The Importance of Mapping Natural and Cultural Routes in Rural Tourism: Bartın Case

In this study it is aimed to develop a route planning which will evaluate the diversity of natural assets and original cultural accumulation in the province of Bartın where nature based tourism has not yet matured. During the process of determining the natural and cultural corridors in Bartın, primarily the identification and evaluation of regional and local identities has been emphasized. Within this scope; it was tried to establish a cooperative model in which the relevant public institutions, local governments and non-governmental organizations co-exist. Priority studies in which data on the determination of values are obtained includes detailed field studies, face-to-face interviews, focus group meetings and printed publications. Bartın Province which is specialized in regional identity of Western Black Sea Region with local identity and original values has been effective in the creation of spatial design of routes. In addition, route spatial design is done via partnership, conservation and revivals, thematic approach, rural development, alternative tourism, local participation, holistic promotion and local activities. Thematic values and geographical thresholds are taken into account by a holistic route approach while networking features has been proposed. With the "network route" design approach, 6 main routes (Parthenios, Amastris, Kromna, Bartın Küre, Ulus Küre and Karaca) and alternative routes (32 sub routes) connected to these routes, route focal points and external links are determined. It is expected that the routes will make significant contributions to the objectives of protecting the cultural values and the rural development of many destinations that are mentioned as priority targets for the future of Bartın.