Abstract:

This study was conducted to explore how the tourist-to-tourist interaction occurs in an all-inclusive hotel business and how such an interaction may offer benefits for individuals. For this purpose, a qualitative research approach was adopted, and data were collected using the interview technique. The data collection process was conducted face-to-face in a five-star hotel offering all-inclusive services in Bodrum, Turkey, from 25 May to 14 October 2021. Data were collected from a total of 18 participants, including tourists from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Russia, Ukraine, Poland, the Netherlands, Iran, France, and Albania. Even during the epidemic period, tourists had such expectations as exploring the new places, resting, and social interaction. In addition, tourists desire to establish the social interaction not only with other peers but also with the local people and hotel staff. On the other hand, foreign language problem appears to be the main factor preventing the tourist-tourist interaction. Despite this, some tourists make a special effort to interact with their peers. As a result, the tourist-tourist interaction supports the individuals’ sense of subjective well-being, ensures the development of foreign language knowledge, allows them to obtain up-to-date information about what happens in the hotel, and causes them to enjoy their holiday.

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