The Effect of Asylum Seekers on Foreign Tourists’ Destination Choices: A Study Related to Turkey

The purpose of this study is to determine how foreign tourists who have chosen Turkey as a touristic destination are affected from the presence of asylum seekers. In this concept, nine scenarios are created to apply foreign nationality owners with habits of traveling, in the basis of attractive and bothering factors that affect destination selection. Through international traveling websites between April and May 2017, 412 valid data have been gathered with online prepared survey form and convenience sampling. Findings reveal that individuals who travel to attend their physical needs and to see natural, historical and cultural beauties are affected negatively from the presence of asylum seekers in terms of destination selection. Additionally, it is determined that with influence of snobbism, individuals who travel as price-oriented, for social wondering and pleasure, and to benefit from shopping opportunities, and like to select a destination with a strong image are not affected negatively from the presence of asylum seekers.