GEOGRAPHICALLY INDICATIONS PRODUCTS AS A DESTINATION MARKETING COMPONENT: TURKEY 2022 EVALUATION DESTİNASYON PAZARLAMA BİLEŞENİ OLARAK COĞRAFİ İŞARETLİ ÜRÜNLER: TÜRKİYE 2022 DEĞERLENDİRMESİ ABSTRACT

For countries, tourism is a sector that provides significant income and is open to continuous development. Countries with various tourist attractions can benefit from various strategies and policies to attract tourist demand both nationally and internationally. Different characteristics of destinations also play an active role in tourists' preference for the relevant destination. The authenticity, quality and reliability of the local attractions of destinations can provide a competitive advantage over other destinations. Geographically indicated products can also be perceived as natural, high quality, authentic and reliable for consumers and can form the basis of an effective image for destinations. Turkey's geopolitical location, natural beauties, climate, and hosting of different cultures provide product diversity in Turkey's 81 provinces. From the relevant perspective, it can be easily seen that Turkey is also rich in alternative tourism types. It is extremely important to emphasize the diversity of Turkey in the field of tourism and to determine the applications it has carried out in the field of geographical indication and it forms the basis of this research. According to the April 2022 data of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, it has been found that 1051 out of 1821 products are registered as geographically indicated products in Turkey and the evaluation process of 770 products continues. Related products were classified by the researchers according to the provinces they are located in, their types and the date they received the geographical indication. According to the information obtained within the scope of the research, it can be said that Turkey can create brand value with its geographical product diversity and gain a competitive advantage in terms of destination positioning. Effective marketing policies should be directed to protect the geographically indicated products and for the tourists to experience the relevant products. Due to the high cost of obtaining geographical indications, various supports will be provided in this area and thus the frequency of destinations will be increased. In addition, it is extremely important to organize local festivals for the promotion of geographically indicated products and to promote them intensively in target markets.


INTRODUCTION
In addition to population growth in the world, the consumption structure has changed depending on the reshaping of human needs, habits and tastes along with socio-economic changes (Meral & Şahin, 2013). It is known that tourism develops continuously due to its worldwide development. Tourism activities carried out by people for various purposes can vary nationally and internationally (Bilge, Demirbaş & Artukoğlu, 2019: 127). Positive developments and opportunities brought about some problems. The use of many poor-quality raw materials and genetically modified products to make more profit puts human health at risk in the long run. It is observed that consumers who are aware of this situation have increased quality and reliability concerns (Toklu, Ustaahmetoğlu & Öztürk Küçük, 2016). Quality and modern products are also popular with consumers. Systems related to quality, reliable and original products are being developed in the world and in Turkey. One of the systems developed is geographical indications. Signs that indicate a product identified with a region, area, region or country where the origin is found in terms of distinctive quality, reputation, or other characteristics are called "Geographical Indications" (Çukur & Çukur, 2017: 187).
The basis of the concept of geographical indication in the world is the Paris Convention dated March 20, 1883. In Turkey, geographical indication registration is among the duties of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office in accordance with Decree-Law No. 544. However, in 2007, the "Draft Law on Geographical Indications" was submitted to the parliament but not finalized. There is still no law on this issue in Turkey (Temizkan, Cankül & Kaya, 2021: 230). According to Oğan & Büyükyılmaz (2019: 338), Geographical Indication is defined as "a sign used on a product and a right that identifies the product originating from a certain geographical region and indicates that the quality, reputation or other characteristic features of the product originate from a certain geographical region". With the geographical indication approval, the quality of the product, the features it brings from the past, the raw materials of the products supplied from the region and the products that have gained a certain popularity in connection with the region-specific features are protected (Mertol & Yaylacı, 2021). Tourism strategies developed by countries include product development, diversification and competitiveness in order to increase the attractiveness of destinations. Countries also highlight certain touristic products or various cultural characteristics of the region in order to increase the current potential of touristic regions (Yazıcıoğlu, Işın & Yalçın, 2019: 862). As a result, the regions where the tourists are concentrated can become smaller and smaller, turning into provinces, districts and smaller settlements. The tourism image that cities create within themselves gains more importance in this context. Therefore, it is considered a conscious approach that each region realizes its own attractiveness and determines its marketing elements according to its own dynamics (Kaya & Uyanık, 2022: 270).
