Abstract:

The importance of research on tourists that are in the main position in tourism and that are the cause of the industry’s existence is quite large. Research aimed at tourists, in the context of consumer behavior, is greatly helpful in increasing the satisfaction of existing tourists and gaining potential tourists. This study focuses on information research prior to travel decisions in the context of consumer behavior of tourists with different types and aims to test whether or not there is a meaningful relationship between tourist types and information research behavior. In accordance with this goal, a survey of 432 indigenous tourists who visited the Safranbolu district, which is connected to the Karabük province, was implemented in the period May-September 2016. The analysis of the survey data has found that the typologies of local tourists visiting the Safranbolu district are formed in three dimensions: research tourist, organized mass tourist and adventure tourist. Tourists have been determined that in the pre-travel information research process, they are focused on the general characteristics of the destination, transportation and accommodation facilities, travel routes, health-security facilities and entertainment facilities. The study found that there is a low-level positive relationship (r=0,281) between tourist typology and information research behavior. Priorities in the knowledge research behavior of indigenous tourists are transportation and accommodation facilities, travel routes, health and safety facilities, entertainment facilities and general features of the destination. The researchers also found that tourists are doing more information research than organized mass tourists and adventurous tourists.

Keywords: