LOCAL AUTHORITIES' AND NGOS' PERCEPTIONS OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND URBANIZATION IN ALANYA

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

IntroductionInternational tourist arrivals reached to 842 million in 2006 and it is expected 1.6 billion by the year 2020 (UNWTO, 2006(UNWTO, , 2007)).The Mediterranean, as most frequently visited destination of all times, hosts over 30 percent of tourist arrivals.In addition, four Mediterranean countries; France, Spain, Italy and Turkey were ranked at top ten tourism destinations in 2005 in terms of international tourist arrivals and receipts.The foregoing statistics and governmental policies of Mediterranean countries prove increasing importance of tourism.Tourism holds an important place in Turkish economy as well and it grows faster than other economic sectors in spite of global and Aydin Çevirgen and Muhammet Kesgin Local authorities' and NGOs' perceptions of tourism development and urbanization in AlanyaTourism development and urbanization have economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts on host destinations.With the recognition of the importance of these impacts on host perceptions and attitudes, numerous studies have been conducted towards tourism development.However, resident's perceptions studies of tourism development are superfluous; there are a few empirical studies on local authorities' and non-governmental organizations' (NGOs) perceptions of tourism development.In this regard, this study aims to determine the local authorities' and NGOs' perceptions of tourism development and urbanization in Alanya with an empirical study.The major findings have shown that both local authorities and NGOs strongly agree that tourism certainly improves the quality of life in the region, the establishment of an integrated management approach is essential and that the tourism development should be promoted in qualitative perspective.The findings indicated that the planning of further tourism development and urbanization should be encouraged within the aim to offer a higher quality of life for hosts and guests.