There are studies in the literature emphasizing that the food factor plays an important role in the destination choice and expectations of the tourists and has a positive effect on the intention to visit the region again. Visitor satisfaction is the most important factor for visitors to choose the region again. Customers who are loyal to a destination are expected to express that they are satisfied with that area or region recommend it to their friends and choose it again (Çaylak Dönmez & Pehlivan, 2022: 124). It is possible to state that geographically indicated products are very important for Turkey. Especially; in rural areas and destinations where local values come to the fore, geographically marked products help the sustainability of cultures; it protects the values, customs and traditions of the region, and cultural heritage, support agricultural production, and makes positive contributions to the promotion and image of the region it owns. When evaluated in terms of tourism, attracting tourists to the place where the product is produced; constitutes a large tourism input; it helps regional development by promoting the region with its tourism values (Kargiglioğlu, Çetin & Bayram, 2019: 625). It is clearly stated in the literature that natural, reliable and quality products contribute positively to the destination image and marketing. Turkey's 81 provinces have their own unique values. Turkey's transition to a sustainable tourism philosophy, seeing tourism as an effective tool in reducing injustice between regions and geographical indications can be extremely effective in the protection and marketing of local products. In line with the specified information, the purpose of the research is to determine the effects of Turkey's values on geographically indicated products and destination marketing.

Tourism Destination Concept and Its Importance
The concept of destination; the use of the word "destination" in French and English in the meaning of "the destination to be reached and the place to go" has become widespread and has found a place for itself in the Turkish literature (Akyol & Zengin, 2020). A tourism destination, on the other hand, can be defined as "the place visited" in the simplest terms (Atay, 2003: 145). In a broad sense, it is possible to define the concept as "holiday experiences, goods and services offered on a local scale under one umbrella" (Buhalis, 2000: 107). Coltman (1989: 48) defines a tourism destination as "places with different natural attractions and features that can be perceived as attractive in the minds of tourists", while Frisk (1999) expresses it as "the geographical place or region where the touristic community is located" (Tinsley & Lynch, 2001: 372). Based on these definitions, a tourism destination is explained as a complex product consisting of the sum of the tourism services provided by many institutions and organizations, which attracts visitors to the region with its unique tourism resources and which tourists visit heavily (Öztaş & Karabulut, 2007). According to the T.R. Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the destination is; "it is a relatively important area of action for tourism and it is the area where the social, physical and economic effects of tourism occur. Countries, regions and provinces where tourism is among the main economic activities are accepted as tourism destinations" (T.R. Ministry of Culture and Tourism, 2018). According to Çevirgen (2014: 40), the destination is; it is the place where attractions and natural beauties are found, attracting the attention of tourists and people prefer to go to that touristic area and stay there. Based on the above definitions, the destination; is possible to define as places with natural beauties, attractions, and touristic resources that can attract the attention of tourists in the local community in order to go to the region and engage in various activities. In order for a city to be considered a tourism destination, it must have certain characteristics. Cultural, social and physical features of the regional identity, tourism infrastructure that will help the development of tourism in the region, tourist attractions to ensure the arrival of tourists to the region and institutions and organizations that will be the leaders in tourism planning by supporting the developments in the region are the prominent ones among these features and values (Güçer, 2010: 13-14).

