Local Tours In Achieving Competitive Superiority In Medical Tourism: The Case Of Aksaray
Local Tours In Achieving Competitive Superiority In Medical Tourism: The Case Of Aksaray
Aim: The main purpose of this research is to examine the importance of local tours in order to gain
competitive advantage in the medical tourism sector.
Methods: In-depth interview technique, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the
data collection process. The research was carried out on the entire Aksaray province universe and
the interviews were held in Aksaray province center. Data were collected in April 2019. Within
the scope of the study, interviews were held with Aksaray University officials, Aksaray Training
and Research Hospital officials, Aksaray Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Aksaray Provincial
Tourism Directorate, Aksaray Provincial Health Directorate, representatives of private hospitals
throughout the province and travel agencies with a total of 20 participants
Results: 55% of the participants are represented by public institutions and organizations, 40% by
private institutions and organizations and 5% by non-governmental organizations. According to
the data obtained, it was concluded that Aksaray province has health tourism potential and local
tours are an attractive option in medical tourism. Aksaray's tourism potential is supported by its
historical and cultural elements. However, the lack of development of medical tourism is due to
reasons such as lack of projects, unconsciousness, lack of investment and funding. Aksaray has
the equipment that can provide competitive power in the field of medical tourism and is suitable
for development.
Conclusion: Aksaray's tourism potential needs to be integrated with health tourism, coordination
among stakeholders and a strategic plan should be created. It is obvious that Aksaray will develop
more economically and socially if it fully utilizes its potential in the field of medical tourism.
___
- Binler, A. (2015). Evaluation of Turkey in terms of Medical Tourism and Policy
Recommendations. Ministry of Development, General Directorate of Social Sectors and
Coordination, Specialization Thesis.
- Gokdayi I. and Polat M. (2015). A Study on the Feasibility of Medical Tourism in Isparta, KMU
Journal of Social and Economic Research, 17 (29), p. 9-16.
- İçöz, O. (2009). “Medical Tourism in the Scope of Health Tourism and Turkey's Possibilities”,
Yaşar University Press, C:IV, No:14: 2257-2279.
- Karamustafa K., Güllü K., Acar N. and Ulama Ş., (2010). Market Orientation Practices in
Hospitality Businesses, Detay Publishing, 1st Edition, Ankara.
- Karamustafa K., Ulama S. and Erbaş E., (2009). Competitiveness Analysis of Kozaklı District in
Terms of Thermal Tourism, 10th National Tourism Congress, Mersin.
- Karamustafa, K., (2016). “Turkey's Health Tourism Potential: Problems and Solutions”. Natural
2016: Turkey Natural Nutrition and Healthy Living Days Oral Presentation, 14-17 April
2016, Antalya.
- Karsavuran, S., S. Kaya, HH Yıldırım and Ö. Ozer. (2013). “Turkey Medical Tourism Evaluation
Report”. Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health General Directorate of Health Services,
Department of Health Tourism.
- Kiremit, A.S. (2008). “Medical Tourism as an Alternative in the Development of Tourism:
Research in a Healthcare Institution”, Unpublished Master's Thesis, Gazi University
Institute of Educational Sciences.
- Özsarı, SH, and Karatana, Ö. (2013), “The Situation of Turkey in terms of Health Tourism”,
Journal Kartal TR, 24(2), pp: 136-144.
- MINISTRY OF HEALTH(2019) https://saglikturizmi.saglik.gov.tr/TR,25360/yetkili-sagliktesisleri-ve-araci-kuruluslar.html (Access 31.04.2019).
- SATURK (2016), Health Tourism in All Aspects, Azerbaijan Country Report. TR Ministry of
Health, General Directorate of Health Promotion, Ankara.
http://www.saturk.gov.tr/images/pdf/stur/azerbaycan.pdf , Last Accessed (31.04.2019).
- SATURK Importance of Turkey in Health Tourism (2016), http://www.saturk.gov.tr/tyst.php ,
Last Accessed (31.03.2019).
- Tontus, O. H., & Nebioglu, S. (2018). Turkey as a Health Tourism Destination: Reviewing of
2015-2016 Data. J Tourism Hospit, 7(336), pp: 2167-0269.
Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health General Directorate of Health Services, Department of
- Health Tourism (2013). “Turkey Medical Tourism Evaluation Report”,
http://dosyasb.saglik.gov.tr/Eklenti/535,turkiye-dikal-turizm-degerlenen-raporu2013pdf.pdf (Access 31.04.2019).
- Unur, K., Buzcu, Z., Oguz, S.C. (2012). “The Case of Adana Province for Medical Tourism in
Turkey”, 1st Eastern Mediterranean Tourism Symposium, Çağ University Publications
No:19, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences Publications No:6, Mersin, 327-
340.
- Yavuz, MC (2011). “Health Tourism in the World and Adana Destination”, Adana Health Tourism
Association Publishing House, Adana.
- Yigit, V. (2016). “Factors Affecting the Development of Medical Tourism in Public Hospitals”
Süleyman Demirel University Visionary Journal, Year: 2016, Volume: 7, Issue: 15, pp.107-
119