Evaluation of marine fishing tourism at Antalya scale

Tourism is an important sector for our country, as well as all over the world, with its social and economic gains. Factors such as the development of transportation and communication facilities and the increase in people's income, life, culture and education levels direct consumers to seek alternative tourism. Especially with the Covid 19 Pandemic, the importance of alternative tourism activities that can be carried out in nature with fewer participants has increased even more.Traditional tourism, identified with sun, sand and sea, is limited to the summer season. On the other hand, activities such as Health Tourism, Sports Tourism, Rural Tourism, Botanical Tourism and Fishing Tourism, which can be done in all seasons, are important for the sustainability of the sector. Fishing Tourism, which attracts a lot of attention especially in developed countries, stands out as an important branch of tourism that meets expectations with its elements such as nature, adventure and gastronomy. The most preferred Fishing Tourism method in the world is Recreational Fishing. Recreational Fishing, which is carried out for hobby, recreation or sports purposes and does not aim at financial gain, is very popular especially in countries such as Canada, Italy, Spain and the United States. Although there are positive developments regarding Fishing Tourism in our country, it is still far below its potential. In this study, the current status and potential of marine fishing tourism in Antalya, one of the most important tourism destinations in the world, was examined. It has been determined that amateur fishing, sport fishing and amateur fishing activities for tourism purposes are carried out within the scope of recreational fishing in the region. In particular, the successful holding of international sport fishing tournaments contributes to the promotion of the country and increasing awareness of recreational fishing. However, traditional fishing tourism (Pesca-Tourism), which is successfully implemented in Mediterranean countries, cannot be implemented in Antalya and our country because it does not have a legal infrastructure. It is important to bring this tourism activity to our country, which provides additional income to small-scale fishermen, prevents overfishing and instills environmental awareness in participants. As a result, fishing tourism, which helps the sustainability and diversification of the tourism sector with its high economic potential and environmentally friendly practices, has been evaluated as an alternative branch of tourism worth supporting on the Antalya scale