The evaluation of the tourism potential of Tokat province with regards to marketability

Tourism has a certain share in economic development of a country regardless of development level of tourism. Tourism, which became important economically as for second half of 20th century, provides potential source of income for developing countries. Objective of this study is to identify of current situation of tourism potential of Tokat Province and to determine previous academic studies and plans regarding this issue. In addition to this, finding an answer the question of how could Tokat be marketed as a lesser known destination is one of the aims of the study. In study, qualitative research method has been chosen with the aim of learning ideas and studies of shareholders more detailed and clearer. Population of study is Tokat. As a result of the research, it has been determined that participants think that Tokat Province can be seen as a destination of history and culture mostly, but that marketing exercise is inadequate. It has been reached that there has been miscommunication between stakeholders in province; so, tourism potential of the province cannot be marketed. Stakeholders stated that it is very hard to improve Tokat Tourism in short term, but in medium and long term in by focusing on effective studies and precise planning, current problems might be solved.