Didem Kutlu

Dr. Didem Kutlu

Vocational School of Social Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey (Türkiye)
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

9Years (2018-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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22 December 2021 in Journal of Tourism and Services
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DKDidem Kutlu
Didem Kutlu
HAHasan Ayyıldız
Hasan Ayyıldız
This study aims to investigate the impact of destination image on memorable tourism experience (MTE). We also analyzed the effect of memorable tourism experience on revisit intention. Since there is a limited number of studies on the relationship between destination image and MTE, this study will contribute to the literature. Non-probability convenience sampling method was used to select the sample. The research was conducted with a total of 707 tourists who visited Antalya, Turkey. The data obtained from the study were analyzed using SPSS 20 and LISREL 8.7 package programs. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to analyze the data in the study. Our results indicate that the dimensions of the destination image, namely natural attractions, cultural attractions, tourism infrastructure, and general infrastructure, significantly influence hedonism and local culture. However, dimensions of destination image partly affect novelty, involvement, meaningfulness, and knowledge. Regarding the second objective, the results revealed that MTE dimensions explained 21.9% of the variance in revisit intention. Since novelty is an important antecedent of MTE and revisits intention, novelty and initiatives related to the tourism sector should be constantly monitored. Destination management organizations could be contributed to the formation of MTE by increasing the activities such as festivals, competitions, exhibitions and encouraging tourists to participate in these activities. Other managerial implications are discussed based on the study results, and directions for future research are provided.

11 April 2025 in Sustainability
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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DKDidem Kutlu
Didem Kutlu
Murad Alpaslan KasalakMurad Alpaslan Kasalak
Murad Alpaslan Kasalak
MBMehmet Bahar
Mehmet Bahar
Tourism and recreation are critical components of global economies and are significantly impacted by climate change due to their climate-dependent nature. This study aimed to assess the effects of climate change on outdoor recreation within the tourism sector, as perceived by stakeholders and tourists, through a systematic review. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search of the Web of Science database was conducted, resulting in a systematic review of 42 publications that met the inclusion–exclusion criteria out of a total of 226 publications published between 2007 and 2024. The comprehensive analysis identified four primary themes: vulnerability, adaptation, climate change perception, and tourist behavior. The USA emerges as the most researched country, followed by the UK, Germany, and France. The predominant research methods include regression analysis (37.2%) and thematic analysis (20.9%). Coping behaviors regarding climate change are influenced by various factors, such as geography, participant expertise, the type of activity, and the development levels of countries. Tourists adopt locational, temporal, strategic, activity substitution, and informational coping strategies in response to climate change. Conversely, businesses face challenges like reservation cancellations and mitigate global warming effects by modifying activities and adjusting routes due to rising water levels and drought. Adaptation projects are categorized into research–education, management, policy, behavior change, structural, and technical solutions. Implementing diversification strategies enables businesses to enhance their resilience and reduce environmental vulnerabilities. Additionally, raising awareness among visitors about the consequences of climate change is essential in fostering responsible behavior and promoting sustainable practices. The analysis reveals the lack of a holistic perspective in tourism studies, highlighting the need for projects that involve all stakeholders and support undeveloped and developing countries. Furthermore, it was observed that the perspectives of employees and residents were inadequately addressed in the studies examined.

20 October 2024 in Sustainability
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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DKDidem Kutlu
Didem Kutlu
MZMEHMET ZANBAK
MEHMET ZANBAK
SSSezer SOYCAN
Sezer SOYCAN
Murad Alpaslan KasalakMurad Alpaslan Kasalak
Murad Alpaslan Kasalak
ZÇZeynep Çimen
Zeynep Çimen
Culture and tourism are crucial for economic growth and sustainable development, working together symbiotically. Culture boosts tourism by supporting heritage, production, and creativity, while cultural heritage, reflecting national identity and traditions, strengthens local economies. This study uses a panel data analysis to examine the impact of cultural factors on international tourist arrivals in 27 EU nations. The Driscoll–Kraay method reveals that UNESCO World Heritage Sites, government cultural expenditures, household recreation and cultural expenditures, real GDP per job, and bed capacity positively influence international tourist numbers. Regarding cultural factors, World Heritage Sites have the most significant influence, with each additional UNESCO site leading to a 0.22% rise in tourist numbers. The most crucial determinant of tourist arrivals is bed capacity, with a one percent increase leading to a 0.66% increase in tourist arrivals. Conversely, healthcare expenditures and political civil liberties have a negative impact on tourist arrivals. This study discusses managerial implications and offers recommendations for future research.

