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Uluslararası İlişkilerde Turizmin “Yumuşak Güç” Olarak Rolü: Türkiye Örneği

Year 2025, Volume: 6 Issue: 2, 302 - 313, 28.12.2025
https://doi.org/10.58768/joinntt.1827122

Abstract

Bu makale, ülkelerin turizmi uluslararası ilişkilerde politik bir araç olarak nasıl kullandıklarını inceleyecektir. Küreselleşen dünyada, yumuşak güç uluslararası ilişkilerin temel taşlarından biri haline gelmiştir. Joseph Nye tarafından ortaya atılan yumuşak güç terimi, "bir ulusun baskı veya zorlama yerine çekicilik ve cazibe yoluyla başkalarının tercihlerini ve davranışlarını şekillendirme yeteneği" anlamına gelir. Turizm genellikle bir boş zaman aktivitesi olarak tanımlanır. Ancak, giderek daha fazla birbirine bağlanan bir dünyada, perde arkasında hükümetler çok çeşitli diplomatik ve ekonomik hedeflere ulaşmak için turizmi güçlü bir politik araç olarak kullanmaktadır. Bu nedenle turizm, hükümetler için uluslararası ilişkilerde benzersiz kültürel miraslarını, tarihi değerlerini ve diğer birçok değerini tanıtmanın bir yolu olarak önemli bir rol oynamaktadır. Bu şekilde turizm, diğer ülkelerin bir ulusu nasıl algıladığını şekillendirir ve hükümetler bu algıyı dış ilişkilerini yürütürken bir yumuşak güç politikası olarak kullanır. Bu bağlamda, Türkiye, Türkiye'nin yumuşak gücüne katkıda bulunan uluslararası turizmi teşvik eden bir örnek olarak verilmektedir. Bu nedenle, özellikle "sıcak hava balonu" ve "Karadeniz Sahili" turizm kavramları, Türkiye'nin yumuşak güç politikasının bir aracı olarak hizmet ettikleri için vurgulanacaktır. Turizm, Türkiye'nin uluslararası ilişkilerdeki etkisini ve olumlu imajını önemli ölçüde artırmaktadır. Genel olarak, küresel jeopolitik gelişmeye devam ettikçe, turizmin hükümetler için siyasi bir araç olarak rolü büyük olasılıkla daha da önemli bir politika haline gelecektir. Küresel turizmin yükselişi, uluslararası diplomasi üzerindeki etkisini kaçınılmaz kılmaktadır. Bunu göz ardı etmeden, hükümetler ulusal çıkarlarını ilerletmek için turizmi çok yönlü şekillerde kullanmaya devam edeceklerdir.

