Perceptions of tourism-related non-governmental organization (NGO) managers in Antalya

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the perceptions of tourism-related non-governmental organization (NGO) managers on overtourism trends in Antalya, Turkey. Design/methodology/approach Focus group study was implemented and three focus group interviews were undertaken with 34 NGO managers in total as a sample. The population of the research consisted of 65 tourism-related NGO managers in Antalya. Findings The results of the research reveal that Antalya was perceived as neither in a tourism development stage nor afflicted by overtourism by NGO managers. NGOs are one of the major stakeholders in the tourism industry, and hence their perceptions of overtourism would probably be the stimulating force for further sustainable development in the destination. Research limitations/implications The limitation is that the research was realized voluntarily by 34 NGOs in Antalya. It would have been better to have more volunteer respondents. Practical implications The viewpoints of stakeholders about their perceptions of tourism development in Antalya would be a helpful next step to refer back to practitioners so as to develop further strategic plans from their perspectives. Social implications As social exchange theory states, communities benefiting from tourism development will support further improvement in tourism. Hence, in their role as spokespersons for the community, the perceptions of NGOs will influence decision-makers to draw implications from the study for wider consideration. Originality/value As a consequence, a model was proposed according to the results of the research. The findings of the research paper highlight the evolution of high-flow tourism in the destination.