A research on determi̇ni̇ng the competi̇ti̇ve power of wi̇nter touri̇sm desti̇nati̇ons: Samples of Erzurum, Erzi̇ncan and Kars provi̇nces

In this study, three leading destinations of winter tourism (Erzurum, Erzincan, Kars) of the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey were studied to determine the competitive position and competitive advantages. Qualitative and quantitative techniques were applied together as a data collection tool. In the scope of the quantitative research, a survey was applied to 555 local visitors in total. In the qualitative research, the managers in the accommodation facilities in three destinations were interviewed. According to quantitative analysis, certain differences were found to be between general demographic questions such as age, gender, education level, income level, and the questions related to ski tourism behaviours and tendencies. In addition to the importance scale and evaluation scale, it was found that there were differences between the motivation and satisfaction tendency scales. According to the qualitative analysis data, it is revealed that destination perceptions of destination representatives are justified. In this context, the representatives of the winter destinations in Erzurum, Erzincan and Kars have found it effective not to publicise destination regions on the current competitive position. Keywords: Competitive and Destination Positioning, Winter tourism