References

  • Antoniou, K. (2023). Tourism as a Form of International Relations. Massachusetts: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd.
  • Baldwin, D. A. (2016). Power and International Relations. New Jersey: Princeton University Press.
  • Bunakov, O. A., Zaitseva, N., Larionova, A., Zhukov, V., & Morozova, M. (2018). The use of the «soft power» concept in the modern Russian tourism industry. Revista Espacios Journal, 39(22), 2.
  • Claro, Huguet and Serrano, M. (2923). Tourism as a Soft Power Tool. Journal of Tourism and Sustainability and Well-Being, 11 (2), 66-80.
  • Dağkılıç, M. B. (2023). How Can Turkey Effectively Use Tourism, A Soft Power, to Deal with Diplomatic Issues: The Case of Turkey-Greek Problem. Journal of Tourism and Gastronomy Studies, 11(1), 453-466.
  • Daily Sabah (2025, April). Retrieved from: https://www.dailysabah.com/business/tourism/cappadocia-hosts-nearly-5m-tourists-on-balloon-tours-in-decade
  • Daily Sabah (2017). Retrieved from: https://www.dailysabah.com/travel/2017/07/05/once-a-hidden-gem-uzungol-a-top-destination-for-arab-tourists
  • Daily Sabah (2025, June). Retrieved from: https://www.dailysabah.com/business/tourism/turkiyes-northern-gem-sees-24-surge-in-tourist-visits-so-far-in-2025
  • Delve (2025). Retrieved from: https://delvetool.com/qualmethods#:~:text=Qualitative%20research%20is%20research%20that,words%2C%20meaning%2C%20and%20interpretation.
  • Dutch News (2024). Retrieved from: https://www.dutchnews.nl/2024/06/amsterdam-overnight-tourist-numbers-reach-a-new-record/
  • Gilpin, R. G. (1984). The Richness of the Tradition of Political Realism. International Organization, 38(2), 287-304.
  • Gray, C. S. (2011). Hard Power and Soft Power: The Utility of Military Force as an Instrument of Policy in the 21st Century. Strategic Studies Institute Press, USA. 1-2.
  • Hollis, M., & Smith, S. (1992). Explaining and Understanding International Relations. New York: Oxford University Press.
  • Katsafadou, S., Lalou, G., & Deffner, A. (2016). Expressions of creativity in the landscape and the role of place marketing: The regional unity of Magnesia, Greece. Middlesex University - International Place Branding Association, 7(1) 1-29.
  • Kalın, İ. (2011). Soft Power and Public Diplomacy in Turkey. Perceptions: Journal of International Affairs, 16(3), 10.
  • Mirza, A. (2025). Growing Importance of Tourism in International Relations. International Journal of Academic Research & Development, 6(2), 61-62.
  • Neack, L. (2008). The New Foreign Policy: Power Seeking in a Globalized Era. Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield Publisher Inc.
  • Nye, J. (2008). Public Diplomacy and Soft Power. Los Angeles: Sage Publishing, Vol 66, 94-106.
  • Nye, J. (2009). Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics. New York: Public Affairs. 1-28.
  • Ooi, C.-S. (2016). Soft Power, tourism. In J. J. Xiao, Encyclopedia of tourism, New York: Springer Press.
  • Özkan, B. İ., & Boylu, Y. (2021). A Study on the Use of Tourism as a Soft Power Instrument in International Relations. İstanbul: Journal of Tourismology, 7(1), 73-99.
  • Rosecrance, R. (2006). Power and International Relations: The Rise of China and Its Effects. International Studies Perspectives, 7, 31-35.
  • Rourke, J. T. (2000). International Politics on the World Stage. Connecticut: McGraw-Hill Press.
  • Sabatini, C. (2025, January). Chatham House. Retrieved from: https://www.chathamhouse.org/2025/01/trump-administrations-sanctions-policy-could-matter-more-its-use-tariffs
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  • Stein, J., & Cocco, F. (2024, July). The Washington Post. Retrieved from: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/interactive/2024/us-sanction-countries-work/
  • Stryzhak, O. (2019). Assessment of the relationship between the tourism sector development and other sectors of economy. Economics of Development, 18(2), 10-18.
  • Tariq, M., Rizwan, M., & Ahmad, M. (2018). Human Nature, Anarchy, and Hierarchy as Determining Factors of Realism. Global Social Sciences Review, 3(3), 477-487.
  • TUİK (2025, January 31). Retrieved from: https://data.tuik.gov.tr/Bulten/Index?p=Tourism-Statistics-Quarter-IV:-October-December-and-Annual,-2024-53660&dil=2
  • UN Tourism (2025, January). Retrieved from: https://www.untourism.int/news/international-tourism-recovers-pre-pandemic-levels-in-2024
  • UN Tourism (2025). Retrieved from: https://www.untourism.int/why-tourism
  • Wagner, J (2014). Retrieved from: https://www.e-ir.info/pdf/49538
  • Waltz, K. N. (1991). Realist Thought and Neorealist Theory. Journal of International Affairs, 44(1), 34-35.
  • World Economic Forum (2024). Retrieved from: https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Travel_and_Tourism_Development_Index_2024.pdf
  • World Travel & Tourism Council (2025, April 9). Retrieved from: https://wttc.org/news/global-travel-and-tourism-is-strong-despite-economic-headwinds
  • Yardimci, T. (2021, September). AA. Retrieved from: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkeys-trabzon-hosts-over-12m-tourists-over-past-8-months/2369918#
  • Yavuz, T. (2024). Türkiye's Soft Power By Using Public Diplomacy: The Case of Ukraine Between 2002-2022. İstanbul: Marmara University.
  • Yenokyan, A. V. (2023, April). The Importance of Soft Power in Türkiye’s Foreign Policy in 2002—2022. Vestnik RUDN, 23(4), 609-619.
  • Yi Yi Mon, S. L. (2019). Multiplex Relations between States: Coevolution of Trade Agreements and Political Alliances. MDPI, 11(14), 1-24.

