Destination image perceptions of exhibitors: EXPO 2016 Antalya example

Today, many countries and tourist regions are trying to create an image that will provide confidence in tourists and motivate them by giving them a more positive message by differentiating them from other places in the regions. The creation and development of a good image of destination depend on the relationship between the indigenous people's tourism stakeholders, tourists, tourism entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises, the public sector and tour operators. The tourist regions that are in advantageous position compared to the other destinations provide better tourism experience and activity to the visitors. The image of destination's brand can be defined as the perception of different characteristics of a place by consumers. The development of a tourist destination, the destination potential and how it is perceived by its current consumers are so important issues. The quality of the destination is clearly evaluated by the user. It has been shown that the evaluation of tourist destinations is a combination of products, services and experience, and that these factors are a vital dimension affecting consumer behavior. EXPO events seem to contribute to the image, quality and perception of destinations. For this reason, the meeting of EXPO Antalya 2016 is also had great importance. In this thesis, the effects of EXPO 2016 on the destination image of Antalya were investigated. For this aim, a survey was conducted for those who visited Expo 2016. The scale used in the survey was evaluated with respect to Antalya's destination image, General infrastructure, Attractiveness, Activities, Quality and Hospitality. When the average scores of the dimensions are evaluated, it is seen that the image of Antalya's destination is above the good average score except Quality and Hospitality. As a result, Expo 2016 has a positive contribution to Antalya's destination image.