The effect of internal and external travel motivation factors on the preference of recreational activities

Individuals are affected by motivational factors while determining the destinations where they will travel for various purposes. While motivations direct individuals to travel, they also play an important role in determining their intention to participate in recreational activities. Individuals travel by being influenced by other attractions of the destination, especially recreational activities. However, travel motivations may vary from person to person or even for the same person at different times in line with the needs. The difference of the Cappadocia Region from other destinations is due to the attractiveness of the destination and the diversity of recreational activity opportunities from these attractions. It has been observed that the visitors coming to the region for various purposes also participate in recreational activities. The intention to participate in recreational activities emerges with the effect of motivational factors, as in participation in all other types of activities. This thesis study aims to determine which repulsive and attractive motivation factors and participation in the hot air balloon activity, which is an outdoor adventure recreation, and why the visitors who do not intend to participate in the hot air balloon activity do not prefer the activity, and the reasons for the hot air balloon activity. It was carried out to determine whether there is a significant relationship between the travel motivations of the individuals participating in the balloon activity and the motivations of the individuals who do not intend to participate in the balloon activity. A face-to-face survey was conducted between 22 August 2020 and 08 January 2021 on a voluntary basis to 385 adult domestic and foreign tourists in Cappadocia. technique has been applied. In the analysis of the data obtained as a result of the research, "percentage", "frequency", "t-test for independent samples", "correlation" and "multidimensional scaling" analyzes were used. According to the results of the research, tourists participate in the hot air balloon tour activity in order to gain prestige (raising their ego) during their Cappadocia travels, pull factors other than innovation motivation are effective in participating in the balloon activity, there is a relationship between demographic characteristics and intention to participate in the balloon activity, but there is no relationship between the intention to participate in the activity and generations detected.