A field research about determining special interest tourism potential of the Şalpazarı district

In relation to technological, economic developments, the changing demands, expectations, and needs of the people all over the world, special interest tourism has become increasingly widespread day by day. In this context, first, here has been tried to clarify the definition and differences of alternative tourism and special interest tourism concepts. Then, within the scope of the study, the special interest tourism potential of Şalpazarı district was tried to be determined based on the opinions of the local people. Fort he purpose of the thesis, interviews were conducted with 30 local people. The data obtained from interviews were analyzed using the content analysis technique. From the obtained findings, it was tried to create a SWOT analysis and develop strategies with the TOWS matrix on the special interest tourism potential of the district. According to the results of the research, it was understood that the Şalpazarı district has a high potential in special interest tourism, but this potential isn't utilized at the desired level. It has come to the conclusion that the tourism types with the highest potential in the district were mountain tourism, eco-tourism, event tourism, gastronomy tourism, camping, and caravan tourism, rural tourism, adventure tourism, winter tourism, health tourism, nature, and air-based sports tourism, slow tourism, and tableland tourism. Also, it has been concluded that the availability of special interest tourism types in the Şalpazarı district can contribute to the region in many ways. Some of the important values of Şalpazarı district; tablelands, local clothing, Ağasar honey, Acısu, Sis Mountain, festivals, trout, wood, and handicrafts. As a result of the research, considering the TOWS matrix, practical suggestions have been presented to tourism entrepreneurs, academicians who are considering working in this field in the future and finally to local people.