The mediating role of the perceived value and tourist experience in the relationship between cultural intelligence and behavioral intention

While interacting with people from different cultures, tourists try to apply cultural intelligence skills and awareness to reduce the adverse effects of cultural differences. Cultural intelligence has been defined as a skill that enables individuals to manage differences between cultures effectively; that is, those with high cultural intelligence are more adaptable and can cope better in cultural environments other than their own. In addition, cultural intelligence helps individuals better understand and adapt to the local culture. This can help individuals gain a greater understanding of the perceived value and establish a stronger bond with the local culture, and as a result, tourists can revisit the destination. The concept of perceived value for tourists at the destination consists of products based on experience and service, but experience-based products are more likely to provide tourists with an unforgettable tourism experience. Tourist exposure to a high level of cultural interaction in an intercultural environment enables them to develop positive behavioral intentions, enabling them to achieve deep cultural engagement and a great tourist experience. Although most of the previous studies have been applied to employees and international students, this study examines cultural intelligence from tourists' perspectives. In this context, the aim of the research is to examine the relationships between cultural intelligence, tourism experiences, value perceptions, and behavioral intentions of foreign tourists visiting Istanbul. In order to reach the aim of the research, first of all, the literature was scanned, and a questionnaire created in light of the studies in the literature was applied. The questionnaire includes questions about cultural intelligence, perceived value, tourist experience, and behavioral intention and questions about the demographics of tourists. Cultural tourism destinations are recognized as some of the world's most important and fastest-growing destinations, attracting international tourists who want to experience cultural elements on the spot. The universe of the research consists of foreign tourists visiting Istanbul. A total of 497 foreign tourists were surveyed using the convenience sampling method, and a total of 469 valid questionnaires were obtained. As a result of the research, it was determined that cultural intelligence affects perceived value, tourist experience, and behavioral intention. In addition, it has been determined that perceived value and tourist experience also affect behavioral intention. However, it has been found that perceived value and tourist experience partially mediate the relationship between cultural intelligence and behavioral intention. As a result, this study expands the cultural intelligence literature, and suggestions have been made in line with the information obtained.