PROPOSALS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE RURAL TOURISM IN VILLAGES OF BOLKAR MOUNTAIN, EXAMPLE OF MADENKÖY
Yusuf Gürçınar
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2015.1.539
UDC: 338.48-44(560.1-22 Bolkar)
Abstract: In 1950, 75% of the total population of the country was living in rural areas, whereas this ratio has declined to 8.2% in 2014 due to migration to urban areas. Particularly in the mountain villages, where health, communication and transportation services have not been sufficiently utilized, the inclination to migrate has been continuing at an escalating rate for individuals in the working age, leading to the collapse of socio-cultural and economical structure. In the mountain villages, there is a need for new sustainable fields of business operable within the four seasons of the year that do not require costly investments and an educated workforce; provide business opportunities to local women; contribute to preservation of the socio-cultural structural, natural and cultural heritage;cause no concretion and land consumption. In this study, development of proposals is aimed to conduct rural tourism in Ulukışla-Madenköy, a location possessing the qualities to provide an ideal four seasons accommodation and logistic support to any kind of activity made by the domestic and foreign visitors of Bolkar mountains during their arrivals and departures.As a research method "SWOT" and "Resources and Physical Condition" analysis techniques were used. Studies were mostly conducted through site researches. Proposals were developed for development of Madenköy through implementation of sustainable rural tourism in this area. The results clearly demonstrate that Madenköy possesses the qualities to create a high level demand in four seasons from the viewpoint of the tourists. As a means to sustain the rural tourism activities, "Conservation plan" and ―The rural tourism management and development plan," must be prepared and ―Sustainable carrying capacity of region" must be continuously monitored.
Keywords: Rural Development, Rural Tourism, Sustainable Tourism