Abstract

This study includes a research with the use of quantitative data collection and evaluation techniques which aim to determine the perspectives and perceptions of students on tourism. Also study aimed to determine the perceptions of the students continued to the Tourism Economics course at Department Economics in Trakya University and to analyse the differences according to gender, graduated high school type and having a connection with tourism sector. As a result of the study, four sub-dimensions (factor) were determined by Factor Analysis. Findings; emphasizes that students' perceptions about tourism are positive and their perceptions differ according to the variables of high school graduation and tourism-related situation. There are no differences between the gender in the sub-dimensions of tourism perceptions. The results of the study shows that Tourism Economics course have a significant effect on students' knowledge and sensitivity to tourism. The most important contribution is; understanding the economic impact of the tourism sector significantly and the necessity of tourism for economic growth and development.