Journals / GSI Journals Serie A: Advancements in Tourism Recreation and Sports Sciences / 2026 / Cilt: 9 Sayı: 2

Traditional Handicrafts and Tourism from the Perspective of Travel Agencies

Seyahat Acentelerinin Bakış Açısından Geleneksel El sanatları ve Turizm

Sevda Kanca(TRABZON ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0002-3057-5759
Pages
694–714
Publication Date
2026-07-31
🏛️Bibliographic metadata and full text access for this article are provided via DergiPark.
DergiPark Record ↗
✨

AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The findings indicate that travel agencies regard traditional handicrafts as an important element of cultural heritage and tourism as a key means of preserving them.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This study examines the relationship between traditional handicrafts and tourism from the perspective of travel agencies and explores tourism’s contribution to the sustainability of these cultural heritage elements.
📊
Key Findings & Data:Quantitative data were collected from 182 travel agencies in Trabzon through questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained from semi-structured interviews with 12 travel agency managers selected through purposive sampling.
💡
Conclusion & Impact:The findings indicate that travel agencies regard traditional handicrafts as an important element of cultural heritage and tourism as a key means of preserving them.
🔬Design:Survey & Empirical Study
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Geleneksel el sanatları · Seyahat Acentesi · Trabzon turizmi

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between traditional handicrafts and tourism from the perspective of travel agencies and explores tourism’s contribution to the sustainability of these cultural heritage elements. A mixed-methods approach was adopted. Quantitative data were collected from 182 travel agencies in Trabzon through questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained from semi-structured interviews with 12 travel agency managers selected through purposive sampling. The findings indicate that travel agencies regard traditional handicrafts as an important element of cultural heritage and tourism as a key means of preserving them. However, their knowledge of the historical origins and cultural background of these handicrafts remains limited. Inadequate promotion, insufficient economic and institutional support, and limited financial incentives were identified as the main barriers to integrating traditional handicrafts into tourism. The study contributes to the literature by providing a regional and practice-oriented perspective. It recommends strengthening promotional activities, institutional support, and experience-based tourism practices to ensure the sustainable integration of traditional handicrafts into tourism.

Özet

Çalışma, seyahat acentaları perspektifinden geleneksel el sanatları ile turizm arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemekte ve turizmin bu kültürel miras unsurlarının sürdürülebilirliğine katkısını araştırmaktadır. Araştırmada karma yöntem yaklaşımı benimsenmiştir. Nicel veriler, Trabzon'da faaliyet gösteren 182 seyahat acentasından anket yoluyla, nitel veriler ise amaçlı örnekleme yöntemiyle seçilen 12 seyahat acentası yöneticisiyle gerçekleştirilen yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmelerden elde edilmiştir. Bulgular, seyahat acentalarının geleneksel el sanatlarını kültürel mirasın önemli bir unsuru olarak değerlendirdiğini ve turizmi bu değerlerin korunmasında temel bir araç olarak gördüğünü göstermektedir. Bununla birlikte, geleneksel el sanatlarının tarihsel kökeni ve kültürel geçmişine ilişkin bilgi düzeylerinin sınırlı olduğu belirlenmiştir. Yetersiz tanıtım, ekonomik ve kurumsal desteğin yetersizliği ile finansal teşviklerin sınırlı olması, geleneksel el sanatlarının turizme entegrasyonunun önündeki temel engeller olarak belirlenmiştir. Çalışma, bölgesel ve uygulamaya yönelik bir bakış açısı sunarak literatüre katkı sağlamaktadır. Bu doğrultuda, geleneksel el sanatlarının turizme sürdürülebilir biçimde entegrasyonunu sağlamak amacıyla tanıtım faaliyetlerinin artırılması, kurumsal desteğin güçlendirilmesi ve deneyim temelli turizm uygulamalarının yaygınlaştırılması önerilmektedir.

🔖

Cite This Article

Kanca, S. (2026). Traditional Handicrafts and Tourism from the Perspective of Travel Agencies. GSI Journals Serie A: Advancements in Tourism Recreation and Sports Sciences, Cilt: 9 Sayı: 2, 694–714. https://doi.org/10.53353/atrss.1924276

📄 Full Text PDF Viewer

📄

PDF görüntüleyici hazırlanıyor...

