Evaluation of thermal tourism businesses in terms of destination image: Haymana case

Thermal tourism is one of the alternative tourism types for healing various health problems of people all over the world. Therefore, thermal tourism activities are a type of tourism that can spread all year round. Destinations which have thermal tourism centers are more attractive to visitors due to their contribution to the image of the region. In this context, the main purpose of the research is to evaluate the thermal tourism companies in Haymana in terms of destination image. In this research, qualitative research method was applied to obtain in-depth information on the solution of the problem. Within this context, face-to-face interviews were made with managers working for thermal tourism businesses in Haymana. Through interviews, thermal tourism enterprises managers' opinions are discussed about the tourism potential, infrastructure, thermal facilities and general promotion of the district. In the interview form that was edited as semi-structured, 13 questions were prepared. The data obtained were analyzed with descriptive analysis technique. According to the results of the research, it was revealed that the main purpose of the guests arrival to the Haymana destination is thermal tourism. As a result of the research carried out in 2017 by the Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Ecology and Hydroclimatology, the thermal water, which constitutes the main source of the Haymana destination, has been registered as rich in minerals in quality. This revealed that thermal tourism enterprises are an important factor in creating the image of Haymana destination. However, it is an important disadvantage that the Haymana destination is insufficient compared to the number of infrastructures and facilities owned by other thermal tourism destinations. Keywords: Thermal Tourism, Destination Image, Haymana