Evaluation of tourism potential of Belen (Hatay) district

The tourism potential of Belen district in Hatay Province is not sufficiently known or evaluated. In this context, the aim is to identify the tourism potential of Belen district and to develop suggestions for its effective utilization. This research is significant in terms of revealing the tourism potential of Belen district. Initially, a document review was conducted, and the contents of the documents were evaluated. Subsequently, a pool of questions was created for interviews, and discussions were held with three academics to determine the research questions. Interviews were conducted with representatives from relevant institutions such as Belen District Governorship, Belen Municipality, Belen Public Education Center, Belen Public Services and Agricultural Development Association, Belen Teachers' House ASO Directorate, Gri Tur (travel agency), Göçmen Restaurant (food and beverage sector), Saklar Market (shopping sector), and Iskenderun Technical University, as well as tourism professionals. Data were collected between December 10, 2023, and March 10, 2024, using a semi-structured interview form. Content analysis was used to evaluate the documents, while descriptive analysis was preferred for examining the opinions of institutional representatives and tourism experts. SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis was employed to identify the region's strengths and weaknesses and to highlight opportunities and threats. As a result of the study, it was determined that local stakeholders have high levels of knowledge and awareness regarding the tourism potential of Belen district. The city's image, along with highland tourism and gastronomy tourism, has revealed the district's tourism potential; however, deficiencies in promotion, advertising, and infrastructure in the tourism sector were observed. Based on the findings, various recommendations were presented to enhance the tourism development of Belen district in Hatay Province and to guide future research.