References (69)

  1. Abdou, H. A. (2020). The role of traditional crafts centers in maintaining heritage and its impact on promoting tourism: Case study of Foustat Traditional Crafts Center–Cairo, Egypt. International Journal of Eco-Cultural Tourism, Hospitality Planning and Development, 3, 47–68. https://doi.org/10.21608/ijecth.2020.234245
  2. Abreham, H. (2022). Traditional handicrafts, creative arts and their relationship with tourism marketing [Doctoral dissertation]. St. Mary’s University.
  3. Ahmad, S. G., Bharti, M., & Chauhan, R. (2026). Exploring the nexus between tourism development and handicraft entrepreneurship: The mediating role of government initiatives in Kashmir Valley. GeoJournal of Tourism and Geosites, 64(1), 206–216. https://doi.org/10.30892/gtg.64118-1669
  4. Aksu, N. S., & Türk, Y. A. (2021). Crafts and craft spaces from past to present: The case of Trabzon. Art-Sanat Journal, 15, 317–345. https://doi.org/10.26650/artsanat.2021.15.0013
  5. Alaeddinoğlu, F., & Can, A. S. (2007). Tour operators and travel agencies in the Turkish tourism sector. Journal of Gazi University Faculty of Commerce and Tourism Education, 2, 50–66. https://izlik.org/JA47TT87AR
  6. Alagöz, G., Çalık, İ., & Güneş, E. (2018). Traditional handicrafts in the context of cultural heritage tourism: The case of Erzincan copper craftsmanship. Dumlupınar University Journal of Social Sciences, 55, 174–191. https://izlik.org/JA96KB24SW
  7. Altınay, M., & Dinçer, F. İ. (2017). Evaluation of traditional handicrafts within the scope of creative tourism. Journal of Recreation and Tourism Research, 4(Special Issue 1), 343–352. https://www.jrtr.org/index.php/jrtr/article/view/252/254
  8. Akpulat, N. A., & Üzümcü, T. P. (2020). Evaluation of traditional Turkish handicrafts within the scope of creative tourism: The perspective of the local people of Ödemiş. International Journal of Social and Humanities Sciences Research, 7(51), 584–597. https://doi.org/10.26450/jshsr.1794
  9. Arıca, R., & Kafa, N. (2020). Sustainability in travel agencies: A study on travel agencies operating in the Black Sea Region. Journal of Turkish Tourism Research, 4(3), 1847–1866.https://doi.org/ 10.26677/TR1010.2020.454
  10. Aydın, N. (2023). The art of quilting in Trabzon: Masters and their works. Karadeniz Studies Journal, 17(35), 291–320. https://doi.org/10.18220/kid.1380345
  11. Bayazit, M., Ceylan, U., & Saylan, U. (2012). The impact of traditional handicrafts on regional tourism: The Southeastern Anatolia Region. Batman University Journal of Life Sciences, 1(1), 899–908. https://izlik.org/JA67UP59NK
  12. Bartlett, M. S. (1954). A note on the multiplying factors for various chi-square approximations. Journal of the Royal Statistical Society: Series B, 16, 296–298. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2517-6161.1954.tb00174.x
  13. Begiç, H. N., & Önal Çapık, H. (2019). Traditional art of kazaziye in Trabzon. Journal of the Black Sea Research Institute, 5(8), 175–190. https://doi.org/10.31765/karen.668122
  14. Begic, H. N., & Öz, C. (2019). Peştamal weaving used in Trabzon and its application in contemporary designs. Karadeniz Journal of Social Sciences, 11(21), 475–492. https://izlik.org/JA35KN64LK
  15. Belber, B. G., & Duman, D. (2023). The role and importance of traditional handicraft products in sustainable tourism: A study in Hatay province. Journal of Turkish Tourism Research, 7(1), 31-48. https://doi.org/10.26677/TR1010.2023.1195
  16. Beksultanova, C., Mazhitova, Z., Zhunushalieva, G., Kozhakeyeva, L., Kyzy Nazira, T., & Shamshidenova, F. (2021). Handicraft tourism in Kyrgyzstan: Features and prospects. E3S Web of Conferences, 284, 10001. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202128410001