5 November 2024 in Sustainability
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Emrah OrgunEmrah Orgun
Emrah Orgun
Ali SolunogluAli Solunoglu
Ali Solunoglu
DKDidem Kutlu
Didem Kutlu
Murad Alpaslan KasalakMurad Alpaslan Kasalak
Murad Alpaslan Kasalak
Aydın ÜnalAydın Ünal
Aydın Ünal
EGErhan Gozen
Erhan Gozen
This study was carried out to determine the relationships between green leadership perceived by hotel employees and environmental commitment, environmental awareness, and employees’ green behavior. In contrast to previous research in the literature, this study also examines the moderating role of generation in these relationships. The study was carried with employees of five-star hotel in Turkey. The data were analyzed with IBM SPSS AMOS 22 programs and significant effects between certain variables were detected. In addition, the research results indicate that generation has a moderating role in the relationships between green leadership, environmental awareness, and environmental commitment. As a result of the evaluation, a number of theoretical and practical contributions are presented for academicians working in the literature, sector representatives, and hotel business managers.

21 December 2024 in Sustainability
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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ZÇZeynep Çimen
Zeynep Çimen
DKDidem Kutlu
Didem Kutlu
KSKAZIM SARIÇOBAN
KAZIM SARIÇOBAN
UOUtku Ongun
Utku Ongun
Assessing a country’s tourism competitiveness is vital for identifying its tourism potential. The aim of this study is to determine Türkiye’s competitiveness in world tourism exports over the period 2010–2023 and to compare the similarity of Türkiye’s exports to the world tourism market with 40 tourism exporting countries that provide complete data for the analyzed period. The study uses the Relative Export Advantage (RXA) Index and Export Similarity Index (ESI) from the Revealed Comparative Advantage indexes. The RXA analysis, based on Trade Map data, reveals that out of 26 competitive countries, 10 have a “strong”, 9 a “moderate”, and 7 a “weak” advantage. The top countries with a “strong” advantage are Macao, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jordan, Croatia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand. According to 2023 Trade Map data, Türkiye, ranking sixth globally in tourism export revenues, is the most competitive among Spain, Portugal, Malaysia, Morocco, Egypt, Indonesia, Greece, and Italy, which have a “medium” competitive advantage. The ESI results show that Türkiye’s export similarity with highly competitive countries was initially higher during 2010–2023 but has since decreased.

2 November 2023 in Tourism
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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SYSevcan Yıldız
Sevcan Yıldız
DKDidem Kutlu
Didem Kutlu
YÖYasin Oğuz Özmenekşe
Yasin Oğuz Özmenekşe
With changing consumer trends and technological developments, the nature of tourism has evolved. Online platforms have made it easier for tourists to share their experiences and evaluations of the services they have consumed. Evaluating tourism services is often possible only after consumption, increasing consumer feedback's effectiveness. This study aims to analyze the comments written by individuals on the website of Teddy Tour Berlin, an agency specializing in toy tourism. In the study, 34 comments from 2005 to February 1, 2022, interpreting the comments, have been analyzed using Maxqda qualitative data analysis software. A total of 182 codes were derived from 1016 words, and six main themes were identified, including positive reviews, materials provided, experiences, friendship, and suggestions and advice for the agency. The coding analysis indicates that nearly half of the comments (47.83%) consisted of positive opinions.