Underwater diving tourism in Karaburun, Seferihisar, and Foça: Tourists' preferences reasons and the views of diving guides

This thesis prepared to determine the current situation regarding underwater diving tourism in Turkey and to evaluate Karaburun, Seferihisar and Foça districts, which are important underwater diving spots, in terms of the reasons why they are preferred by tourists and diving guides.A mixed method, in which quantitative and qualitative methods were used together, was preferred in the research.It is thought that the research will contribute to the very limited diving tourism literature.The sample of the research are tourists and diving guides diving in Foça, Karaburun and Seferihisar in Izmir province. Research results provide important findings for diving tourism in Izmir.These findings provide guidance for evaluating Izmir's diving potential and developing diving tourism.In research, taking into account the diversity and natural richness of diving spots, the importance of promotion and infrastructure work that can be done in this area is emphasized.Additionally, hunting comes first among the negative views in the research. All these opinions reveal the factors affecting the potential and sustainability of diving tourism in İzmir.In particular, issues such as protecting environmental factors and improving the quality of diving services are important elements that should be taken into account in future planning.