Views on the Effects of Nature-Based Tourism Activities on the Environment: The Case of Fairy Chimneys Tourism Region (Turkey)
Abstract
The Fairy Chimneys Tourism Region (FCTR) is located in a historical geographic region called Cappadocia in the central part of Turkey. Cappadocia, with its rich history, natural and cultural attractions, is one of the most visited places by domestic and international tourists and its most important attraction is fairy chimneys. In addition to its natural attractiveness, it has important tourist attractions for cultural and faith tourism. The region also offers a wide range of nature-based tourism activities. Qualitative research methods were used in the study and semi-structured interview technique was used. The study was conducted in Nevsehir province in Turkey. In the research, the following main results were obtained. With the nature-based tourism activities, the duration and expenditures of the tourists have increased. Almost all of the respondents (except balloon business) stated that nature-based tourism activities adversely affect the environment. There are different opinions about the rate of negative effects of sportive activities for tourism purposes on nature and which activity is causing more harm. Those who earn direct income from an activity generally report that there is little or no loss. Problems were identified such as unplanned and uncontrolled activities and lack of legislation. The sector lacks specialized tour guides to work in nature-based tourism activities in the region. Efforts should be initiated to develop and implement new tourism policies in order to ensure long-term sustainable tourism development in the region that does not threaten its future. It should be ensured that all stakeholders work in cooperation.
Keywords
Supporting Institution
Anadolu Üniversitesi
Project Number
1506E478
References
- AHİKA. (2013). Sayılarla Nevşehir. Nevşehir: Ahiler Kalkınma Ajansı.
- AHİKA (2014). Kapadokya’da Turizm Yatırım Olanakları. Nevşehir: Ahiler Kalkınma Ajansı.
- Christ, C., Hillel, O, Matus, S. and Sweeting, J. (2003). Tourism and Biodiversity – Mapping Tourism’s Global Footprint,
- Conservation International. [On-line Available]: http://www.unep.org/PDF/Tourism_and_biodiversity_report.pdf (accessed December 2014).
- Cole, D.N. (2004). Impacts of Hiking and Camping on Soils and Vegetation: A Review. In Environmental Impacts of Ecotourism (Ed. Buckley, R.). Wollingford: Cabi Publishing.
- Dowling, R. K. (1992). Tourism and Environmental Integration: The Journey from Idealism to Realism. Progress in Tourism, Recreation and Hospitality Management, 4, 33–46.
- Gösssling, S. (1999). Ecotourism: A Means to Safeguard Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functions? Ecological Economics, 29 (2), 303-320.
- Günay, S. and Yılmaz, A. (2013). The Effects Of The 2008 Global Economic Crisis On Tourist Flows To Türkiye, The Science and Education at the Beginning of the 21st Century in Turkey, pp.174-186, Sofia: St. Kliment Ohridski University Press.
- Ioannides, D. (1995). A Flawed Implementation of Sustainable Tourism: The Experience of Akamas, Cyprus. Tourism Management, 16(8), 583–592.
- Kaya, E. (2012). Sosyal Bilgiler Öğretiminde “Sosyal Bilgiler Dersliği” Kullanımına İlişkin Öğretmen Görüşleri, Educational Sciences. Theory & Practice 12(2), 999- 1021.
