Strategic philanthropy in a Turkish tourism context

This paper examines a project called 'Respect to History' which was undertaken by a Turkish oil company. This philanthropic program focused on redeveloping numerous local communities on the Gallipoli peninsula, which were in a state of disrepair. The program also developed and improved historic sites within the peninsula, celebrating the country's national heritage. These activities enhanced tourism as well as improved the social and economic quality of life of those living on the peninsula. This research investigates the impact of this strategic philanthropy on the social and economic wellbeing of these local communities, as well as how this impacted residents' views of the sponsoring firm. The data were collected from residents of the communities in the Gallipoli peninsula who were involved in the program. The results, using SEM, identified that respondents generally believed that both their economic and social quality of life has improved and the project has also had a positive impact for the sponsoring organisation.