Evaluation of Izzet Baysal Thanksgiving Days in terms of Recreation Marketing and Festival Tourism*

Abstract

Izzet Baysal Thanksgiving Days, held every year on May 11-13, are held to express gratitude to Izzet Baysal, who is identified with Bolu and transformed into a city brand. Thanksgiving Days has turned into a recreation marketing activity where an important cultural heritage is transferred. The aim of the study is to evaluate the Thanksgiving Days event in Bolu in terms of recreation marketing and festival tourism. The study was examined based on the qualitative phenomenological pattern. The interview method was chosen to obtain the research data, and the criterion sampling method was chosen for the sample selection. Descriptive analysis and content analysis were used in the analysis of the data. No study has been encountered in the literature on “İzzet Baysal Thanksgiving Days” yet. When analyzed in terms of local festivals, the Thanksgiving Days event; It has been determined that it can be effective in promoting Bolu and its culture and supporting tourism. The ability of future generations to continue the Thanksgiving Days, to turn it into an international event in the future and to revive city tourism, has been linked to innovations in recreational activities and suggestions have been made for improvement.