The expectations of exhibitors in tourism, hospitality, and the travel industry: A case study on East Mediterranean tourism and travel exhibition

Abstract

The aim of this study is to reveal the differences among dimensions regarding the exhibit objectives of the East Mediterranean Tourism and Travel Exhibition (EMITT), which has been the largest in tourism, hospitality, and travel trade shows in Turkey. Based on a current review of literature, the researcher developed the questionnaire used for this study. Data were collected from EMITT 2004. The sampling population of the study consisted of all of the exhibitors that came together at the trade show from Turkey. The data analysis of the study consisted of three steps. The first step provided a descriptive profile of the exhibitors based on the questions. The second step employed a factor analysis procedure to delineate the perceived underlying dimensions of the exhibitors' objectives. The final step calculated the mean scores for each independent variable, and the Pearson correlations calculated between rating values. In conclusion, the exhibitors in the working areas of hospitality, tourism, and the travel industry in Turkey have contributed much regarding "strategic benefit-related" objectives. The other objectives are, in order of importance, "research-related," "promotion-related, " and "selling-related." © 2005 by The Haworth Press, Inc.