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

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Published

2018-09-01

How to Cite

Rezapouraghdam, H., Behravesh, E., Ari, E. and Doh, W. L. (2018) “Cost-Benefit Analysis of Educational Tourism in North Cyprus: A Qualitative Study of the Socio-economic Impacts”, e-Review of Tourism Research, 15(6). Available at: https://ertr-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/ertr/article/view/259 (Accessed: 28 March 2024).

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Section

Articles