Tourism perception of cappadocia: Sentiment analysis and thematic review of economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts

Analyzing tourist experiences through digital content is crucial for understanding destination image, visitor satisfaction and sustainable tourism development. This study examines how tourists perceive Cappadocia based on user-generated content on Reddit. Using the Python Reddit API Wrapper, 59 posts and 119 comments from 2013 to 2024 were collected and analyzed with text mining techniques. Emotion analysis via the NRC Emotion Lexicon identified dominant sentiments such as trust, anticipation and joy, while fear and sadness were linked mainly to safety or heritage concerns. A phenomenological approach and content analysis revealed five key themes: Cultural and Historical Values, Tourism and Economic Impacts, Social Interaction, Nature and Environment and Technological Innovation. The findings highlight Cappadocia’s strong emotional appeal but also point to challenges like pricing, overcrowding and infrastructure issues. The study offers recommendations for sustainable destination management and emphasizes the value of integrating technologies like AR/VR and preserving cultural and natural assets. These insights can guide tourism stakeholders in enhancing visitor experiences and supporting long-term sustainability.