Evaluating Ecotourism Opportunities for a Sustainable Environment: The Case of Lake Beysehir (Türkiye)

Abstract

In addition to providing the basic needs for survival for all living things, the environment also supplies the financial means required to maintain social order. One of the primary resources used by the tourism sector is the environment. Ecotourism and other environmentally conscious tourism initiatives have the power to promote environmental sustainability. In this context, the aim of the current research is to investigate the ecotourism opportunities of Lake Beysehir and the surrounding area and to evaluate them on the axis of sustainable environment. For this purpose, a study was conducted with a quantitative research design. A survey form suitable for SWOT analysis was preferred as the data collection tool. Data for the study were obtained from participants determined using the guided sampling technique, which is preferred for quantitative studies. By analyzing the obtained data, research area's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities in terms of ecotourism, and possible threats to the region's tourism are revealed. In the conclusion of the study, strategies that will enable the identified strengths and opportunities to be transformed into sustainable and environmental friendly tourism activities have been developed. Strategies to counter threats and strengthen weaknesses have also been developed and are included in the conclusion.