Factors affecting hotel selection of business travelers: The case of Mardin

Today business travels have increased significantly due to the hotel businesses in the business world and as a consequence it has become an important market for the accommodation enterprises. There are also differences between the factors that affects the hotel preferences of business travelers and leisure travelers. In this study, it is aimed to analyze the factors that affect the hotel preferences in business trips that are an important source of income especially for the city hotels. In addition to that, Mardin is considered as an example and the data required for determining the factors that affect the hotel preferences of those who visit Mardin for business purposes are collected through a questionnaire form. When the data acquired from 267 participants are examined, it is concluded that most of the participants are male, more than half is married, almost all of them are educated at associate degree or above level and a great majority of them range between 31 and 45 years. Within the extent of the thesis it is determined that the factors affect the hotel preferences of the people who travel for business purposes can be classified as staff, housekeeping, room and hotel features, image of the hotel, business travelers facilities, support services, room equipment, loyalty programs and activities. Additionally, the main factors that affect the hotel preferences of business travelers are listed as clean rooms, comfortable mattresses and pillows, room prices, internet connection of the hotel and efficient service of the staff.