Evaluation of cycle tourism in Turkiye in terms of current status and potential

Cycle tourism is a type of special interest tourism developing in many countries and provides various benefits particularly to rural areas. At the same time, considering the benefits of cycle tourism as a type of sustainable tourism, it is thought that it can be an important opportunity for Turkiye in line with the sustainable development goals of the United Nations. In this context, the aim of the research is to determine the current situation and potential of Turkiye in cycle tourism and to make various suggestions for the improvement of this potential. To achieve this, firstly, a literature review on cycle tourism was made. Then, the data collection stage was started by applying the interview technique through a semi-structured questionnaire. Content analysis and descriptive analysis methods were used as analysis methods in the study. As a result of the analysis of the data; three dimensions have been obtained: the current situation, suitability and potential of cycle tourism in Turkiye. Despite some positive points regarding the current situation of cycle tourism in Turkiye, it has been determined that the situation is generally evaluated negatively. In the dimension of suitability for cycle tourism, the elements that should be in a cycle tourism destination have been revealed. Then, regarding the potential dimension, it was determined that Turkiye has an important potential for cycle tourism and opinions were taken regarding the improvement of this potential. Finally, as a result of the findings, various suggestions were made to cycle tourism stakeholders and researchers.