Destination Marketing and Its Components
Destination marketing activities; it is an integral part of the efforts to develop and maintain the popularity of a particular location. Wahab et al. defined tourism destination marketing as follows; national tourist organizations and/or tourism entrepreneurs themselves identify current and potential target groups; it is the management process that can be achieved by the coordination and adaptation of tourists in order to learn and influence their desires, needs, motivations, likes and dislikes at the local, national and international level, to communicate with them, to achieve their goals with their own tourism products and to ensure the satisfaction of tourists (cited; Ispas, 2008: 919). Destination marketing is a two-legged process and these two processes need to act in harmony. That is, while the systematic sale of a destination to potential markets and tourists is external marketing, the activities of announcing and adopting the marketing strategies of a destination to the local people and relevant institutions are called internal marketing. Destination marketing is one of the modern approaches to tourism marketing; geographically, it covers a region or city and is usually the whole of marketing efforts at the national level (Özdemir, 2014). In order for a region to be marketed as a tourism destination, it must have the characteristics and attractiveness that can serve the wishes and desires of the tourists. The elements that present these attractions, which consist of the unique features of the destination also constitute the main elements of the image of that destination. The destination image further reveals the destination brand and destination branding becomes the inevitable savior of the competitive environment. Determining the destination brand identity and the features that distinguish it from other destinations and emphasizing them in marketing studies are the basic elements that will carry a destination to a more competitive position in the international tourism market (Özdemir, 2014: 102). Institutions operating in the tourism sector need to produce touristic products and services in order to first estimate the needs of tourists and then meet these needs. However, the situation is slightly different in destination marketing. Namely, the boundaries of the destination to be marketed, its resources, products and carrying capacity are certain and the target market is selected according to these characteristics of the destination. It is possible to summarize the stages of the destination marketing process as follows (Özdemir, 2007).
 Analyzing the current situation, conducting competitive analysis and environmental analysis,  Identification of destination-specific tourism products,  Identifying target customers according to the characteristics of the destination,  Determining the objectives and strategies according to the analyzes made,  Putting the determined strategies into the action plan and  Finally, it is the determination of evaluation criteria in order to determine whether success has been achieved or not.
SWOT analysis is one of the most frequently used methods for current situation analysis in destination marketing. This analysis provides benefits in the creation of the destination image. A brand can be created for the destination by positioning the destination with the created image. With the effect of technological changes and globalization in the marketing sector, it is seen that success will be in the field of struggle between brands in the future and therefore, success in the tourism sector can be achieved by the struggle between brands. Destinations are at the forefront of the main brands in the tourism sector. In this context, it is important for the institutions carrying out destination marketing to be able to create a destination brand that can represent the common aspects of both the local people and other stakeholders operating in these destinations. In the process of creating a destination image and brand, features such as attractiveness, accessibility, supportive services, accommodation opportunities and touristic activity of a destination make that destination more valuable in terms of tourism.

Geographical Indications as a Destination Marketing Component
It is not known exactly when the geographical indications emerged in the historical process (Özgür, 2011: 6). According to some sources, geographical indications emerged for the first time in Central Europe and England in the 12th century in order to determine the connection between the geographical origins of the products and to provide the labels of the products in the trade of spices and similar products of the colonies (Ragnekar, 2003: 11). The reason for the emergence of geographical indications in the historical process is that they are a source that allows us to distinguish similar products from each other by showing the regions where the products are produced (İloğlu, 2014: 9). Geographical indications were used in Ancient Egypt to determine the location and quality of products (Van De Kop & Sautier, 2006: 21). The first product that can be given as an example of geographically indicated products is Italy's Parmesan cheese.
It was stated that Parmesan cheese, which was protected by a law published in Italy in 1612, could only be produced in the Parma region (Akın, 2006: 4).
