A Scale Development Study on Ecotourism Awareness

Öz

The aim of this study is to develop a valid and reliable scale to measure ecotourism awareness. Ecotourism is a sustainable tourism model that promotes the conservation of natural resources and the development of local communities. However, for ecotourism to be effectively implemented, not only tourists but also local communities and stakeholders in the tourism sector must adopt an environmentally conscious approach. In this context, ecotourism awareness refers to individuals’ knowledge of environmental issues and their attitudes toward eco-friendly practices. The developed scale aims to assess individuals’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to ecotourism. In the study, the ecotourism awareness of individuals living in Isparta and tourism sector stakeholders was examined and the validity and reliability of the scale was tested. The results indicate that ecotourism awareness varies across regions and is particularly higher among local communities residing in ecotourism destinations. Furthermore, it was observed that as individuals’ knowledge of ecotourism increases, their likelihood of engaging in environmentally responsible behaviors also rises. This study seeks to address gaps in the literature and provide a comprehensive tool for measuring ecotourism awareness. The findings highlight the necessity of educational programs and awareness-raising activities in the ecotourism sector. This scale will serve as a valuable resource for future research and policy development processes, contributing to a better understanding of ecotourism awareness and the formulation of more effective strategies.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Awareness
• ecotourism
• environmental consciousness
• scale development

Ekoturizm Farkındalığı Üzerine Bir Ölçek Geliştirme Çalışması

Öz

Bu çalışmanın amacı, ekoturizm farkındalığını ölçmeye yönelik geçerli ve güvenilir bir ölçek geliştirmektir. Ekoturizm, doğal kaynakların korunmasını ve yerel halkın kalkınmasını teşvik eden sürdürülebilir bir turizm modelidir. Ancak, ekoturizmin etkin bir şekilde uygulanabilmesi için sadece turistlerin değil, aynı zamanda yerel halk ve turizm sektöründeki paydaşların da çevreye duyarlı bir yaklaşım benimsemesi gerekmektedir. Bu bağlamda, ekoturizm farkındalığı, bireylerin çevresel sorunlar hakkındaki bilgi düzeylerini ve doğa dostu uygulamalara yönelik tutumlarını ifade etmektedir. Geliştirilen ölçek, bireylerin ekoturizmle ilgili bilgi seviyelerini, tutumlarını ve davranışlarını ölçmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Araştırmada Isparta'da yaşayan bireylerin ve turizm sektörü paydaşlarının ekoturizm farkındalıklarını incelemiş, ölçeğin geçerliliği ve güvenilirliğini test etmiştir. Sonuçlar, ekoturizm farkındalığının bölgesel farklılıklar gösterdiğini ve özellikle ekoturizm destinasyonlarında yaşayan yerel halk arasında daha yüksek olduğunu ortaya koymuştur. Ayrıca, bireylerin ekoturizmle ilgili bilgi seviyelerinin arttıkça çevreye duyarlı davranış sergileme olasılıklarının da yükseldiği gözlemlenmiştir. Çalışma, literatürdeki eksiklikleri gidermeyi ve ekoturizm farkındalığını ölçmeye yönelik kapsamlı bir araç sunmayı hedeflemektedir. Elde edilen bulgular, ekoturizm sektörüne yönelik eğitim programları ve farkındalık artırıcı faaliyetlerin gerekliliğini vurgulamaktadır. Bu ölçek, gelecekteki araştırmalar ve politika geliştirme süreçlerinde, ekoturizm farkındalığının daha iyi anlaşılması ve daha etkin stratejilerin oluşturulması için önemli bir kaynak olacaktır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Çevre bilinci
• ekoturizm
• farkındalık
• ölçek geliştirme
• sürdürülebilir turizm

Kaynakça

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