Title: The analysis of tangible attraction elements of wine tourism destination using the DEMATEL method: the case of the Thrace Vineyard Route

Authors: Bahar Bayındır; Hilmi Rafet Yüncü

Addresses: Faculty of Tourism, Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, Kırklareli University, Kayali Campus Center, 39100, Kırklareli, Turkiye ' Faculty of Tourism, Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, Anadolu University, Yunus Emre Campus, 26470, Eskişehir, Turkiye

Abstract: This study aims to examine the characteristics valued by wine tourists with a holistic approach within the framework of the research question, "Which tangible elements are important for wine tourism experience in a wine tourism destination?". The study used the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique to identify the characteristics that wine tourists value and to assess their significance and level of impact. According to the results of the research, the most important elements for wine tourists are winery restaurants and wine tasting. In addition, wine tourism destination elements were analysed under two main categories as affecting and being affected. Access to destination information has been identified as one of the most important affecting elements for wine tourists. Among the most important affected elements, wine purchasing stands out. These findings indicate which elements wine tourism destinations should strategically focus on to increase tourist satisfaction.

Keywords: wine tourism; destination; DEMATEL; Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory; the Thrace Vineyard Route; tangible attraction element.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2025.147448

International Journal of Tourism Policy, 2025 Vol.15 No.3, pp.275 - 292

Received: 20 Jul 2024
Accepted: 29 Oct 2024
Published online: 15 Jul 2025 *

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