DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY OF RIVER TOURISM IN TURKEY: THE CASE OF ANTALYA

Abstract

The development of river tourism in a region and its transformation into a development economy must be within the framework of certain plans, programs, policies or strategies. In principle, sustainability approach should be adopted in these plans and policies. For example, a sustainable tourism approach has been adopted in the Turkey Tourism Strategy 2023 Action Plan (2007) prepared by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. It is targeted that tourism will be a leading sector in securing rural and regional development and increasing employment. In order to ensure sustainability and to become tourism a leading sector, some points are emphasized in the action plan and even vision principles are set. Taking these principles into consideration, emphasis will be placed on the development of river tourism in Antalya, the provision of added value to the development of the region and the importance of tourism sustainability for all stakeholders. The purpose of this study is to propose solutions for the development of the river tourism in Antalya, the sustainability and the protection of the resources. In this study, firstly a general theoretical framework about river tourism will be presented. In sample of Antalya, the general situation and potential of river tourism in Turkey will be examined. It will focus on the policies and strategies that need to be done in order to contribute to the development of river tourism in Antalya and the development of the region and the country. SWOT analysis will be carried out in order to determine the situation and potential of the rivers of Antalya and to contribute to tourism opening and development; strong and weak points; threats and opportunities will be determined.