Examination of Its Product Structure

Çağrı Erdoğan — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The study aims to examine how walking tourism can illuminate the unknown and inaccessible aspects of a destination -its dark side- and the outputs of walking tourism concerning destination, local community, and tourists. It also aims to reveal the structure of the walking route as it is the main product of walking tourism. In this line, the importance of walking routes is examined through an integrative literature review. In addition, key elements for the development of walking tourism were subjected to content analysis using the LiGRE data analysis software within the framework of the tourism product model. In conclusion, the support that walking tourism provides in areas such as accessibility, sustainability, well-being, and social interaction is emphasised as a key element in realising the tourism potential for different stakeholders. Furthermore, the role of walking tourism is brought to the forefront in uncovering tourist attractions located in the inner regions, rural areas, and natural environments of the destination, positively shaping existing seasonality and image, enabling engagement with destination’s unknown/dark side, and facilitating the exploration of its various dimensions. Moreover, the product structure was defined, and the condition, accessibility, visibility, and safety of the walking route, as core components integral to its structure as a tourism product, are outlined.

Geographically Indicated Products and Characteristics of the Province of Ordu

Dilek Gökçen Sabur, Menekşe Cömert — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0300

In terms of gastronomy tourism, geographical indication registration plays an important role. Registered products contribute to the local economy as attractive elements for tourists. Ordu's geographical indication products increase the gastronomy tourism potential of the province and enable the promotion of local flavours and cultural heritage. Dissemination of geographical indication registration and effective promotional activities will contribute to the prominence of Ordu as a gastronomy tourism destination. However, in order to fully utilise this potential, promotion and marketing of geographically marked products are required. In this context, it is of great importance that local administrations, tourism authorities and producer associations work in co-operation. In the study, geographical indication registered products, which are important examples of the culinary culture of Ordu province, were handled and written by document analysis method using qualitative research method. This research was carried out in order to reveal the gastronomy tourism potential of Ordu province and to ensure the sustainability of this potential. It is important to evaluate the place and importance of geographical sign registered products in this potential. Ordu's unique flavours offer a unique experience for tourists and contribute to the prominence of the province as a gastronomy tourism destination. This study aims to fill an important gap in the relevant literature and contribute to the protection of Ordu's gastronomic heritage.