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"Cultural"
research Vol. 4, No. 1 (2026) • pp. 65-85

Smart destination applications in Türkiye and global examples: A comparative analysis

Hasene Nur Gök, Şule Aydın

This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of smart city/destination applications in Türkiye and around the world and to identify areas where smart destination management can be further developed in Türkiye. The research was designed using a multiple-case study approach within the framework of qualitative research. Document review was utilized as the data collection technique, and secondary sources such as academic studies, institutional reports, municipal websites, strategy documents, project descriptions, and digital destination applications were evaluated. The study’s sample was determined using purposive sampling; a total of ten cities were included in the analysis: Benidorm, Singapore, Helsinki, Amsterdam, and Valencia from around the world, and Konya, Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, and Mugla from Türkiye. The global cities were treated as the global reference group, while the Turkish cities were treated as the local analysis group. The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis method that combined deductive and inductive approaches. As a result of the analysis, nine main themes were identified: smart governance and institutional capacity; smart transportation and mobility; digital services and local resident/visitor experience; data-driven management and digital infrastructure; smart tourism and cultural heritage management; environmental sustainability and resource management; accessibility, inclusivity, and visitor convenience; innovation ecosystem and experimental applications; and security, risk, and resilience management. The findings indicate that cities in Türkiye have advanced examples, particularly in transportation integration, mobile municipal services, digital payment systems, geographic information system (GIS)-based mapping, and tourist information applications. In contrast, it was determined that in cities around the world, data-driven decision support systems, digital twin applications, environmental sensor infrastructures, capacity management, living lab applications, institutional certification, and inclusive accessibility solutions have developed in a more comprehensive and measurable manner. In conclusion, the study highlights that smart destination applications in Türkiye should not remain limited to the level of digital service delivery but must be transformed into data-driven, sustainable, inclusive, measurable, and integrated destination management systems.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21759169
Research Papers Vol. 3, No. 2 (2025) • pp. 67-85

Socio-cultural, economic and environmental impacts of tourism from the perspective of local people: A field study in the context of sustainability

Gökhan Onat, Ramazan YAĞCI, Hümeyra KASAR, Ömer ERTAN, Hamza YILMAZ

The purpose of this study is to examine the environmental, socio-cultural, and economic perceptions of the local population living in the provinces of Rize and Trabzon in the Eastern Black Sea Region regarding sustainable tourism development within the framework of stakeholder theory and to reveal whether these perceptions differ according to demographic variables. A quantitative research design was adopted in the study; data were obtained from 360 participants reached through convenience sampling via a questionnaire prepared using a 5-point Likert scale. The construct validity of the scale was tested using exploratory factor analysis, and its reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. In addition to descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used in the analysis of the data. The research findings show that the local community's perceptions of the economic effects of tourism are highly positive, while they exhibit a more cautious attitude regarding environmental and socio-cultural effects. Furthermore, it was determined that perceptions of economic sustainability significantly strengthened with increasing education level and income; age, marital status, and monthly income variables created significant differences in some sustainability dimensions. In contrast, no significant differences in perceptions were found based on gender, income from tourism, and place of residence variables. The research highlights the decisive role of local community perceptions in the success of sustainable tourism policies; it contributes to the development of region-specific governance and planning strategies aimed at strengthening local participation within the stakeholder theory framework.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18115780
Research Papers Vol. 3, No. 2 (2026) • pp. 87-99

Haute Cuisine, Cultural Capital, and Tourist Destination Image: A Qualitative Study from Türkiye

Osman Özer

This study approaches haute cuisine and fine dining not only as an area of gastronomic development but also as a strategic tool for the image building, international positioning, and competitive differentiation of tourist destinations. The primary objective of the research is to examine the role of the fine dining ecosystem in Turkey on destination image from a multi-stakeholder perspective and to reveal its contributions to the destination marketing and management literature. The research was designed within the qualitative research paradigm using a phenomenological approach; data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. A total of 19 participants, selected through purposive sampling, consisted of Michelin-starred chefs, fine dining restaurant owners, young generation chefs, gastronomy academics, gastronomy writers, consumers who regularly experience fine dining, and international gastrotourists. The data obtained were analyzed using thematic analysis. The research findings show that fine dining experiences enhance the perceived prestige, cultural sophistication, and experiential value of destinations. Fine dining stands out as a symbolic tool that highlights the dimensions of exclusivity and quality in destination image, especially for tourist segments with high spending potential. It was determined that international guides such as the Michelin Guide play an important role in increasing the global visibility of Turkey's fine dining scene; however, this visibility has not yet been transformed into a comprehensive and sustainable strategy in the context of destination marketing and management. In conclusion, the study reveals that fine dining is not only a gastronomic value for Turkey but also a strategic asset in terms of destination image and international competitiveness; it offers important theoretical and practical insights in the context of destination management, gastronomic diplomacy, and brand positioning.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18118050
Review Paper Vol. 3, No. 2 (2026) • pp. 101-112

An examination of the Fener Alayı and Şivlilik tradition as an element of intangible cultural heritage (ICH)

