Domestic Tourists' Perception of Geographical Products: The Case of Balıkesir-Edremit

Abstract

Among the most important factors for people to visit a region or country, the most important are the attraction elements of that region. In distinguishing one place from another, the gastronomy of the place to be chosen is as effective as its geographical features. The main purpose of this study is to determine the perceptions of domestic tourists coming to Edremit district of Balıkesir towards olive and olive oil, which are geographically marked products. Especially in recent times, it is almost everyone's desire to get a big share from the tourism pie, which is among the important sources of income for countries and people. The characteristics of a region's cuisine, the products offered by geography and natural beauties are used as important weapons in the tourism sector. This situation emphasizes the importance of this study. As a result of the study prepared in line with this purpose and importance, it was determined that most of the participants were between the ages of 20-29, their monthly income levels were more than 45000 TL, and their education levels were mostly high school and above. As a result of the difference analysis, the gender difference in the dimension of the quality of geographically marked products was found to be significant. In this dimension, it was observed that women had higher mean scores than men. Similarly, the difference was found to be significant in favor of women in the priority dimension and in favor of women in the sub-dimension of GI product image. The age of the participants between 40-49 years was found to be higher than the participants aged 60 and over.