The role of tourism entrepreneurship in regional development: Akçakoca example

This research has been carried out to determine the role of tourism entrepreneurs operating in the rural tourism of the district of Akçakoca, which is on the way to become Cittaslow, in the regional development and to provide the necessary solutions by evaluating them with the detailed data to evaluate whether these tourism entrepreneurs can contribute to the regional development. In addition to this main objective, in light of the data obtained, it is aimed to determine the main problems of tourism entrepreneurs, to identify threats and to development of tourism entrepreneurs in Akçakoca and increase tourism entrepreneurs and to increase the contribution of tourism entrepreneurs to the regional development by providing suggestions for the development and enhancement of tourism entrepreneurs. Qualitative research methodology has been used within the scope of this research and the data have been obtained by semi-structured interview technique. The sample of the study consists of 18 tourism entrepreneurs who are active in the areas of Akçakoca which can be evaluated within the scope of rural tourism. The research data have been obtained by the in-depth answers given to the questionnaire consisting of 15 questions by the tourism entrepreneurs and the data have been subjected to descriptive analysis technique. As a result of the study, it has been found out that tourism entrepreneurs in the district of Akçakoca have a significant role both in regional development and in the development of tourism in the region. However, it has been concluded that local governments are incompetent in terms of encouraging and developing tourism entrepreneurship. Accordingly, local governments need to be supportive to ensure the sustainable development, growth and development of tourism entrepreneurship and regional development. In addition, it has been concluded that the basic problems of tourism entrepreneurs and the factors that threaten their development should be eliminated. These are generally lack of promotion and activities of the region, infrastructure and superstructure facilities, unconscious business owners, inability to use tourist potential, not being able to evaluate tourist elements and not to give importance to tourism. Therefore, it has been concluded that it is essential to provide solutions to those problems in terms of the development of the region and the tourism entrepreneurs, and suggestions on these issues have also been presented.