Tourism as a “Soft Power” in International Relations: The Case of Türkiye

Year 2025, Volume: 6 Issue: 2, 302 - 313, 28.12.2025
https://doi.org/10.58768/joinntt.1827122

Abstract

This article will examine how countries use tourism as a political tool in international relations. In the globalized world, soft power has become a cornerstone of international relations. The term soft power, coined by Joseph Nye, refers to “a nation’s ability to shape the preferences and behaviors of others through appeal and attraction rather than coercion or force.” Tourism is generally described as a leisure activity. However, behind the scenes, in an increasingly interconnected world, governments use tourism as a powerful political instrument to achieve a wide range of diplomatic and economic goals. For this reason, tourism plays a significant role for governments as a way to promote their unique cultural heritage, historical, and many other values in international relations. This way, tourism shapes how other countries perceive a nation and governments use this perception as a soft power policy in conducting their foreign affairs. In this context, Türkiye is given as an example which promotes tourism internationally that contributes to Türkiye’s soft power. Therefore, especially “hot air balloon” and the “Black Sea Coast” tourism concepts are going to be highlighted for serving as an instrument of Türkiye’s soft power policy. Tourism significantly enhances Türkiye's influence and positive image in international relations. Overall, the role of tourism as a political tool for governments will highly likely become more significant policy as global geopolitics continue to evolve. The rise of global tourism makes its influence on international diplomacy is inevitable. Without ignoring this, governments will continue to seek to use tourism, in multifaceted ways, to advance their national interests.

