The Impact of COVID-19 on the Rural Second Home Tourism

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the level of satisfaction of second home users in the EBSR countryside due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For this purpose, a qualitative research based on in-depth interview technique using semi-structured questionnaire was applied to six households. Gürgenağaç Village within the borders of Trabzon Province, Maçka District was selected as the case area. The study provided results to discuss whether rural second homes, which are seen as insurance against risks, fulfill the expected task by virtue of the global pandemic experience and the problems arising from second homes and their surroundings. In conclusion, the study shows that behaviors and attitudes of rural second home owners had significantly changed with the COVID-19 pandemic.