  17. Bhaumik, S., & Baksi, A. K. (2024). Exploring experiential authenticity and engagement patterns in intangible cultural heritage (ICH)-based sustainable tourism: A phenomenological study. International Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Systems, 17(1), 40-47. https://research.ebsco.com/46f8bd16-47ce-45b5-8bb1-b8cac4a7d2ed
  18. Burnaz, E. (2022). The use of geographical indication products by local tourism stakeholders: The case of Trabzon Province. Gümüşhane University Journal of the Faculty of Communication, 10(2), 1130–1156. https://doi.org/10.19145/e-gifder.1103989
  19. Birinci, E., & Camcı, A. (2016). An example of traditional handicrafts that should be preserved: Sivas knife production. Marmara Geographical Review, 33, 493–509. https://doi.org/10.14781/mcd.19927
  20. Çalık, İ., & Ödemiş, M. (2018). A qualitative study on the evaluation of intangible cultural heritage values of Gümüşhane within the framework of sustainable tourism. Mediterranean Journal of Humanities, 8(2), 233–249. https://doi.org/10.13114/MJH.2018.419
  21. Çelik, S., & Toprak, L. S. (2018). Evaluation of traditional handicrafts of Şırnak as tourism products. Anemon Muş Alparslan University Journal of Social Sciences, 6(5), 687–692. https://dx.doi.org/10.18506/anemon.401052
  22. Curkovic, M. D. (2021). The role of traditional crafts as intangible heritage in the global tourism market. SHS Web of Conferences, 92, 06005. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/20219206005
  23. Çokluk, Ö., Şekercioğlu, G., & Büyüköztürk, Ş. (2018). Multivariate statistics for social sciences: SPSS and LISREL applications. Ankara: Pegem Akademi.
  24. Demircioğlu, G. (2023). Phenomenological research design. In E. Taşdemir & A. B. Dereli (Eds.), Qualitative research in communicative context: Designs and data analysis (pp. 67–85). Konya: Palet Publishing.
  25. Doğanay, H., & Çavuş, A. (2014). An example of traditional handicrafts: Sürmene knife production. Eastern Geographical Review, 18(29), 51–64. https://izlik.org/JA92WA22WG
  26. Dönmez, Y., & Kocakaya, E. (2022). The effects of traditional handicrafts on tourism within the scope of cultural tourism: The case of Amasra. Safran Journal of Culture and Tourism Research, 5(1), 103–121. https://izlik.org/JA45WB34JK
  27. Eren, A. S., & Bayram, G. E. (2021). The contribution of handicrafts to tourism, their current status, problems, and solution proposals: A study on Sinop. Journal of Social, Humanities and Administrative Sciences, 4(5), 387–400. https://doi.org/10.26677/TR1010.2021.725
  28. Ehsani, A. (2017). Copper craftsmanship in Trabzon. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Arman-Ehsani/publication/315661728_Trabzon'da_Bakircilik/links/58d91f4d4585153a5100d100/Trabzonda-Bakircilik.pdf
  29. Ezzat, M., Mostafa, M., & Farrag, M. M. (2023). Assessing the role of handicrafts as a tourist attraction in the New Valley. Minia Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Research, 16(2), 108–126. https://mjthr.journals.ekb.eg
  30. Forero, J. A. M., & Mejía, A. N. (2023). Creative tourism based on handicrafts in the municipality of Ráquira, Boyacá. In Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Tourism Research (ICTR 2023). https://doi.org/10.34190/ICTR.6.1.1099
  31. Gulamdjanovna, K. M. (2025). The importance and attractiveness of handicraft products for tourists. IMRAS, 8(6), 42–49. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15619501
  32. Günal, V., Alaeddinoğlu, F., & Şahinalp, M. S. (2009). Cultural tourism tours to Türkiye and their main routes. Gaziantep University Journal of Social Sciences, 8(1), 275–298. https://izlik.org/JA67WB89RA
  33. Gürbüz, S., & Şahin, F. (2021). Research methods in social sciences: Philosophy, methods, and analysis (5th ed.). Ankara: Seçkin Publishing.
  34. Hooper, D. (2012). Exploratory factor analysis. In H. Chen (Ed.), Approaches to quantitative research Theory and its practical application: A guide to dissertation students. Oak Tree Press https://arrow.tudublin.ie/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1007&context=buschmanbk