References

  • Antoniou, K. (2023). Tourism as a Form of International Relations. Massachusetts: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd.
  • Baldwin, D. A. (2016). Power and International Relations. New Jersey: Princeton University Press.
  • Bunakov, O. A., Zaitseva, N., Larionova, A., Zhukov, V., & Morozova, M. (2018). The use of the «soft power» concept in the modern Russian tourism industry. Revista Espacios Journal, 39(22), 2.
  • Claro, Huguet and Serrano, M. (2923). Tourism as a Soft Power Tool. Journal of Tourism and Sustainability and Well-Being, 11 (2), 66-80.
  • Dağkılıç, M. B. (2023). How Can Turkey Effectively Use Tourism, A Soft Power, to Deal with Diplomatic Issues: The Case of Turkey-Greek Problem. Journal of Tourism and Gastronomy Studies, 11(1), 453-466.
  • Daily Sabah (2025, April). Retrieved from: https://www.dailysabah.com/business/tourism/cappadocia-hosts-nearly-5m-tourists-on-balloon-tours-in-decade
  • Daily Sabah (2017). Retrieved from: https://www.dailysabah.com/travel/2017/07/05/once-a-hidden-gem-uzungol-a-top-destination-for-arab-tourists
  • Daily Sabah (2025, June). Retrieved from: https://www.dailysabah.com/business/tourism/turkiyes-northern-gem-sees-24-surge-in-tourist-visits-so-far-in-2025
  • Delve (2025). Retrieved from: https://delvetool.com/qualmethods#:~:text=Qualitative%20research%20is%20research%20that,words%2C%20meaning%2C%20and%20interpretation.
  • Dutch News (2024). Retrieved from: https://www.dutchnews.nl/2024/06/amsterdam-overnight-tourist-numbers-reach-a-new-record/
  • Gilpin, R. G. (1984). The Richness of the Tradition of Political Realism. International Organization, 38(2), 287-304.
  • Gray, C. S. (2011). Hard Power and Soft Power: The Utility of Military Force as an Instrument of Policy in the 21st Century. Strategic Studies Institute Press, USA. 1-2.
  • Hollis, M., & Smith, S. (1992). Explaining and Understanding International Relations. New York: Oxford University Press.
  • Katsafadou, S., Lalou, G., & Deffner, A. (2016). Expressions of creativity in the landscape and the role of place marketing: The regional unity of Magnesia, Greece. Middlesex University - International Place Branding Association, 7(1) 1-29.
  • Kalın, İ. (2011). Soft Power and Public Diplomacy in Turkey. Perceptions: Journal of International Affairs, 16(3), 10.
  • Mirza, A. (2025). Growing Importance of Tourism in International Relations. International Journal of Academic Research & Development, 6(2), 61-62.
  • Neack, L. (2008). The New Foreign Policy: Power Seeking in a Globalized Era. Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield Publisher Inc.
  • Nye, J. (2008). Public Diplomacy and Soft Power. Los Angeles: Sage Publishing, Vol 66, 94-106.
  • Nye, J. (2009). Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics. New York: Public Affairs. 1-28.
  • Ooi, C.-S. (2016). Soft Power, tourism. In J. J. Xiao, Encyclopedia of tourism, New York: Springer Press.
  • Özkan, B. İ., & Boylu, Y. (2021). A Study on the Use of Tourism as a Soft Power Instrument in International Relations. İstanbul: Journal of Tourismology, 7(1), 73-99.
  • Rosecrance, R. (2006). Power and International Relations: The Rise of China and Its Effects. International Studies Perspectives, 7, 31-35.
  • Rourke, J. T. (2000). International Politics on the World Stage. Connecticut: McGraw-Hill Press.
  • Sabatini, C. (2025, January). Chatham House. Retrieved from: https://www.chathamhouse.org/2025/01/trump-administrations-sanctions-policy-could-matter-more-its-use-tariffs
  • Scheffer, A. D. (2023, May). German Marshall Fund of the United States. Retrieved from: https://www.gmfus.org/sites/default/files/2023-04/Global%20Swing%20States_27%20apr_FINAL_embargoed%20until%202%20May%202023.pdf
  • Sharpley, R. (2020). Tourism, sustainable development and the theoretical divide: 20 years on. Central Lancashire Online Knowledge, 1932-1946. Retrieved from: https://clok.uclan.ac.uk/id/eprint/33605/
  • Stein, J., & Cocco, F. (2024, July). The Washington Post. Retrieved from: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/interactive/2024/us-sanction-countries-work/
  • Stryzhak, O. (2019). Assessment of the relationship between the tourism sector development and other sectors of economy. Economics of Development, 18(2), 10-18.
  • Tariq, M., Rizwan, M., & Ahmad, M. (2018). Human Nature, Anarchy, and Hierarchy as Determining Factors of Realism. Global Social Sciences Review, 3(3), 477-487.
  • TUİK (2025, January 31). Retrieved from: https://data.tuik.gov.tr/Bulten/Index?p=Tourism-Statistics-Quarter-IV:-October-December-and-Annual,-2024-53660&dil=2
  • UN Tourism (2025, January). Retrieved from: https://www.untourism.int/news/international-tourism-recovers-pre-pandemic-levels-in-2024
  • UN Tourism (2025). Retrieved from: https://www.untourism.int/why-tourism
  • Wagner, J (2014). Retrieved from: https://www.e-ir.info/pdf/49538
  • Waltz, K. N. (1991). Realist Thought and Neorealist Theory. Journal of International Affairs, 44(1), 34-35.
  • World Economic Forum (2024). Retrieved from: https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Travel_and_Tourism_Development_Index_2024.pdf
  • World Travel & Tourism Council (2025, April 9). Retrieved from: https://wttc.org/news/global-travel-and-tourism-is-strong-despite-economic-headwinds
  • Yardimci, T. (2021, September). AA. Retrieved from: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkeys-trabzon-hosts-over-12m-tourists-over-past-8-months/2369918#
  • Yavuz, T. (2024). Türkiye's Soft Power By Using Public Diplomacy: The Case of Ukraine Between 2002-2022. İstanbul: Marmara University.
  • Yenokyan, A. V. (2023, April). The Importance of Soft Power in Türkiye’s Foreign Policy in 2002—2022. Vestnik RUDN, 23(4), 609-619.
  • Yi Yi Mon, S. L. (2019). Multiplex Relations between States: Coevolution of Trade Agreements and Political Alliances. MDPI, 11(14), 1-24.
There are 40 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Impacts of Tourism
Journal Section Review
Authors

Üstün Yüksel 0000-0001-7965-8654

Submission Date November 20, 2025
Acceptance Date December 20, 2025
Publication Date December 28, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 6 Issue: 2

Cite

APA Yüksel, Ü. (2025). Tourism as a “Soft Power” in International Relations: The Case of Türkiye. Journal of New Tourism Trends, 6(2), 302-313. https://doi.org/10.58768/joinntt.1827122