Academics' Perception of Geotourism: A Qualitative Evaluation on Tourism in Nemrut Caldera

Abstract

The aim of this research is to evaluate academics' perceptions of geotourism and tourism in the Nemrut Caldera from their perspective. The research was concucted on the basis of the phenomenology pattern, which is one of the qualitative research designs. Academics working at Bitlis Eren University were included in the research within the scope of a homogeneous sampling. Participants were reached, including one representative from each of the 19 academic units. Different results emerged in the research: (i) Participants' perceptions of geotourism are limited to the scope of geology and thermal waters. (ii) The fact that they visit Nemrut Caldera due to its steam chimney, geological history, landscape, lakes, obsidian stones, flora, and fauna shows that the primary motivation of the participants is geotourism. (iii) While the animals living in their natural habitats in the Nemrut Caldera, especially bears, are elements of attraction, infrastructure, and superstructure problems have been identified as push factors. (iv) Environmental pollution and natural destruction have been identified as threats to sustainable tourism. The findings were discussed, and recommendations were presented.

Keywords

• Geotourism
• Sustainable Tourism
• Qualtitative Research.
• Nemrut Caldera
• Bitlis

Akademisyenlerin Jeoturizm Algısı: Nemrut Kalderasında Turizm üzerine Nitel Bir Değerlendirme

Abstract

Bu araştırmanın amacı akademisyenlerin jeoturizm algılarını ve onların bakış açısıyla Nemrut Kalderası’nda turizmi değerlendirmektir. Araştırma nitel araştırma desenlerinden biri olan olgu bilim deseni temelinde hazırlanmıştır. Araştırmaya, homojen örnekleme kapsamında Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi’nde çalışan akademisyenler dâhil edilmiştir. 19 ayrı akademik birimin her birinden bir temsilci olacak şekilde katılımcılara ulaşılmıştır. Yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme tekniği ile toplanan veriler içerik analizine tabi tutulmuş ve elde edilen bulgular tema ve kategoriler oluşturularak tartışılmıştır. Araştırmada ortaya çıkan farklı sonuçlar şunlardır: (i) Katılımcıların jeoturizm algıları jeoloji ve termal sular kapsamıyla sınırlıdır. (ii) Sahip olduğu buhar bacası, jeolojik geçmiş, manzara, göller, obsidiyen taşlar, flora ve fauna nedeniyle Nemrut Kalderası’nı ziyaret etmeleri, katılımcıların temel motivasyonlarının jeoturizm olduğu göstermektedir. (iii) Başta ayı olmak üzere Nemrut Kalderası’nda doğal ortamlarında yaşayan hayvanlar çekicilik unsurları iken alt yapı ve üst yapı sorunları itici faktörler olarak tespit edilmiştir. (iv) Çevre kirliliği ve doğa tahribatı sürdürülebilir turizm için tehditler olarak belirlenmiştir. Bulgular tartışılmış ve öneriler sunulmuştur.

Keywords

• Jeoturizm
• Sürdürülebilir Turizm
• Nitel Araştırma.
• Nemrut Kalderası
• Bitlis

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