Proposal of an alternative accommodation for Phrygia: Caravanning

The use of caravans, besides tents and bungalows, for meeting the accommodation need becomes widespread along with the developments in the fields of camping and caravans. Providing an economical holiday option and allowing an accommodation not harming nature in the areas having natural and cultural resources, caravans may be proposed as an alternative to traditional accommodation models. The main purpose of this thesis was to evaluate the suitability of the areas determined in the vicinities of Karaören and Yapıldak dam ponds situated in the Highlands of Phrygia for caravan activities. Observation, interview, and the Delphi method were used for data collection in the present study, which was a qualitative one. Observation and interview were used for gathering information about the values of the above-mentioned two areas. Evaluations were made for each study area based on the criteria of a potential caravan area that were determined via the Delphi method. According to the overall evaluation of the research results, both areas situated in the same geographical region may be opened to investors as a camping (caravan) site. However, since the said areas are located in a rural region, some works should be performed by local governments and investors on the subject of superstructure investments, which are also referred to as recreation facilities, for the operation of caravan or camping facility. Key Words: Camping and Caravan Tourism, Caravans, Observation, Interview, Delphi Method, Phrygian Valley