The evaluation of Akçay valley and Madran mountain as an ecotourism resource

THE EVALUATION OF AKÇAY VALLEY AND MADRANMOUNTAIN AS AN ECOTOURISM RESOURCEFERDA ÇAĞLAR ERKUTSUMMARYTourism consumer patterns do change parallel to the fast economic, politicaland technological developments. The new type of tourists want to have a vacation ata clean, unspoiled and natural environment with a good room and service away froma place where usual sea-sun-sand triangle exist.Turkey, with its topographical construction, climate diversity and differentlife media, has an important potential for the ecotourism activities. The main pointhere is, this potential must be planned and controlled according to the ecotourismprinciples.Ecotourism must be a tourism type of future which is planned, developed andrespects environment. During the 21 st century, with the global increase ofpopulation, environment polution, noise and industrialization, people do want to havea free time at a silent place where they can be alone through out the nature. Becauseof that, ecotourism appears to be a certain type of tourism.Madran Mountain, Akçay Valley and their circumference are very interestingplaces with their natural and historical wealthiness and easy transportation. Thisenvironment with its water reserves, cimate, flora, geological formation and uniquehistorical beatuies are rare places which have a great potential for country-villagetourism, plateau tourism and cultural tourism. Ecotourism becomes more populareach day. In this study, the concept of ecotourism, its reasons to emerge and itsimportance are stated. The natural and cultural potential of this local place and howthis potential is used are also determined. Finally, some suggestions are given inorder to improve these wealthiness affirmatively.