Research Information System
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TOURISM RESEARCH, vol.28, no.2, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
This study explores how urban fixtures in historic gardens influence visitor perception and their implications for cultural heritage tourism. A total of 363 fixtures were inventoried across six historic gardens in Europe and T & uuml;rkiye, and 326 participants evaluated their perceptual, esthetic, and emotional responses through an online survey. Results show that benches, statues, and information boards dominate visitor attention, while water features create the strongest positive emotional response. In contrast, trash bins and ashtrays received the lowest satisfaction scores, highlighting the tension between functionality and heritage esthetics. Statistical analysis confirmed that location, material, and color are the most decisive factors in shaping visitor perception, more than scale or size. Findings reveal that historic gardens are not only cultural landscapes but also key tourism assets where design details directly affect destination image and visitor experience. The study provides data-driven guidelines for heritage managers to enhance sustainable tourism through visitor-centered design strategies.