The tourism industry has an important place in the revenues of many countries. Countries that want to increase incomes are creating new tourism destinations and opening areas that can be used
for tourism purposes to tourism. However, some tourists do not willing to go to touristic destinations that are commodified and have no natural areas. Along with the changing tourist
trends, a new tourism activity, which is respectful to nature and takes place in nature, which is generally expressed as ecotourism, has emerged. In addition to protecting nature and respecting
culture, strategies and policies have been developed to create new ecotourism areas, routes, and regions with the increasing demand for ecotourism, which provides economic prosperity to the
local community. In this context, the aim of the study is to reveal the development potential of a Çukurova Ecotourism Region covering the provinces of Adana, Mersin, Hatay and Osmaniye,
Turkey. The ecotourism values of the provinces within the scope of the study were determined and recommendations were given. The study is aimed to be beneficial for local governments, tourism strategy and policy makers, local entrepreneurs, and relevant ministries.
Keywords: ecotourism, Çukurova region, ecotourism development
Abdurrahman Dinç
Yunus Topsakal
Ecotourism Potential of Ersizlerdere Village (Kastamonu / Küre)
Ecotourism is a responsible type of tourism that includes small groups, activities that increase the welfare of local people in areas where nature is not disturbed. It has ecological, economic, and
socio-cultural effects. One of the Black Sea region with the highest potential of ecotourism in Turkey. The reason is the destruction of natural resources such as canyons, waterfalls, lakes, and
forests, and the existence of folkloric features. Ersizlerdere Village; It is located in the Western Black Sea Section of the Black Sea Region. The village has the letters Ersizlerdere Canyon known
by its name. The fact that it is a canyon valley provides a natural charm. Besides, the diversity of the cover, the food service of the local foods, the protection of the folkloric values and the active
handicrafts are other attractiveness elements. In this sense, millions and moral values are important. The historical village named after the World War I and Independence War, when all
the village men died in those wars. The aim of this study is to reveal the ecotourism potential of Ersizlerdere village. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in the study.
Since detailed information was not available in the literature research, fieldworks and determination of ecovillage criteria studies were conducted. Meetings were held with the village
headman, the head of the association and the local people. As a result, the region is rich in ecotourism potential. In addition to the untouched natural beauties, traditional home architecture
and cultural values are protected, so many ecotourism activities can be held in the region. The region will make a name for itself in ecotourism in the upcoming period, thanks to both its
infrastructure, advertising, and promotional activities.
Keywords: Ersizlerdere, canyon, Kastamonu, Küre, ecotourism potential
Abdurrahman Dinç
Esma Solak
The Investigation of Tavşan Mountain’s (Amasya/Merzifon) Ecotourism Potential
Tavşan Mountain, located in the Central Black Sea part of the Black Sea Region, is between the Merzifon and Gümüşhacıköy districts of Amasya. With its challenging natural environment,
unique natural beauty and rich culture in its villages, it has great potential for ecotourism enthusiasts. This study aims to reveal the possible ecotourism activities that are suitable for Tavşan
Mountain’s potential, taking account of the currently carried unorganized ecotourism activities and the natural conditions of the region. Besides the economic benefits of the economic returns realized from mass tourism in mind, unfortunately, there are also irreversible negative effects left on our planet. However, the ecotourism activities, which are based on an organization and designed to have the least impact on nature, will ensure efficient use of resources and their transfer to future generations as well as economic returns. The findings result obtained at the end of the study reveals that independent groups carried out activities such as amateur bird-watching, nature photography, hunting, sport fishing, camping caravan tourism, trekking, agro-tourism, paragliding, mountain tourism, paintball, festival tourism, orienteering, horse-drawn trekking, mountain biking, jeep safari (Offroad) in Tavşan Mountain. This great potential will make Tavşan Mountain a sustainable center with the necessary infrastructure and investment works.
Keywords: Tavşan mountain, Merzifon, ecotourism, ecotourism potential
Abdurrahman Dinç
Suat Ulusoy