Analyzing the effects of the tourism on economic development in Turkey

According to the data of the World Tourism Organization, seventy five countries in the world earned over one billion dollars tourism receipts in 2006 and it increased %6 percent in 2007. Tourism also minimizes the increasing economic differences between the developed regions and undeveloped regions. Growing tourism industry in Turkey had a positive effect on payment balances, currency needs and employment. Tourism plays very important role to improve the infrastructures and other sectors related into tourism inIn development indicators, this study emphasizes how and how much tourism effects Turkey?s economic and social developments. Firstly, underdevelopment is defined and particularities of less developed countries are emphasized. Secondly, development theories are explained. Finally the relation between tourism and development are analyzed. For this purpose, variables assumed to affect economic development are selected and analyzed. Standards of living, education and health in human development index are considered to determine the variables. So, gross national product per capita has been determined as a development indicator and number of tourists, infant mortality rate, adult literacy rate and unemployment rate have been determined as variables affecting the economic development. The indirect effect which was created by affecting other variables and direct effect of tourism on economic development are analyzed through Path analysis. The significant of tourism on the economic development of Turkey is tried to be emphasized.According to the findings, beside economic effects, tourism has influence on the variables which take place in the development theories and are suggested as the requirements of development by its socio-cultural influences. It shows that the direct and indirect effect of tourism which is created through other variables and cumulative effect which is total of direct and indirect effects have influence on the development process of tourism. This study ends with some suggestions for researchers who research the relation between tourism and economic development.