Rural tourism potential and route planning of Yahyali district (Kayseri)

In this thesis titled "Rural Tourism Potential and Route Planning of Yahyalı District (Kayseri)", the birth and development of rural tourism and the situation of rural tourism as an alternative to traditional tourism activities are conceptually discussed. The concept of rural tourism; It is seen that it is expressed with different definitions such as agricultural tourism, ecotourism, highland tourism, mountain tourism. As the name suggests, rural tourism covers all tourism areas in rural areas. In this study, which was carried out within the scope of rural tourism, the determination of Yahyalı district as the study area, besides having natural assets, culture, history and unique natural and human values, these values were not known enough. The district, which has been owned by different civilizations since ancient times, not only carries important traces of these civilizations, but also contains natural beauties such as rivers, canyons, forests, mountains, lakes, wildlife and waterfalls. In the district where there are a lot of old settlements, castles and old tombs as cultural values, these values were not given the necessary importance, researches were not carried out and they were left open to destruction. From the past to the present, especially after the industrial revolution, the technological developments have shown their effects in the understanding of tourism as in every field. The traditional tourism understanding of people living in cities has now been replaced by rural tourism areas, and the tourism values of rural areas have increased. In addition, this situation, which can prevent migration, which is one of the biggest problems of rural areas, and diversify their economic income, stands out as a very important issue today.In line with the purpose of the study, a literature study was first conducted in order to reveal the rural tourism potential of Yahyalı District. Then, observations and determinations were made with field studies at certain periods, the locations of tourism destinations were determined, interviews were held with the local people and rural tourism values were revealed. In addition to waterfalls, streams, lakes, mountainous and forested areas with many different characteristics in natural areas, traces of historical, cultural and economic old settlements and civilizations living in these settlements have been identified. All these attractions allow mountaineering, trekking, camping, mountain biking, rafting, transhumance, historical and cultural visits in the study area provides facilities. The population of the district is decreasing day by day. Among the main reasons for this is the economic situation. Lack of transportation and infrastructure are other driving factors in the district. It is clear that the existing infrastructure and superstructure cannot handle a large tourist flow. It has been concluded that it is necessary for the elimination of infrastructure and superstructure problems, for the localadministrations to continue their activities in cooperation, for the protection of natural and cultural values that have been exposed to great destruction, for eliminating the lack of promotion, and for actively using the rural tourism potential of the region. Keywords: Rural Tourism, Rural Area, Yahyalı, Route Planning