How to Develop Tourism in the Least Developed Regions? Notes from Travel Agencies

Öz

Tourism, a rapidly growing sector around the world, is perceived as panacea for socio-economic problems in many regions. Study aims to compile the opinions of the travel agencies for tourism development in the Eastern Anatolia in Turkey. Qualitative research method has been utilized to get in-depth views on the planning and implementation issues. Findings indicate that tourism can be used as a development tool provided that correct steps are taken after planning with the participation of all stakeholders. The study is important not only because it contributes to the literature by determining the remarks of travel agencies, but also offers valuable information to tourism planners and decision makers.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Travel agencies,underdeveloped regions,tourism development

How to Develop Tourism in the Least Developed Regions? Notes from Travel Agencies

Öz

Dünya çapında hızla büyüyen bir sektör olan turizm, dünyanın pek çok yerinde sosyo-ekonomik sorunlara deva olarak algılanmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı Türkiye’nin en az gelişmiş bölgeleri arasında yer alan Doğu Anadolu’da turizm gelişimine yönelik seyahat acentalarının bakış açılarını derlemektir. Çalışma kapsamında görüşleri derinlemesine elde edebilmek için nitel araştırma yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Çalışma geri kalmış bölge kavramının oluşturduğu olumsuz imajın taze, el değmemiş ve özgün gibi imajlarla yer değiştirmesinin temel adım olması gerektiğini göstermektedir. Çalışma bulguları ayrıca, tüm paydaşların katılımı ile gerçekleştirilecek planlama sonrasında doğru adımların atılması durumunda, turizmin geri kalmış bölgeler için bir kalkınma aracı olarak kullanılabileceğini göstermektedir. Çalışma, seyahat acentelerinin az gelişmiş bölgelere bakış açısını belirleyen çalışma eksikliğinin giderilmesine katkı sunmasının yanı sıra turizm planlayıcılarına ve karar vericilere kayda değer veriler sunmaktadır. 

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Seyahat acentaları,az gelişmiş bölgeler,turizm gelişimi

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