Abstract: Feline residents of Istanbul hold a unique position, with street cats forming a visible part of the city's character. This publication investigates the influence of street cats on the tourism image of Istanbul, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. A survey among tourists who have visited the metropolis will explore visitor perception of the cats, including approval of their presence, impact on sightseeing choices, and overall attentiveness. A second survey among tour operators, travel agents and tour guides will explore tourism professionals’ view about the impact of stray cats on Istanbul’s destination image. Additionally, the report highlights notable examples of famous Turkish cats and their stories that have garnered significant media and internet attention. The findings reveal a predominantly positive attitude towards street cats, highlighting their potential as a distinctive feature in tourism marketing. Drawing upon the results, the report offers recommendations on incorporating cats into tourism marketing strategies to enhance the city's appeal to visitors. This research contributes to understanding the multifaceted relationship between street cats and tourism and provides insights for leveraging this unique aspect of Istanbul’s identity in destination branding and promotion efforts.

Keywords: cats, tourism image, Istanbul, feline

Full publication available here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385312142