Evaluation of Ayder (Camlihemşin-Rize/Turkey) thermal and high plateau tourism area for a thermal protection and tourism development

In the recent years, with their natural and cultural attractions Eastern Blacksea region and Rize, which is located in this region, have become areas where tourism activities can be carried out. Especially Ayder Tourism Protection and Development Area is facing an increasing demand from national visitors, especially Ayder Tourism, Protection and Development Area, located in the Çamlıhemşin Province of Rize is facing an increasing demand from Turkish Visitors from all around Turkey owing to its Thermal Spa facilities and high plateau settlements.In the scope of the study, after information is given about thermal tourism and high plateau tourism concepts and characteristics and classification of thermal waters, the existing situation of hot thermal waters and curing water sources and health tourism has been investigated. In the second part of the study, issues relating the climatic conditions, natural and cultural resource values were examined and analyzed; recreational and tourism areas located in the region were determined and information was given about ongoing work towards planning in the study area. Furthermore, recreational and tourism behavior of locals and visitors were examined, problems stemming from these activities and planning decisions were put forward.Questionnaire forms prepared in the light of these pilot surveys were administered with Turkish visitors and in addition interviews were made with various social groups such as administrators of governmental organizations, local administrators, special interest groups, non-governmental organizations, media? representatives and face to face interviews were done with the enterprise representatives and data was collected.