Mersin’deki Müze ve Ören Yerlerinin Turist Rehberleri Tarafından Değerlendirilmesine Yönelik Nitel Bir Çalışma (A Qualitative Study on the Evaluation of Museums and Archaeological Sites in Mersin by Tourist Guides)

Abstract

The primary objective of the research is to evaluate Mersin archaeology from the perspective of professional tourist guides and to develop solutions to existing problems. In this context, the problems encountered by guides regarding archaeological sites in Mersin and their suggestions for increasing the attractiveness of these sites are presented. As part of the study, interviews were conducted with thirty professional tourist guides affiliated with the Adana Guides Association in 2024; the data obtained was evaluated using content and frequency analyses. The findings show that the destinations most frequently recommended by guides are Kız Kalesi, the Mersin Archaeological Museum, and the Cennet-Cehennem Caves. Although these areas meet visitor expectations in terms of historical and cultural significance, it was determined that problems related to infrastructure, such as transportation difficulties, inadequate social facilities, and cleanliness, were prominent. It was found that guides consider factors such as ease of transport, the historical significance of the area, and cost in their tour planning processes, and that they act according to tourists' requests for information. The study recommends strengthening promotional activities, increasing infrastructure investments, and encouraging alternative types of tourism to enhance the attractiveness of destinations.