ASSESSING THE SERVICES OFFERED TO ELDERLY AND ACCESSIBLE LOCAL TOURISTS IN TRAVEL AGENCIES

Abstract

Health tourism is an important tourism movement for the tourism sector, destination managers and health enterprises, due to its economic impacts and being an international trade element. The purpose of this study is to determine the needs, expectations and problems of elderly and disabled individuals in package tour services offered by travel agencies, before and after sales. In the study, the profound interview technique which is among qualitative research methods, was used and face-to-face interviews were conducted with sales or operation representatives in travel agencies, using a semi-structured question form. As a result of the study, it was determined that travel agencies in Ankara did not plan special tours for elderly and disabled individuals. In addition it was found that no regulation was made considering the state of elderly and disabled individuals to make a journey in the planning of available tours presented for sale. It was also determined that travel agencies did not regard elderly and disabled individuals as a different market department and they had no efforts for developing and diversifying products. According to the study results, it is important to prepare diversified touristic products in order to meet the expectation of elderly and disabled individuals to participate in tourism movements.