Kastamonu's combined nature tourism options: Glamping, forest bathing, climate therapy, and digital detox

Nature tourism, which is a tourism phenomenon that develops day by day and has an important place, is a type of tourism with a high attraction power. It is preferred for purposes such as being in harmony with nature, gaining unique experiences, and relaxing. As part of nature tourism activities, events such as glamping, forest bathing, climate therapy, and digital detox serve as sources of motivation for tourists. These types of activities contribute to many beneficial outcomes for individuals, such as resting in natural environments, renewing energy, creating efficient living spaces, and achieving a sense of mental and emotional satisfaction. Kastamonu, with its natural resources and 693,000 hectares of forest area, is among the provinces in Türkiye that host the most extensive and fertile forests. In this context, the rich natural heritage that enables nature-based tourism reveals the significance of Kastamonu's potential in this area. The new generation products within nature tourism, namely glamping, forest bathing, climate therapy, and digital detox, have been selected as the subject of this research due to their potential to create high added value. Accordingly, this study aims to develop glamping, forest bathing, climate therapy, and digital detox activities in Kastamonu; to identify suitable areas for these activities; to transform selected locations into touristic attraction centers and to present them in an integrated manner; and to propose a model that would create a unique niche market in this regard. In addition, the study aims to determine the current state of the aforementioned tourism activities, to take precautions against negative or potentially adverse situations, and to inform stakeholders in order to create early awareness. To achieve the research objectives, a literature review was first conducted and, with the help of the data obtained, an interview form was created. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. The collected data were analyzed using the qualitative research software MAXQDA 20. The research findings reveal that Kastamonu possesses a remarkably high potential for next-generation nature- based tourism types such as glamping, forest bathing, climate therapy, and digital detox, along with a significant development advantage.