Audio Guide Usage: Case of Dolmabahce Palace

Abstract

One of the technological applications that are frequently used in museums and ruins is the “audio-guide” application. This study was carried out to determine the opinions of the tourist guides about the audio-guide technology used in Dolmabahce Palace. In the study, information will be given about the audio-guide technology used in historical and touristic places such as museums, ruins, palaces and mansions. In addition, it will be revealed how this technology will affect the tour, tourists and tourist-guide relationships, what can be done for an effective trip. The study data were collected from 23 tourist guides in June 2019 using the interview form approach. The data were subjected to content analysis. It has been determined that the vast majority of tourist guides exhibit a negative attitude towards the audio-guide application implemented in Dolmabahce Palace, and they see this application an obstacle factor in tourist guidance service. It ends with the suggestion that audio-guide technology should be used as a complementary support tool for an effective trip.