Emotions or numbers in tourism advertisements? A comprehensive analysis of two neighboring destinations in the pre- and post-COVID-19 period

Abstract

Purpose By analyzing tourist choices in Side and Alanya, well-known destinations for tourists in Türkiye’s thriving urban tourism sector, this study aims to fill a crucial vacuum in the body of knowledge about urban tourism. The study examines the changing dynamics of consumer preferences for advertisements and closely examines the underlying factors that influence these preferences, both pre and post-influential COVID-19 period. Design/methodology/approach This study clarifies the complex interplay between tourism marketing and prospective tourists’ decision-making processes through a thorough examination. This research greatly improves our understanding of urban tourism marketing strategies by examining the varying effects of advertising channels and comparing the persuasive power of emotional versus numerical advertising messages. Findings This study’s findings significantly advance our understanding of urban tourism. Examining how visitors react to advertisements in the various urban environments of Side and Alanya offers insightful information on how marketing strategies and visitor preferences correlate. This research also reveals the subtleties of efficient communication techniques, providing a practical basis for improving urban tourism experiences. Originality/value Being the first study of its sort, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research’s originality is supported by its insights into how advertising, consumer preferences and the urban tourism environment interact. The significant contribution to knowledge highlights the implications for those involved in urban tourism and provides practical advice for improving advertising tactics in the post-COVID-19 age.