Current status of caravan tourism within the scope of alternative tourism: Stakeholder analysis

Caravan tourism, as one of the alternative forms of tourism, has gained notable popularity in recent years, largely due to individuals' desire to experience diverse situations. Unlike conventional vacations, caravan tourism allows travelers to maintain similar holiday standards while simultaneously accommodating in their own vehicles, a feature that has increased its appeal among tourists. Although previous studies have examined the perspectives of caravan users, the views of caravan manufacturers, who represent another essential dimension of this sector, remain underexplored. Recognizing manufacturers as key stakeholders, this study aims to identify the current state of caravan tourism by analyzing the perspectives of both users and producers. The research group consisted of 50 caravan users across Turkey and 15 caravan manufacturers in Konya, selected due to their accessibility and the limited number of producers nationwide. The study employed a qualitative research design, utilizing interviews as the primary data collection method. Two distinct interview forms were prepared with expert input. Data gathered from interviews were analyzed through content analysis using the MAXQDA 2024 software, followed by thematic analysis to uncover similarities and differences in participants' responses. Findings reveal that caravan users emphasize the importance of high-quality materials in their vehicles, while manufacturers highlight the significance of incorporating customer feedback into the production process. The results also demonstrate a collaborative relationship between users and producers, underscoring the mutual dependence within the sector. Based on these findings, the study proposes recommendations aimed at strengthening this cooperation through appropriate measures and regulatory frameworks.