DOOMSDAY IN ŞİRİNCE

Abstract

In 2012, Şirince, a small village located on the western part of Turkey, was in the news as one of only two safe havens worldwide from a rapidly approaching doomsday – at least according to Mayan calendar prophecies. This case, based on this true story, highlights the importance of media influence on the image of a destination, and how accurate or fabricated news may strongly encourage or discourage travellers to visit destinations. It is a good example of how destination marketing organisations should manage their media relations, and how to analyse, control, guide and monitor news reports in mainstream media channels. The case uses role playing, scenario analysis and group discussions to encourage participants to engage in teamwork. The actual story concerns a potential increase in visitor arrivals in a destination setting. However, the news also affected tourism establishments in the destination. Therefore, the case indicates the strategies that tourism establishments should follow in response to unexpected events. © 2022 selection and editorial matter, Gürhan Aktaş and Metin Kozak; individual chapters, the contributors.