An analysis on local people's approach to tourism in cities having Cittaslow brand: Seferihisar example

Aim of this study is to reveal local people?s approach to tourism in the cities having Cittaslow brand. In this study, it is tried to reveal the current status by means of scan model. As a data collection mean, a survey form is developed. After validity and reliability of the survey proved, it is applied to 446 ? person sample group in Seferihisar district, between April ? May 2012. The reason why Seferihisar is preferred as research site is to be the first Cittaslow member from Turkey.In the first section of this survey ? applied study, 6 questions regarding demographic characteristics of the attendants and 2 questions determining their opinions on tourism activities in the region took place. In the second section of this survey, 4 close-ended expressions took place which measure attendants? ?satisfaction levels? about Cittaslow brand, ?its impact on increase in the number of tourists?, ?its impact level on local people?s life quality? and ?its impact level on local development? and in the third section 30 close-ended expressions which measure local people?s approach levels to the impacts of tourism in the cities having Cittaslow brand.Results of the survey are analyzed by SPSS 15.0 statistical software in computer media. To test validity and reliability of the scales, factor analysis is performed and through sub-dimensions of the scale, hypotheses are tested by benefiting from Mann Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis H test in determination of the relation between subjects.Total average score obtained from the scale as a result of the study showed some differences according to individual characteristics of the local people living in Cittaslow regarding impacts of tourism, but their approaches to tourism have been found significantly positive.Key Words: Cittaslow, people of Seferihisar, impacts of tourism.