The protection of products unique to a region in Europe first started with the "Paris Convention on the Protection of Industrial Property" (Menapace, Colson, Grebitus &Facendola, 2011: 8). The Paris Convention, which forms the basis of the protection of industrial property rights was signed in 1883 (Ilıcalı, 2005: 15). Other agreements covering geographical indications in Europe are Madrid signed in 1891 and Lisbon Convention signed in 1958 (İloğlu, 2014: 11). The United States of America, which was excluded from the Paris Convention, put into effect the Lanham Law in 1946 in order to protect brands and products against threats and similarities (Gündoğdu, 2006: 8). The TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) agreement, which was signed on April 15, 1994, and is an annex of the World Trade Organization, is the first agreement that sets forth the general rules on geographical indications in international areas, although it is related to intellectual property rights in the international arena (Ilıcalı, 2005: 15). In Turkey, the first study on geographical indication was the "Registered Trademark Regulation" in 1871. Geographical indication registration took its final form in 1995 with the "Decree-Law No. 555 (KHK)". After the arrangements were made, the Turkish Patent Institute (TPI) has become an institution responsible for dealing with geographical indication registration rights (Şahin, 2013: 25). The name of TPI was changed to Turkish Patent and Trademark Office with the "Industrial Property Law" published in the Official Gazette dated 10 January 2017 (Kantaroğlu & Demirbaş, 2018: 515). Also T.R., it was deemed appropriate to accept 1925 The Hague text in the Madrid Convention on the prohibition of fake origins by the Prime Ministry Transactions Directorate (Ilgaz, 1995: 136).
Each of the societies living in the world has different cultural accumulations from each other. As a result of the merging of the geography and cultures of the societies, their own unique products emerge. Geographical indications; is an industrial property right given to local products in order to define the product produced in a certain region, to reveal its quality and to ensure its distinctiveness (Ilıcalı, 2005: 2). According to the World Trade Organization, geographical indications, which have emerged for the purpose of protecting local products belonging to a region are "signs indicating a product identified with the region, area, region or country of origin in terms of its distinctive quality, reputation or other characteristics" (Altuntaş & Gülçubuk, 2014: 74-75). The geographical indications are given to the products that are unique to a region and have a specific history and that contain the features specific to the region where they emerged, reveal the distinctive feature of the products and ensure that the products are mentioned with the names of the region where they originated (Norrsjö, 2004: 7). Geographical indications show the source of a product in its most general definition; it is used to reveal the connection between the region, country or region where the product is produced (Şahin & Meral, 2012: 89;Yenipınar, Köşker & Karacaoğlu, 2014: 14). In addition, geographical indications also aim to protect and sustain products that are unique to a region (Karakulak, 2016: 6).
Geographical indications are quality registration documents that enable consumers to know the quality and reputation of products belonging to a certain region. Geographical indications are given to products that come to the forefront and are integrated with a region, due to the geographical and climatic conditions of the places where they are produced and their characteristics different from similar products. A geographical indication registration certificate is taken by groups responsible for producers, not by individual producers in a certain region (Huang, 2003: 5). The fact that the geographical indication registration certificate cannot be obtained as an individual indicates that this document belongs to a whole region. It is not legal to use a product that is protected with a geographical indication registration certificate by people who do not have rights on the certificate (Akın, 2006: 3-5). Geographical indications include handicrafts, mining, agriculture, local food and beverages and industrial products (Oraman, 2015: 76).
In order for a region's unique product to have a geographical indication registration certificate, the product must be produced under certain conditions (Zuluğ, 2010: 52). Having a geographical indication registration certificate for the products of a geographical region or region not only provides benefits to the producers but also increases the sales figures for the product (Çakaloğlu, 2015: 16). A geographical indication registration certificate, the main purpose of which is to protect and maintain the unique products of a region can also be used as an effective marketing tool in the marketing of products (Huang, 2003: 5;Karakulak, 2016: 7). Another purpose of the geographical indication registration certificate is to protect the product manufacturers belonging to a region and inform the consumers who will buy the product about the product and ensure the purchase of quality products (Tanrıkulu, 2011: 6). Products that have a geographical indication in the world; it is mentioned together with the names of a region, region, country, or city. Local products with geographical indication registration certificates, which are unique to a region, cannot be produced in another place because they belong to a certain region (Çakaloğlu, 2015: 15). Geographically indicated products, which are known by world-famous regional names can be given as examples of products with geographical indications such as Bordeaux Wine, Parmesan Cheese, Roquefort Cheese, Scotch Whiskey and Ankara Tava, Antep Baklava, Antep Fıstığı, Çorum Leblebisi, Kızılcahamam Bazlaması and İnegöl Köftesi from Turkey (Tepe, 2008: 5).
