Abstract

Although a number of studies regarding internet sites relating to the tourism industry and Turkey’s thermal sources have been conducted worldwide, none have been found that deal specifically with thermal hotels and their usage of Internet as a marketing tool. The purpose of this study was to evaluate thermal hotels websites and determine the use or non use of the Internet as a marketing tool by thermal hotels in Turkey. This study outlines that the thermal hotels in Turkey do not currently use the Internet as a productive marketing tool. This study also suggests some solutions to thermal hotel managers for successful cyber tourism marketing, including the establishment of a website, on-line booking, customer support and general cyber marketing on the Web. Limitations and further research are also explored.

Key words: Marketing, Internet, thermal tourism, thermal hotel, Turkey.