  35. Hung, N. T. V., Ha, N. T., Thuc, N. T., & Huong, N. T. L. (2025). Evaluating the tourism appeal of traditional craft villages in Vietnam: A case study from tourists’ perspectives in Thanh Hóa province. Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology, 9(5), 2565-2576. https://doi.org/10.55214/25768484.v9i5.7518
  36. Karadeniz, E., Unur, K., Köşker, H., & Zencir, B. (2015). Analysis of financial problems of SMEs operating in accommodation and travel businesses in Van province. Çukurova University Journal of Social Sciences Institute, 24(1), 85–98. https://izlik.org/JA84SC73M
  37. Kaiser, H. F. (1960). The application of electronic computers to factor analysis. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 20(1), 141–151. https://doi.org/10.1177/001316446002000116
  38. Kaya, M., & Erol, N. (2021). Evaluation of handicraft products within the scope of rural tourism: The case of Espiye-Akkaya village. Journal of Humanities and Tourism Research, 11(1), 226–240. https://doi.org/10.14230/johut991f
  39. Kline, P. (1987). Factor analysis and personality theory. European Journal of Personality, 1(1), 21-36. https://doi.org/10.1002/per.2410010105
  40. Koçak, E. (2020). The contribution of cultural heritage to national tourism and economy: The case of “Yalvaç felt making.” Journal of Çankırı Karatekin University Faculty of Literature, 8(2), 317–327. https://doi.org/10.63556/ankad.v10i1.353
  41. Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis: An expanded sourcebook (2nd ed.). New York: Sage.
  42. Mustafa, S., Fidjah, A., Mebitil, N., & Abdedaim, K. (2024). The role of tourism in promoting traditional products and economic development. Brazilian Journal of Business, 6(3), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.34140/bjbv6n3-016
  43. Özbek, Ö., & Çevik, S. (2018). Traditional handicrafts as carriers of intangible cultural heritage: The living heritage of Gönen district. Journal of Tourism and Gastronomy Studies, 6(4), 588–603. https://doi.org/10.21325/jotags.2018.325
  44. Özkan, N. B., & Hassan, A. (2021). Semiotic analysis of cultural tours organized by travel agencies in Ankara. Journal of Tourism and Gastronomy Studies, 9(Special Issue 5), 61–72. https://doi.org/10.21 325/jotags.2021.941
  45. Özlü, B. (2024). A perception study on the contribution of cultural heritage tourism potential to regional development: The case of Gaziantep [Doctoral dissertation], Necmettin Erbakan University.
  46. Paliwal, S., & Sharma, M. (2023). Exploring the influence of sustainable tourism on the growth of the handicraft sector: A socio-demographic study of Rajasthan. International Management Review, 19, 92–199. https://americanscholarspress.us/journals/IMR/pdf/IMR-0-2023/IMR2023SpringSp-art8.pdf
  47. Pelit, E., & Türkoğlu, T. (2020). Evaluation of intangible cultural heritage resources as tourism attractions: The case of the art of Ebru. Journal of Recreation and Tourism Research, 7(1), 1 30.https://doi.org/10.31771/jrtr.2020.51
  48. UNESCO-Türkiye National Commission (UNESCO-TNC). (2026). UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists. Retrieved January 2026, from https://www.unesco.org.tr/Pages/126/123/UNESCO-Somut-Olmayan-Kültürel-Miras-Listeleri
  49. Saruhan, S. (2022). Trabzon Keşan cloth. Hars Academy International Peer-Reviewed Journal of Culture, Art and Architecture, 5(2), 471–488. https://izlik.org/JA34XW57RK
  50. Solmaz, A., Solmaz, B. N., & Alkılıç, B. S. (2022). Traditional handicrafts as a destination attraction: The use of İznik and Kütahya tiles in architectural and portable collections. SSD Journal, 7(34), 361–378. https://doi.org/10.31567/ssd.775
