Determination of Personality Characteristics and Innovation Levels of Guides Who Received Specialization Training in Gastronomy Guidance

Abstract

This study aims to determine the personality traits and innovativeness levels of guides who
receive specialization training in the field of gastronomy guidance. A mixed design was used in
the study. In the research, data was collected from tourist guides registered in 13 tourist guide
chambers affiliated with TUREB between 10 May 2021 and 31 December 2023. Data were collected via semi-structured surveys using convenience and snowball sampling methods. The collected data were analyzed with SPSS and MAXQDA package programs. According to the results obtained, the reasons for receiving specialized training in the field of gastronomy are grouped under 7 themes. It was determined that the themes of the education in question affecting personality traits were "improving expression skills", "arousing curiosity" and "extraversion". On the other hand, it has been determined that the training in question will contribute to the level of innovation in the themes of "makes you knowledgeable", "makes a difference" and "offers the chance to renew yourself". As a result of the findings, recommendations were developed for researchers in the field and industry representatives.