Factors affecting the destination preferences in incentive tourism

The acceleration, demand and change in expectations in tourism industry provided a basis for the rise of new tourismtypologies. As a result of the desire of the institutions and companies to utilize from tourism for rewarding purposes, the concept of incentive trips, which are seen as a part of M.I.C.E, has emerged. To be able to answer the demands of tourists, which have been evolving within the fast-growing tourism industry, and to have a share in this new environment, the rivalry among the tourism destinations increased. Incentive tourism have become attractive for the destinations with their high economic inputs. The destinations started to compete with each other to attract incentive tourists. However, there is uncertainty about the factors which affect the destination choice for incentive trips. In this study, the purpose is to define the elements that have an impact on the destination preferences in incentive trips. The interview questions have been prepared by reviewingthrough the related literature to be able to specify these elements. The senior executives of 20 important tourism agencies located in Istanbul, Turkey have also been interviewed with the aim to obtain characteristics of ideal incentive destinations. Throughout the first section of this thesis the concepts of M.I.C.E. tourism, of which incentive tourism are a part of, the development of these concepts through time and their relation to tourism, supported by literature review – so that it is better comprehended- are presented. The second part comprises the details of incentive trips – the connections between the concepts of it, its development through time, organization and destination choices. The third part presents the significance, purpose, methodology and analysis of this study. Finally in the conclusion and recommendations part of the thesis, the aim is to provide the academia, destination management organizations, incentive trip organizers and participants with beneficial information on incentive trips, through evaluation of findings. Keywords: M.I.C.E. Tourism, Incentive Tourism, Destination, Travel Agency