Accommodation facility site selection planning with geographical information systems: The case of Gevas district of van province

The Gevaş district of Van Province, situated along the shores of Lake Van in Eastern Anatolia, is a notable tourism destination distinguished by its natural landscapes, historical heritage, and cultural richness. Particularly during the summer months, the area experiences significant tourist influx from both domestic and international visitors. In this context, the strategic placement of accommodation facilities is essential for enhancing the district's tourism potential. This thesis investigates the optimal siting of such facilities through a spatial planning approach, employing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHM), a Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based multi-criteria decision-making method. GIS-based raster datasets were generated to develop thematic maps, including slope, aspect, elevation, proximity to roads and tourist attractions, and other relevant geographical features. These layers were integrated through raster analysis to identify the most suitable locations for tourism development. The proposed sites were then assessed against current land use and environmental protection plans to ensure their feasibility and sustainability. The study concludes with a set of recommendations for the potential utilization of these identified sites within the legal and regulatory framework governing tourism infrastructure development in Türkiye.