ECOTOURISM IN TURKEY AND THE WORLD: SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS
Author(s): Funda Ankaya1, Kubra Yazici2, Gökhan Balık3, Bahriye Gülgün Aslan4
- 1. Manisa Celal Bayar University, Alaşehir Vocational School, Landscape and Ornamental Plants Program, 45600 Alaşehir/Manisa.
- 2. Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Gaziosmanpasa University, Taslciftlik campus, Tokat, -Turkey
- 3. Trakya University, Faculty of Architecture, Department of Landscape Architecture, Edirne
- 4. Ege University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Landscape Architecture, İzmir
Abstract: The tourism sector, which is one of the most successful sectors in Turkey, entered into a new phase of increasing demand of nature, active holidays, and unique identity searches. Turkey has a great potential with its history, culture, natural beauties and nature sports. When the data of recent years are examined, the number of tourists and ecotourists coming to the country and the continuous increases in tourism revenues indicate that the sector is developing steadily. In this research, ecotourism’s significant place for Turkey's tourism sector in recent years, its contribution to the national economy and environment and the tourism policies for more gains from ecotourism are mentioned.