The Perceptual Maps of the Regions in Turkey Where Mass Tourism is Implemented in Terms of Sustainable Tourism

Abstract

Tourism is an important fact for developed and developing countries due to its economic, cultural and environmental effects. The developments in the tourism sector have positive effects such as increasing the employment and national income; but also some negative effects when we consider from social, cultural and environmental dimensions. Such negative effects are more frequently seen in regions where mass tourism is implemented. This study used the data of the years between 2001 and 2012 and the multi-dimension scaling method for Antalya, Mugla, Izmir, Aydin and Nevsehir where mass tourism is implemented was used to draw perceptual maps and the changes within 10 years was examined. The analysis has used data such as tourism incomes, number of tourists, number of facilities, number of beds, tourism investments, total employment, green areas, forestry, buildings, solid waste and water consumption. According to the date of eleven variables used in two-dimensional perceptual maps, the dimensions are set as economic and environmental dimensions.  It has been seen that in terms of economy, Antalya was in a better position than other cities in 2011 and Izmir was in a positive location in terms of environment.  In 2012, it has been determined that Aydin has shown a progress at environmental dimension.

Keywords: Tourism, Sustainable Tourism, Mass Tourism, Multidimensional Scaling

Jel Codes: C39, L83