The role of rural tourism in the rural development of Ordu province and a proposal for a touri̇sm management plan

This study aims to discuss the causes of the development problems in the rural areas of Ordu Province and to explore how effective rural tourism can be as a tool for solving these issues. The study not only highlights the potential contributions of tourism to development but also draws attention to the negative impacts it may bring. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative data collection tools. The research design follows a "Fully Mixed Equal Status Concurrent Design," where data collection tools are applied simultaneously, and the data is analyzed and interpreted concurrently. Data were gathered from three different sample groups within the context of the research questions. These data sets were created through interviews with tourism stakeholders and surveys administered to local residents and tourists. Based on these data, it was concluded that there is a development problem in rural Ordu, primarily driven by economic factors. To solve this problem, it is necessary first to address the issues within the agricultural sector, followed by the development of alternative sectors, especially tourism. The province has significant potential for rural tourism, and it has been observed that in recent years, the highlands have attracted considerable tourist interest. However, it has been noted that there is a lack of coordination and cooperation among the institutions responsible for managing this demand. As a result, tourism development in the region is occurring in an uncontrolled manner. This uncontrolled development poses risks not only to the natural and cultural environment but also to social harmony, as it may lead to various other problems, including social conflicts. To minimize these risks, a management organization is needed that centers on the desires and interests of the local population while ensuring coordination among relevant institutions and other stakeholders. In response to this need, a destination management organization model was developed specifically for Aybastı Perşembe Yayla, the most important rural tourism destination in Ordu.