The Effect of tourists' perceptions of carrying capacity on their ıntention to revisit: A Case study of Tokat Ballıca cave

Issues related to the carrying capacity of visited tourist destinations have gained increasing importance in the tourism literature in recent years. This study aims to examine the effect of local tourists' perceived carrying capacity on their intention to revisit Tokat Ballıca Cave. To achieve this objective, the relevant literature was reviewed, a model was developed, and a research hypothesis was formulated. The population of the study consists of domestic tourists who visited Tokat Ballıca Cave at any time between May and July 2023. In order to reach the participants, the convenience sampling method was preferred. A survey was conducted with 413 domestic tourists who visited Tokat Ballıca Cave between May and July 2023. The collected data were analyzed using frequency distribution, normality test, factor analysis, reliability analysis, arithmetic mean calculations, correlation, and regression analyses. Based on the findings obtained from the analysis, it was determined that participants' perceived carrying capacity positively affects their intention to revisit. Additionally, the results indicate that tourists with a high perception of carrying capacity are less likely to develop an intention to revisit, whereas those with a low perception are more likely to do so. It is recommended that similar studies be conducted in destinations with high tourist density or potential, as well as in various caves.