Effects of winter tourism: The case of Derbent Aladağ

The aim of this study is to evaluate the impacts of winter tourism on the local people living in Derbent area. In this study, which adopts a qualitative research method, interview technique was used. The universe of the study is the winter tourism areas of Turkey and the sample is the local people of Derbent area. Using the purposeful sampling method, data were collected from the participants with an interview form. The obtained data were evaluated and interpreted in the findings section. In the findings that emerged as a result of the evaluations, it was determined that the local people had a generally positive opinion about the Aladağ ski resort. The local people thought that the Aladağ ski resort was hope for the future and would especially change the face of the area. It is expected that the ski center will make a great economic contribution to the area. Currently, it is widely believed that it does not provide sufficient benefits due to its inactivity. It has been concluded that as well as Aladağ ski center is an overdue Project, it will contribute to the area economically, socio-culturally and environmentally such as population, migration and employment. The economic effects of the ski center are the sales of local products and artisan/craft sales during the winter months; socio-cultural effecs are communication and protecting values; and environmental impact is the increasing the awareness of the area. Finally, it has been concluded that Aladağ ski center does not contribute much to the local people due to reasons such as lack of adequate facilities, visitors not visiting the district center and daily visits. Keywords: Tourism, Tourism Effects, Winter Tourism, Local People, Derbent.