The effect of local governments on the development of plateau tourism in the context of rural development: An application in Ordu

The aim of this study; to analyze the impact of local governments on the development of plateau tourism. In the research conducted in Ordu provincial scale, rural development projects and plateau tourism activities of local governments were examined; the impact of local governments on tourism development was analyzed. In the research process, the current projects were learned through the activities that developed tourism in the past years in Ordu and the activities that were required in the future periods were revealed. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview technique with a group of ten people consisting of seven mayors with plateau areas from the existing local governments in the province of Ordu, the rural development director of Ordu province, the provincial tourism director of Ordu and a private tourism operator. The results obtained were examined in detail and current situation analysis was made and recommendations were developed. In the results of this study; it was found out that the participants were conscious about the activities to be done for the development of plateau tourism to contribute to the regional economy but the desired efficiency could not be obtained from the plateau tourism. In this respect, it has been determined that priority should be given to the activities that increase the plateau tourism and new projects should be developed and implemented immediately. It has been determined that some local governments having plateau areas have included plans, tactics, strategies and practices that increase tourism, but they cannot provide services at the expected levels due to insufficient resources and bureaucratic procedures. Keywords: Plateau Tourism, Local Government, Project, Efficiency, Productivity