Investigation of the Motivations and Experiences of Tourists Visiting the Gallipoli Peninsula as a Dark Tourism Destination

Abstract

The present study strives to understand the travel motivations and experiences of both domestic and international travellers visiting the Gallipoli Peninsula. Qualitative research methodology was utilized for this study, with a case study approach employed for the qualitative research design. Data were gathered using face-to-face interviews (n=44), participant observation and document analysis, and an inductive content analysis was then used to analyse the data. The research findings revealed that travellers visiting the site have different motivations and experiences, as well as some commonalities. The findings also indicate that those visiting the site have different travel motivations and experiences, as well as commonalities. Their travel motivations form a heterogeneous pattern, including push and pull motivational factors, while experiences can be grouped into psychological and sociocultural categories; these are useful contributions to the existing literature in the field. As a consequence, the results of this study are unique as they show that battlefield sites within the scope of the dark tourism phenomenon may offer visitors memorable tourism experiences and socio-cultural experiences. © 2020, Varna University of Management. All rights reserved.