Tourism Students’ Perceptions of Tourism Industry: The Case of Selçuk University Faculty of Tourism

Abstract

As tourism is a labor-intensive industry, it is quite difficult to set standards. Therefore, tourism industry is one of the industries needed by qualified personnel most. The purpose of this study is to determine Selçuk University Faculty of Tourism students’ perceptions of tourism industry. The study employed the quantitative research method and used the survey technique. The data obtained from 322 survey forms were analyzed via SPSS 24.00. The study found out that the students’ perceptions of tourism industry did not vary by gender, age group, grade, grade point average (GPA), the state of being/not being a graduate of a tourism high school, department, and people influential on their choice of department. However, significant differences were detected between their perception levels by experience in tourism industry and the state of doing/not doing internship. Since the students having experience and doing internship were found to have high perceptions, it is recommended to make internship compulsory in the first year in their department.