Geographical Research in Bozdağlar (Izmir): Geographical Determinations about What Needs to be Done at the Point of Development of Special Interest Tourism

Abstract

Representing one of the important tourism and recreation centers of the Aegean Region, Bozdağlar is of interest to tourism geography and constitutes one of the important research topics due to its natural and human geography features. This study was designed to conduct a preliminary research on special interest tourism (SIT) in Bozdağlar, in the hinterland of Izmir. The aim is to reveal the importance of sustainable tourism criteria and propose a road map for the start and future of Special Interest Tourism. The primary data of the research was obtained from the field study conducted in Bozdağlar, and the secondary data was obtained from scientific sources and Izmir province tourism plans. The method of the study is "mixed method" based on geographical area examination, SWOT analysis and comparison. According to the findings, although Bozdağlar has rich natural and cultural attractions and opportunities, tourism services are quite lacking and threats are quite intense. In this context, current tourism in the region cannot meet most of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council's Destination Criteria (GSTC-D). As a result, activating the development potential of Special Interest Tourism in Bozdağlar will only be possible by making a regional tourism plan and applying the GSTC-D Criteria.