A model recommendation related to recreational sports tourism and development of rural areas

In the light of objective of developing rural areas through recreational sports tourism which is a developing study area in the world as well as in our country, the aim of the study is to determine the recreational sports tourism potential of Gündoğmuş district of Antalya with its historical and natural beauties; also, to forming a model related to creating sustainable income sources for local people of the district. The study group consists of 28 individuals which are divided into two groups as two experts for each sports branch (cycling, rock climbing, running, paragliding, caving, and canoeing) and local people who know the area well. The data collection was carried out through interviews, focus group interviews, observation, and mapping techniques, and the qualitative data analysis was done. The descriptive analysis, content analysis and emotion analysis were done. The observations in the study covered the potential routes and areas in which various branches can be done. The detailed interviews carried out with the participants enabled the researchers to determine the minimum standards required to do the activities. The data collected in the research process were used in determination of appropriate areas and routes for each activity, and this information was visualized by mapping using Google Earth Pro program. This methodological approach enabled the researchers to determine the areas and routes in a systematical and data-based way. As a result, it was determined that recreational sports tourism potential is there for each branch (cycling, rock climbing, running, paragliding, caving, and canoeing) in Gündoğmuş district, and a model related to the development of the region was proposed. Keywords: Recreational sports tourism, Gündoğmuş District, Rural development, Modelling.