In Turkey, geographical indications are divided into three the name of origin, an indication of origin, and traditional product name (Gündoğdu, 2005: 214;Dayısoylu, Yörükoğlu & Ançel, 2017: 81). Origin name; is a type of geographical indication given to products that are intertwined with the region, by determining the geographical boundaries of a region or region for the production of a product (Erol, 2014: 16). A product with a name of origin must be produced in defined geography (Çalışkan & Koç, 2012: 196;Şener, 2018: 12). Geographical indication, which is another type of geographical indication; is given to products that can be produced outside of their own geography, provided that the product belonging to certain geography has at least one of the features in the production region (Tuncay, 2009: 16;Durusoy, 2017: 7). Products that are not covered by the name of origin and the indication of origin given to distinguish the unique products of a region or region are called traditional products. In order for a product to have a traditional product name, it must have been used for thirty years, have traditional production or processing methods, or be produced from traditional raw materials or materials (Yıldız, 2018: 28;Işkın & Genç, 2020: 271).
Geographical indication, which is one of the oldest distinguishing signs in the world has some elements. In order for a sign to be designated as a geographical indication, first of all, a product, certain geography, a sign, and certain features of the product must be famous and there must be a connection between the distinctive features of the product and its geographical origin (Coşkun, 2001: 6;İloğlu, 2014: 5;Yürekli, 2015: 48). Due to the fact that a local product belongs to a certain geography and certain geography is famous for that product, consumers' demand for the product increases. Since a product with a geographical indication registration certificate is different from other similar products and has a distinctive feature, it has an important place in the purchasing processes of consumers (Tepe, 2008: 21). For this reason, geographically indicated products belonging to a certain geography and carrying the characteristics of its geography can be promoted and marketed more easily than both brands and individual efforts (Huang, 2003: 5). Local products with geographical indications contribute to gastronomy tourism, which is an alternative type of tourism in the tourism sector. Gastronomic tourism, which is an important alternative type, especially in terms of spreading tourism not only in the summer months but also throughout the year can develop with the increase in the number of regional products with geographical indications and the promotion of these products both nationally and internationally. The development of gastronomic tourism and its becoming the focus of attention contributes to the economy of rural areas in particular. In this case, the promotion and marketing stages of local products with geographical indication registration certificates belonging to certain geography will contribute to the economy of both the geography to which the product belongs and the whole country (Tepe, 2008: 26).

Destination Branding and Its Importance
Brand; summarizing the functional and emotional features of the product helps to remember the information in the memory and to make the purchase decision (Yüksek, 2014: 75). A business's brand creation, that is the branding process, consists of efforts to position and promote the brand in the eyes of consumers. Destination branding, on the other hand, is a unique identity and personality development process that enables differentiation from all competing destinations (Türkay, 2014: 214).
Branding is the process of positioning the image created with the features of the destination that can make a difference compared to its competitors in the eyes of tourists. This image to be revealed should be a holistic structure that includes all the features of that destination. Brand image can be defined as the holistic picture of the brand in the mind of the consumer (Yüksek, 2014: 75). Factors affecting the formation of this image consist of brand awareness, attitude towards the brand and trust in the quality of the brand. According to Park (2006); the main reason for destination branding; is to create the desired image that will affect tourists, to differentiate a destination from the destinations of its competitors, to attract tourists who spend more money, to create an image and to make a destination a better place to live with the increasing economic participation of tourism (cited; Tekin, 2012: 98). In recent years, the brand has been used not only to make a difference but also to justify the customer's purchasing decisions. The image created by using the unique features of a tourism destination can be turned into a brand with long-term positioning studies. A brand consists of a combination of features (what the product is), what it provides to the customer (what wants and needs the product meets) and values (what the customer associates with the product) (Özdemir, 2014: 150). Destination brand, on the other hand, has a structure that is affected by many factors such as the historical and cultural heritage, lifestyle, and political and economic situation of the region. Knowing that it is impossible to intervene in all of these elements the branding planning to be prepared should be prepared comprehensively and multi-legally. However, it is clear that destination branding is more difficult and complex than any other product. Pike (2004) attributes the difficulties of destination branding to six reasons. These; destinations are multidimensional compared to other consumer products and other types of services, they tend to a multi-layered geographical market, decision-makers are tried to be put under pressure by those affected by the decisions, not complying with the determined brand strategy, difficulty in establishing visitor monitoring programs, destination planning organization does not generate income and funding identified as having difficulty finding it.

