An analysis of ecotourism with respect to environmental, socia-cultural, economic and administrative dimensions: Example of Antalya Köprülü Kanyon National Park

XI AN ANALYSIS OF ECOTOURISM WITH RESPECT TO ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIO-CULTURAL, ECONOMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE DIMENSIONS: EXAMPLE OF ANTALYA KÖPRÜLÜ KANYON NATIONAL PARK A number of new tourism types such as sustainable tourism, soft tourism, nature tourism and, ecotourism have emerged in the last few decades. One of the reasons of this trend lies in the fact that the raw material of tourism depends more on natural, social and cultural assets than most of other sectors. Another important dynamic in the flourishing new methods of tourism is the change in attitudes about the negative impacts of mass tourism which can be described as a 'rapidly growing, short termed, unplanned, uncontrolled' type of tourism in which 'neither the enterpreneurs nor the employees are from the local people'. It is almost impossible to disagree with the ideal definition of ecotourism, because, although mass tourism might have some economic and social benefits it is also known that it arises a lot of problems, too. However, the impacts of ecotourism in existing and potential ecotourism destinations should be studied carefully. Within this context the topic of this study is; "An Analysis of Ecotourism with respect to Environmental, Socio-Cultural, Economic and Administrative Dimensions: Example of Antalya Köprülü Kanyon National Park". The aim of the study is to find out in what ways the generally accepted assumption that ecotourism considers natural, social and cultural assets as its base on the contrary to mass tourism might be reflected at application level. In the study, environmental, socio-cultural, economic and administrative principals of ecotourism are analyzed with the help of different definitions; and it is discussed whether ecotourism could accomplish the ideal properties that are ascribed to it in theoretical debates. Antalya Köprülü Kanyon National Park has been chosen as the research area for three main reasons. First, there are currently tourism activities under the banner of ecotourism; second, the area is involved in G.E.F. Turkey Biological Diversity and Natural Resource Management (Gef II); and third the area has a potential for genuine ecotourism. There are 11 villages in the borders of the park which has an area of 36614 hectares. Three of these villages that would represent social, ecological, and economic dimensions of the area have been taken as research universe. A field survey was conducted in the villages with the local inhabitants and rafting agencies. In addition, direct observations and face to face interviews have been used. It was tried to compare Weberian ideal type ecotourism with existing activities.xu In conclusion, precautions for the implemantation of ecotourism has been emphasized and proposals have been developed. Key Words: Ecotourism, Mass Tourism, Marketing in Tourism, Gef-II, Areas under Protection, National Parks.