Tourist Destinations in Literary Works: the novel "A Memento For Istanbul"

Abstract

Promotions of the destinations are seen in many written and visual platforms. Literature is one of them. Since the places where the events occur in many of the literary works are also tourist destinations, these works can make significant contributions to the promotion of the destinations. In the context of interdisciplinary studies, it is important to conduct studies on the interaction of tourism and literature. In the light of this information, it is aimed to examine the destination attraction elements mentioned in the literary works. In this context, the novel of Ahmet Ümit titled "A Memento for Istanbul" was examined. The novel was read simultaneously by the researchers who carried out the study. In the literary work examined, it was found that there are descriptions and information that promote Istanbul as a tourist destination. Afterwards, descriptions and information determined by different researchers were compared and the common ones were included in the research. According to the results of the study, it is observed that the historical events and artifacts, natural beauties, accessibility, food&beverage and accommodation in Istanbul are handled strongly in the context of destination attractiveness. This study shows that tourist destinations in literary works are processed in the context of destination attractiveness. In this aspect, it can be stated that the novels contribute to the promotion of tourist destinations.

Keywords: Tourism. Travel Literature. Touristic Destination. “A Memento for Istanbul”.