Related Studies
In the work of Mercan & Üzülmez (2014); they tried to determine the tourist attraction levels of geographically indicated products in Çanakkale and whether these products will contribute to the development of tourism. In the results of working; it has been determined that the province of Çanakkale is still at the initial stage of such a situation but they agree on the use of products with geographical indications together with other tourism types operating in the province. The study of Çakaloğlu (2015); measured the consumer perception of Finike Orange, the product of the province of Antalya, which has the geographical indication registration certificate, and the Antalya Rabbit Heart Olive, for which the geographical indication registration certificate was applied in 2014. As a result of the research, the consumers stated that the Finike Orange was sold at a high price due to the fact that it was recognized as having a geographical indication registration certificate and that despite the high price, 76% of the consumers who participated in the research stated that they regularly bought the Finike Orange. On the other hand, 70.9% of the consumers stated that they prefer Rabbit Heart Olives because the prices of Rabbit Heart Olives and other olives are the same. In addition, 86.3% of the consumers stated that they would pay an extra price if they received the geographical indication registration certificate of the Rabbit Heart Olive. Antalya Rabbit Heart Olive, which was applied for a geographical indication registration certificate in 2014 got the right to be registered in 2018. In the study carried out by Arıkan (2017) in the province of Antalya, 75 Finike Orange producers were interviewed. In the research; the producers were asked whether the geographical indication of the Finike Orange would contribute to the producers and the region. 72% of the producers stated that they would contribute and 78.7% of the producers stated that the geographical indication would also contribute to the development of the region. In the study by Bayat (2018), it was tried to determine the rate of having the dishes of Iğdır cuisine on the menus of 18 food and beverage businesses operating in the province of Iğdır. In the results of working; it has been determined that Taş Köfte, which is the only geographically marked product in the category of dishes and soups belonging to the Iğdır cuisine is on the menu of only one establishment.
Akkuş & Şimşek (2019) investigated the availability of local products of Kastamonu on the menus of 30 food and beverage businesses in Kastamonu. As a result of the research, it was determined that 40% of the enterprises do not include local foods in their menus. Bayat (2020) investigated the presence of local dishes of Kars in the menus of the business in his research conducted with ten food and beverage businesses in Kars. It has been determined that all of the establishments have Kars Goose and Umaç Halva on their menus, 60% include Piti, 60% Hangel and 60% Haşilı in their menus. According to Yılmaz, Canbolat & Ük Çilingir (2021) interviewed seven producers producing Beypazarı Kurusu, a geographically indicated product. As a result of the research, it was determined that four of the participants thought that the geographical indication registration certificate of Beypazarı Kurusu contributed to the local economy. Kök & Güngör (2021) in their study, concluded that the geographically marked Melengücceği Desert owned by Düzce Akçakoca is within the knowledge of the tourists visiting the destination and that an increase in the number of tourists coming to the destination is predicted with the increase in the promotion of the dessert.

Purpose of the Research
The aim of the research is to determine the current situation in Turkey regarding the geographically indicated products, which form one of the main competitive areas in the world and Turkey in the general economic scale and in destination marketing in recent years and the analysis of the products registered and at the application stage as of April 2022.

Data Collection Process of the Research
In the data collection process within the scope of the research, Turkey's Geographical Indications data set, which is available on the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office web page as of April 2022 was used. A total of 1821 products, 1051 of which are registered and 770 at the application stage were reached in the database of the relevant website and content analysis was carried out.