Aslı Sultan Eren, Özgenur Şeker

The aim of this study is to examine the Fener Alayı and Şivlilik traditions, which are specific to Regaip Kandili and practiced in Konya, at a conceptual and theoretical level within the framework of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) approach. The study is based on the assumption that these rituals should be evaluated not only as religious practices but also as multidimensional cultural practices in the context of building social belonging, maintaining cultural identity, keeping collective memory alive, and intergenerational cultural transmission processes. The research does not rely on empirical data collection techniques from qualitative research methods; it is a conceptual study designed using a traditional (narrative) literature review approach. The theoretical framework is structured based on UNESCO's ICH classification and Turner's theory of rites of passage and collective memory approaches. The literature review determined that the Fener Alayı and Şivlilik traditions highly correspond to the categories of "social practices, rituals, and festive events" and "oral traditions and expressions" in UNESCO's ICH classification. The findings reveal that these rituals play a decisive role in children's culture and socialization processes, strengthen community solidarity at the neighborhood level, and contribute to the reproduction of local cultural identity. The study emphasizes that evaluating the Fener Alayı and Şivlilik traditions as elements of SOKÜM offers significant potential for the preservation, documentation, and perpetuation of these practices within the framework of sustainable cultural policies.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18118770
Theoretical paper Vol. 3, No. 1 (2025) • pp. 1-9

An overview of the Sephardic Cultural Heritage in İzmir through the lens of religious tourism

Selda Yesügey

The aim of this study is to examine the Sephardic Jewish cultural heritage in İzmir from the perspective of religious tourism, to raise awareness about this heritage, and to explore how it can be preserved and sustainably utilized through tourism. Adopting a qualitative research approach, the study relies on secondary data sources to conduct a situational analysis. Within this scope, both tangible heritage elements, such as places of worship and residential spaces related to Sephardic Jews in İzmir, and intangible cultural heritage elements, including culinary traditions, handicrafts, and the Ladino language, are examined. Due to the limitations of the research, the four most prominent and best-preserved synagogues among the 11 Sephardic synagogues in Izmir were emphasized. For culinary culture, Boyoz and Sübye, known as Izmir delicacies, were discussed. The study aims to contribute to destination marketing strategies, the development of alternative tourism forms, and the preservation of cultural diversity. Additionally, it seeks to address a gap in the literature by contributing to the field of religious tourism through the relatively underexplored case of Sephardic Judaism in Türkiye.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.16910782
Theoretical paper Vol. 3, No. 1 (2025) • pp. 17-23

Digital revitalization of cultural and historical experiences in the Van Lake Basin with augmented reality: A conceptual approach

Ali Bozbey, Ali İnanır

Augmented reality (AR) applications can support tourism through the reconstruction of historical structures in their original forms, interactive tour guides, and digital information systems. The aim of this study is to explore how the cultural and historical heritage of the  Van Lake Basin can be digitized using AR technology and how a more interactive experience can be offered to visitors. Creating a conceptual framework in this research was conducted by reviewing the literature and considering the resources available in the region evaluates the impacts and feasibility of augmented reality in the regional tourism sector. The findings reveal that implementing AR applications at historical and touristic sites in the Van Lake Basin can contribute both to the local economy and to the region's potential to become a sustainable tourism destination. However, it has also been observed that certain infrastructure and technical requirements must be met in order to effectively implement such applications. It is anticipated that this study will increase academic interest in the region within the context of augmented reality and provide guidance for local authorities and the tourism sector, making AR applications a more attractive option.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17100614
Research Papers Vol. 2, No. 2 (2024) • pp. 81-87

The role of brand trust in purchase intention: The case of a chain food and beverage business

Kamil Pekaydın

This study examines the role of brand trust in influencing consumers' preferences for chain food and beverage establishments through the lens of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The TPB framework includes three main components: attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. Using a sample of 399 respondents, the study employs a survey methodology to measure these components as well as brand trust. The results show that attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control significantly influence purchase intention towards chain food and beverage establishments. Furthermore, brand trust was found to moderate the relationship between perceived behavioral control and purchase intention and strengthen this link. However, brand trust did not significantly moderate the relationships between attitudes, subjective norms and purchase intention. These findings suggest that although brand trust is crucial in enhancing perceived behavioral control, its influence on attitudes and subjective norms may be less pronounced. The study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the importance of brand trust in consumer decision-making processes and offers practical implications for marketing strategies in the food and beverage industry. Future research should explore the long-term effects of brand trust and consider different demographic and cultural contexts to further generalize the findings.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14603260
Review Paper Vol. 2, No. 2 (2024) • pp. 69-80

The effect of food and beverages served in accommodation businesses on destination attractiveness

Gökhan Onat

Food and beverage services offered in accommodation establishments are one of the most important elements of the tourism experience. Local cuisine experiences are becoming more and more prominent among tourists' motivations for choosing destinations. Increasing the attractiveness of destinations and ensuring the satisfaction of tourists is directly related to authentic and quality gastronomy services. Food and beverages are considered to be not only a means of consumption but also an important tool for cultural identity and brand value of destinations. In this context, local gastronomy elements offered to tourists can positively affect the overall image of the destination and visitor loyalty. In this study, the effects of food and beverages offered in accommodation establishments on destination attractiveness are examined in the light of the research in the literature. A total of 15 studies were evaluated using content analysis method and the effects of these services on tourist satisfaction, behavioral intentions and destination preferences were revealed. The findings show that quality and authentic gastronomy services have the power to differentiate destinations and this positively affects tourists' destination preferences. In addition, factors such as the way food is presented, its visuality and the atmosphere of the environment in which it is presented are also found to strengthen tourist satisfaction. However, it was emphasized that low quality services may lead to tourist dissatisfaction and damage the image of the destination. With these aspects, gastronomy tourism is considered as a powerful strategic tool in destination marketing.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14540498