Evaulation of Phrygian Way in terms of tourism and cultural route

While the number of the culture routes in Turkey increase, there are 21 culture routes developed in international standards. One of these routes is the Phrygian Way which was completed in 2013 and becomes the subject of this study. Having many natural and cultural values, Phrygian Way has attracted the attention of many tourists both domestically and from abroad. The purposes of this study are to present detailed information about the cultural assets built by Phrygians and the other following civilizations and about the natural beauties by considering Phrygian Way in the context of cultural route, and besides that to reveal demographic characteristics, travel habits, travel motivations, general levels of satisfaction and behavioral intentions of tourists walking the Phrygian Way. Within this context, a questionnaire form was prepared for the tourists walking the Phrygian Way, after conducting the related literature survey. Data obtained from 236 people walking Phrygian Way were analyzed extensively. As a result of study, it was seen that the people walking the Phrygian Way consist of tourists identifying themselves as traveller, having high levels of education and income, mainly in middle age group, usually staying 1-2 days with a group of friends and walked other cultural routes in Turkey before. Although Phrygian Way can be considered as a new route, it has been revealed as a route to meet the expectations, to be visited again and to be recommended to others by the majority of the participants. It has been determined that the travel motivations of the tourists walking the Phrygian Way can be examined under the headings of seeking peace, seeking experience, personal development, recognizing the world and traveling independently. These factors were determined to show statistically significant differences according to demographic characteristics of the tourists. This study will be a helpful source for effective decision-makers and for taking concrete steps towards implementation about Phrygian Way, which can be considered as a new center of attraction in the context of alternative tourism, for decision makers in the field of tourism. In addition to this, it will provide practical contributions to business owners and entrepreneurs active in the field of tourism by presenting information helpful to better understand the target market and to develop products accordingly. Key Words: Cultural Route, Cultural Heritage, Mountainous Phrygia, Phrygian Way, Travel Motivations, Travel Habits.