Cost-Benefit Analysis of Educational Tourism in North Cyprus: A Qualitative Study of the Socio-economic Impacts

Authors

  • Hamed Rezapouraghdam Faculty of Tourism Eastern Mediterranean University
  • Elaheh Behravesh Department of Business Administration Eastern Mediterranean University
  • Engin Ari Department of Banking and Finance Eastern Mediterranean University
  • Winifred Lema Doh Faculty of Tourism Eastern Mediterranean University

Keywords:

Socio-economic Impacts, Educational Tourism, Qualitative research, North Cyprus

Abstract

Educational tourism continually commands attention in the academic sphere around the world. In contrast to previous studies that have mostly relied on figures and numbers to assess the socio-economic impacts of educational tourism, this study makes a two-fold contribution to the literature. Firstly, empowered by the cost-benefit theoretical framework and a qualitative research approach using semi-structured interviews, this study identifies the socio-economic pros and cons of this phenomenon as experienced by different entrepreneurs in Famagusta city: an educational tourism destination in North Cyprus. Secondly, the specific attribute of Famagusta, a destination that hosts a considerable number of educational tourists in comparison to the local population, has created an opportunity to see how this industry affects the economy of such a region. A total number of 24 interviewees were selected purposefully as the study sample, and the results showed that educational tourism and the economic lives of the local community are firmly tied together.

Author Biographies

  • Hamed Rezapouraghdam, Faculty of Tourism Eastern Mediterranean University

    Hamed Rezapouraghdam is currently a PhD candidate and Teaching Assistant at the faculty of tourism, Eastern Mediterranean University, Cyprus. He obtained his Master degree in tourism management at the same university. He also earned his B.A. from Isfahan University, Faculty of Foreign Languages. Moreover, he has completed Civil Aviation Organization programs and Cultural Heritage, Handcrafts & Tourism Organization degrees as well.

  • Elaheh Behravesh, Department of Business Administration Eastern Mediterranean University

    Elaheh Behravesh is a PhD candidate and Teaching Assistant at the department of business administration in the Eastern Mediterranean University, Cyprus.

  • Engin Ari, Department of Banking and Finance Eastern Mediterranean University

    Engin Ari is a senior lecturer of business economics, risk management and insurance and socioeconomics at the department of banking and finance, Eastern Mediterranean University, Cyprus.

  • Winifred Lema Doh, Faculty of Tourism Eastern Mediterranean University
    Winifred Lema Doh is a PhD candidate at the faculty of tourism, Eastern Mediterranean University, Cyprus

Downloads

Published

2018-09-01

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 6 (2018)

Section

Articles

License

e-Review of Tourism Research (eRTR) is an international electronic bulletin for tourism research (ISSN:1941-5842). It comprises current tourism research articles, commentaries and reviews by industry professionals. The materials are provided for the personal noncommercial use of registered users of the eRTR, free to individuals and institutions. Copies of articles may be distributed for research or educational purpose, free of charge and without permission. However, commercial use of the eRTR or the articles contained herein is expressly prohibited without the written consent of the publisher.

In consideration for publication of your work, if published on behalf of the eRTR, the author agrees to transfer the work to the eRTR, Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences, Texas A&M University, USA, including full and exclusive rights to publication in all media now known or later developed, including but not limited to electronic databases.

The authors represents and warrants:

  • That the manuscript submitted is his/her own work;
  • That the work submitted to the eRTR has not been previously published.

How to Cite

“Cost-Benefit Analysis of Educational Tourism in North Cyprus: A Qualitative Study of the Socio-economic Impacts” (2018) e-Review of Tourism Research, 15(6). Available at: https://ertr-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/ertr/article/view/259 (Accessed: 19 September 2024).

Similar Articles

1-10 of 278

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.