An Analysis of Golf Tourism Motivations: A Qualitive Study on Antalya-Belek Destination

Golf tourism is the one of the fastest growing market in tourism industry and also it has been an important component of tourism industry. This tourism product contributes to the spread of tourism activities in a whole year, while the local economy is also developing. The purpose of this study is to determine the external and internal motivational factors of golf tourists in Belek destination with the view of managers who created golf tourism offer. The data collection process was performed using the interview technique, which is often preferred in qualitative research methods. The data obtained from the study were analyzed with the Maxqda 18 analysis program by the researchers. The data were organized within the framework of Crompton's pull and push factors model, which is often used in motivation studies in tourism. According to the results of the study, Belek destination's preferred reasons for golf tourism are; the physical characteristics of the destination, the services and facilities, the facilities and the accessibility. And also the reasons of visitors who travel to Belek destination for participate to the activity are physical activity and health, escape from routine life and social conversion. This study can provide better understanding of golf tourism market. It can also contribute to planning studies for golf tourism strategies in the destination