Bilecik urban tourism;current situation, problems and solution suggestions

The city of Bilecik possesses significant potential in terms of its natural, historical, and cultural attractions. However if this potential is not effectively utilized, the city's tourism values may gradually lose their importance over time. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the current state of Bilecik's urban tourism, identify existing problems, and develop solution oriented recommendations. In the research, firstly previous studies on the subject were examined. Using the purposeful sampling method in-depth interviews were conducted with experts in the field. Interviews were completed with 25 people in total. This number was determined to ensure data saturation. Interviews were terminated when the saturation point was reached that is when no new information could be obtained. After the interviews were completed, the MAXQDA program was used to analyze the data. This analysis program; It helped to gather the participants opinions under common headings and analyze the research as a whole. Afterwards SWOT Analysis was used to determine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of Bilecik city tourism. As a result of the analysis the participants opinions and our own conclusions were taken as basis and the research was completed by putting forward suggestions. In line with the data obtained as a result of the research 22 main problem areas affecting the city's current tourism were identified. The problems are grouped under 5 main headings. These topics are: infrastructure and service problems, tourism experience and attraction problems, promotion and marketing problems, competitiveness and coordination problems, tourist profile of the city and awareness problems. III According to the institutional evaluations it is seen that there are serious problems in the development of Bilecik city tourism. In order for Bilecik city tourism to be sustainable all stakeholders should cooperate and a strategy should be followed to eliminate all the problems identified first. Afterwards the projects planned in the field of tourism should be implemented as soon as possible. In this direction increasing the efficiency of the city in tourism and creating a longterm development model will contribute to Bilecik becoming an important destination in tourism. When the findings regarding the current status, problems and solution proposals of Bilecik city tourism are examined it is observed that institutions are aware of all the elements that hinder the development of the city. However when the solution proposals and plans are examined it is revealed that a holistic approach cannot be shown in the field of tourism due to the fact that institutions act independently of each other. This situation also slows down the development of tourism. It is seen that various studies are carried out together at the institutional level but there are projects that are not put into practice. It is necessary to implement existing plans, develop tourism diversity, develop promotion and marketing methods, build qualified accommodation facilities and make effective strategies in branding and clarify the image of the city in a short time. In addition tour routes should be developed and sustainability should be ensured in all applications.