Evaluating Destination Performance with a Manager-Oriented Approach: Case of Nevsehir Cappadocia

The purpose of this study is to evaluate Nevsehir Cappadocia’s destination performance through region’s tourism managers’ perspectives considering the region’s tourism features. Data were collected from 114 tourism managers in Nevsehir Cappadocia from May 2014 through October 2014. It was determined that the region had a positive image and it performed moderately regarding attractions, facilities/services, and hospitableness and human resources. The region performed insufficiently regarding infrastructure. Overall performance was relatively high. The findings of this study could be useful especially for destination managers and tourism business managers because it revealed the weaknesses and strengths of the region while evaluating the performance. Increasing destination performance may also influence visitors’ future behaviour positively. Thus, indirect impacts of overcoming the weaknesses should also be considered. Although implications might be primarily for tourism planners, the businesses in the region might also consider the findings in many respects such as business investment decisions, new product development, and design of their services. Evaluating Nevsehir Cappadocia’s performance could contribute to the literature while also being of benefit to the managers of the businesses in the region. Moreover, to our knowledge, it is the first study to examine destination performance in this region from supply side.