The Role of Science Centers In Tourism: A Research On Konya Science Center

Abstract

Today, the demand for science centers, which function as part of education and aim to endear science love to students and society is increasing rapidly as a result of the fact that human beings, who are in search for new pursuits in a changing and globalizing world, bring together the past and the future in order to adapt to change. As a natural consequence of this, many countries of the world are focusing on investments and studies for science centers. Science centers are institutions and/or organizations where people gain experience by doing-living and where science is made fun and lovable. Science centers, which serve as a part of education and aim to endear science to students and society, are also part of these destinations when tourists' destinations are evaluated as a whole. In this context, it is crucial to bring special museums or science centers to tourism, which appeal to visitors of all ages, and combine different concepts such as astronomy, archaeology, history, children and science. The research was conducted to examine the visitor profiles of science centers, which have gained importance in recent years and the impact of science centers on child-parent relationship and to emphasize the touristic attractiveness of science centers. In order to obtain the primary data, a semi-structured interview form was prepared and children and parents visiting Konya Science Centre were interviewed.  According to the data obtained, the science center trip with the family has revealed positive results such as strengthening the interaction with the children, enabling them to have a pleasant time and strengthening family ties. In terms of the tourism potential of Konya Science Center, the participants stated that if the activities and workshops of the science center are constantly renewed, the touristic attractiveness will increase even more.