A Study on Exploring the Tourism Potential of Altınköy As A Rural Tourism and Recreational Activity Area

Abstract

This study aims to explore the tourism potential of Altındağ in the light of the tourism values embraced by Altınköy which is one of both rural and recreational tourism areas, and to reveal the perspectives of local community and visitors on the rural tourism area in the region. In addition, to reveal in which leisure timeframe the visitors and staff in Altınköy are involved within the framework of the Theory of Leisure time by Dumazedier, who is one of the leisure-time theorists, is among the recreation-based purposes of the current study. The study was conducted in Altınköy located in Altındağ, Ankara, which is considered to be one of the potential rural tourism areas in Turkey, a qualitative interview technique, with 103 individuals in total. The findings obtained as a result of the analyses point to important results supported by the suggestions in the conclusion section on the contribution to the development of rural tourism in the region, the promotion and branding of the region. According to research results, the staff in Altınköy are “half-free time” users according to Dumazedier's leisure time theory. On the other hand, Altınköy visitors meet the four basic characteristics highlighted in Dumazedier’s leisure time theory and acts following the characteristics of “free time” user during recreational activities.