  51. Soylu, B. Ç., & Şahin, B. (2024). Evaluation of tourist motivation and memorable tourism experiences within the scope of heritage tourism. GSI Journals Serie A: Advancements in Tourism, Recreation and Sports Sciences, 7(1), 280–300. https://doi.org/10.53353/atrss.1370344
  52. Şengül, A., & Kalıpçı, M. B. (2025). Tax practices in the tourism sector in Türkiye: Problems and solution proposals. Journal of Tourism Economics and Business Research, 7(1), 64–78. https://izlik.org/JA49NY88JN
  53. Tabachnick, B. G., & Fidell, L. S. (2013). Using multivariate statistics (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
  54. Tapfuma, M. M., Musavengane, R., & Magwaza, R. (2024). The role of creative tourism through arts and crafts in promoting inclusive tourism in Zimbabwe. Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change, 22(1), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1080/14766825.2023.2231401
  55. Tashakkori, A., & Teddie, C. (1998). Mixed methodology: Combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
  56. Tekin, Y. (2025). Production, general characteristics, and tourism contribution of Isparta carpet weaving from past to present. Art-E, 18(35), 90-116. https://doi.org/10.21602/sduarte.1658437
  57. T.C. Ministry of Culture and Tourism (TCMCT). (2026). Travel agency inquiry system. Retrieved January 2026, from https://yatirimisletmeleruygulama.kultur.gov.tr/Acente.Web.Sorgu/Sorgu/acentesorgu
  58. Toraman, S. (2021). Mixed methods research: A brief history, definition, perspectives, and basic concepts. Qualitative Social Sciences, 3(1), 1–29. https://doi.org/10.47105/nsb.847688
  59. Trabzon Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism (TPDCT). (2026). Weaving and crafts. Retrieved January 2026, from https://trabzon.ktb.gov.tr/EN-126970/weaving-and-crafts.html
  60. Trabzon Governorship. (2026). Handicrafts. Retrieved January 2026, from http://www.trabzon.gov.tr/el-sanatlari
  61. UNESCO. (2018). What is intangible cultural heritage? Retrieved January 2026, from https://ich.unesco.org/en/what-is-intangible-heritage-00003
  62. Upadhyay, P. (2020). Promoting employment and preserving cultural heritage: A study of handicraft tourism in Pokhara, Nepal. Journal of Tourism and Adventure, 3(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.3126/jota.v3i1.31354
  63. Van, B.T. (2024). The role of cultural tourism in the preservation and promotion of traditional cultural values among ethnic minority groups in Tuyên Quang. European Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, 1(3), 355-360. https://doi.org/10.59324/ejahss.2024.1(3).31
  64. Varol, F. (2020). Sustainable cultural heritage management: A study on tourism stakeholders. Afyon Kocatepe University Journal of Social Sciences, 22(4), 1140–1156. https://doi.org/10.32709/akusosbil.803393
  65. Waktole, D. H. (2016). Cultural values of customary handicrafts: Cloth weaving among the Macca Oromo ethnic group in western Ethiopia. Socrates, 4(2), 15–26. https://dialnet.unirioja.es/descarga/articulo/5575807.pdf
  66. Watkins, M. W. (2018). Exploratory factor analysis: A guide to best practice. Journal of Black Psychology, 44(3), 219–246. https://doi.org/10.1177/0095798418771807
  67. Wang, Y., Alli, H., & Ishak, S. M. M. (2023). Sustainable tourism souvenirs: Fostering cultural heritage preservation through local handicraft product. Journal of Tourism, Hospitality and Environment Management, 8(34), 45-53. https://doi.org/10.35631/JTHEM.834004
  68. Yang, Y., Shafi, M., Song, X., & Yang, R. (2018). Preservation of cultural heritage embodied in traditional crafts in the developing countries. A case study of Pakistani handicraft industry. Sustainability, 10(5), 1336. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10051336
  69. Yıldırmış, F. (2017). A disappearing cultural element in Trabzon: The traditional wooden cradle. Mavi Atlas, 5(2), 424–437. https://doi.org/10.18795/gumusmaviatlas.352437