Research Analysis Process
1821 products reached during the research data collection process were subjected to content analysis within the framework of the criteria of geographical indication name, registration application date, registration date, product group, province applying for registration and registration status. With content analysis in scientific research, data is tried to be defined and facts that may be hidden in the data are tried to be revealed. The basic process in content analysis is to collect similar data within the framework of certain concepts and themes and interpret them in a way that the reader can understand (Dündar & Sert, 2018: 80).

DISCUSSION and RECOMMENDATIONS
Experiencing the local clothes, local flavors and local products offered in a destination also plays an important role in promoting the culture of that destination. In this context, geographical indication registrations of the products must be obtained (Temizkan et al., 2021: 236). Geographical indications; consist of inseparable elements such as producer, consumer, and cultural heritage. It creates a process that starts with the production of the local people and turns into their own input and the local people gets the most contribution from the process. The qualified management of geographical indications by the relevant mechanisms of the state; makes meaningful contributions to the region and pioneers the development and progress of issues such as regional development, sustainability, and cultural heritage. Starting from the perspective that tourism is expanding every moment with its different types and subactivities; It is very necessary to protect the culture and to create a tourism value by preserving it (Kargiglioğlu et al., 2019: 636). In this regard, it will be possible to prefer the region and its products with geographical indications by organizing various festivals and similar events and promoting them intensively in target markets.
Turkey, with its nature and cultural richness, has a geographical product diversity that is unmatched in the world. Almost every region has a unique product and these products are named with the same name as the geographical region cited. Registration of these products with geographical indication is of great importance for the interests of the country ((economic, political, and touristic)) (Şahin & Meral, 2012: 91). Local products reflect the characteristics of the region where they are produced and are preferred because they are "original" or "different". This feature of local products increases the importance of geographically indicated products. Geographically indicated product uses traditional knowledge and includes unique, local production techniques. Thus, it increases the recognition of the product by contributing to the intergenerational transfer of traditional knowledge and regional development. The continuation of the production of the traditional product can also ensure the continuation of the culture (Yanar & Karadeniz, 2020: 278). In terms of Turkey's geopolitical position, climatic diversity, ethnic structure, and cultural heritage richness the diversity of geographically indicated food products is extremely rich. However, the number of geographically marked products is not at the desired level. Among the reasons for this, there are supply fluctuations, insufficient knowledge of the producers, lack of technology, high geographical indication registration application costs, and long bureaucratic procedures (Bilge et al., 2019: 130).
There are time periods varying between three months and six years between the application and registration dates of geographically indicated products. Therefore, it can be said that the registration process of geographically indicated products may take a short or long time depending on the condition of the product and the application form. It is seen that the contribution of public institutions and nongovernmental organizations is important, especially in the geographical indication application process (Oğan & Büyükyılmaz, 2019: 353). Revisiting a destination not only reflects destination loyalty but also shows that the destination meets visitor expectations. Visitors who are satisfied with their perceived experience will not only want to go to the same destination again but will also express their satisfaction with their immediate surroundings. As a result, potential tourists will be created for the region visited. Destinations should be organized and developed in line with visitor expectations. As a result, destinations will become brands. As long as the branded destinations are in a good position in the minds of the visitors, they positively affect the visitors' re-visit, that is, their behavioral intentions (Çaylak Dönmez & Pehlivan, 2022: 133).
Exporting local products and values to both domestic and foreign markets with the concept of geographical indication provides significant contributions to the country's economy at macro and micro levels (Şahin & Meral, 2012: 91). In light of the information given, it can be said that financial support should be provided when it is considered that Turkey has a large number of geographical indication products and geographical indication is costly. Because geographically indicated products are extremely effective in gaining a competitive advantage as a destination. In future research, comparative analyzes can be made with Turkey and other countries. In the following years, analyzes based on comparative analysis can be carried out according to the number of geographically indicated products.