Tourism Policy In Turkey

Tourism Policy In Turkeyurlwwwturizmneteconomytouris1htmback

Background Information : In 1983, the government of Turkey amended its tourism policy to encourage Turkish and foreign investment companies to participate more effectively in the development of Turkey’s tourism sector. Questions: Compare the Turkish tourism policy with the elements of a good tourism policy as described in the textbook. What similarities and differences can you find? What else did you find interesting about this site?

Paper For Above instruction

Tourism policy development is crucial for sustainable growth and international competitiveness in a country's tourism sector. The Turkish tourism policy, notably amended in 1983, aimed at encouraging increased participation from both Turkish and foreign investment companies. When examining this policy through the lens of best practices outlined in academic literature, several key elements emerge as benchmarks for evaluating effectiveness: clarity of strategic objectives, sustainability considerations, stakeholder participation, environmental protection, marketing and branding strategies, and measures for safety and security.

The Turkish policy initially focused heavily on attracting foreign investment and expanding infrastructure, which aligns with the element of strategic clarity. It aimed to capitalize on Turkey’s rich historical, cultural, and natural assets to boost economic development. However, a comprehensive good tourism policy also emphasizes sustainability, with explicit provisions for environmental conservation and community involvement. While Turkey’s policy sought growth, it has been critiqued for insufficient emphasis on sustainable practices and the long-term preservation of Turkey’s cultural and ecological resources (Williams & Lew, 2015).

Moreover, stakeholder participation, including local communities, private sector actors, and government entities, is a core component of a good tourism policy. The Turkish approach in the 1980s was primarily top-down, with limited public engagement, which can lead to issues such as community displacement and environmental degradation, as reported in subsequent analyses (Dogan & Aslan, 2013). In contrast, more recent trends emphasize participatory planning to ensure equitable benefit distribution and local support.

Marketing and branding strategies are another element of good practice. Turkey has implemented successful promotional campaigns to bolster its image as a major tourist destination, especially in heritage tourism. However, the policy’s focus on infrastructure sometimes overshadowed efforts to enhance sustainable tourism experiences, which are vital in contemporary policies that prioritize quality over quantity (Richards, 2018).

Regarding safety and security, Turkey’s tourism policy included measures to ensure tourist protection, particularly after experiencing security challenges during the 1980s and early 2000s. Effective policies incorporate comprehensive safety protocols, crisis management, and infrastructure resilience, aligning with standards identified in the textbook.

Interestingly, the Turkish tourism policy’s evolution reflects broader socio-economic changes, shifting from a primarily infrastructure and investment-driven approach to incorporating more sustainable and community-centered practices, particularly since the early 2000s. This transition aligns with global shifts towards more responsible tourism models, emphasizing environmental sustainability, cultural integrity, and stakeholder engagement (Connell, 2010).

In summary, Turkey’s tourism policy initially prioritized investment and infrastructure expansion, which aligns with certain elements of a good policy but falls short on sustainability and stakeholder participation aspects. The evolution toward more sustainable and inclusive strategies demonstrates an awareness of the complex challenges faced by the tourism industry, something that many countries, including Turkey, are striving to improve. While the focus on heritage and cultural assets remains a strength, integrating sustainable practices and community involvement will be key in shaping Turkey’s future tourism development.

References

• Connell, J. (2010). Tourism: Experiences, culture and environment. Prentice Hall.
• Dogan, M., & Aslan, A. (2013). Tourism development and its impacts on local communities in Turkey. Journal of Tourism, Hospitality & Culinary Arts, 5(2), 45-60.
• Richards, G. (2018). Cultural tourism: The partnership between tourism and cultural heritage management. Routledge.
• Williams, S., & Lew, A. (2015). Tourism geography: Critical understandings of place, space and experience. Routledge.