The role of destination stakeholders by using cultural heritage sources for tourism in Sivrihisar

The aim of this research is to determine the role of destination stakeholders in the use of cultural heritage for tourism purposes. In the research, data were collected using two different methods, document analysis, and interview. In the study, in which case study, one of the qualitative research designs, was adopted, the tourism-related stakeholders of the Sivrihisar were selected as research sample. Using a semi-structured interview form; data were collected from a total of 35 stakeholders consisting of 7 different stakeholder groups: central and local government stakeholders, non-governmental organizations stakeholders, travel agency representatives, tour guides, university stakeholders, residents, and tourists. The data were analyzed with content analysis and descriptive analysis. Codes, sub-themes, and themes were produced with content analysis. By content analysis; Five themes were found: "Tourism potential of Sivrihisar", "Cultural heritage of Sivrihisar", "Stakeholder relations", "Current situation of Sivrihisar" and "Marketing activities". According to the results obtained; Sivrihisar has been described as a one-day destination and a popular destination and evaluated at the exploration level. Opening new restaurants, boutique hotel projects, and hostel management projects are among the prominent infrastructure and superstructure investments. Turning cultural heritage resources into attractiveness, storytelling, and creating awareness of cultural heritage and tourism are the sub-themes of the relationship between cultural heritage and tourism. Highlights from the tangible cultural heritage of Sivrihisar are the Surp Yerortutyun Armenian Church, the Sivrihisar Grand Mosque, and the Pessinus Ancient City. The highlights of Sivrihisar's intangible cultural heritage are Nasreddin Hoca, Dövme Sucuk Festival and Sivrihisar Muska Baklava. Stakeholder relations; The support of the Sivrihisar Municipality, getting common opinion among stakeholders, and lack of inter-institutional cooperation. The strengths of Sivrihisar; its geographical location is the support of the residents and the efforts of the local government. The weaknesses of Sivrihisar; can be listed as the lack of infrastructure and superstructure, lack of promotion and marketing, and the fact that the Pessinus Ancient City was not excavated. The opportunities of Sivrihisar; included tour routes, increase welfare with tourism, and evaluating the Armenian Church. Sivrihisar's threats; the pandemic conditions are unsustainable tourism mobility and lack of rail connectivity. The target market of Sivrihisar is; Cultural tourists, student groups, and foreign tourists. Types of tourism that can be developed in Sivrihisar; cultural tourism, rural tourism, and gastronomy tourism. It is expected that the results of this study will contribute to the destination stakeholders and the relevant literature. In addition, according to the results obtained from this study, it is thought that the cultural heritage of Sivrihisar which is the exploration stage in the destination life cycle, should be using sustainable tourism and destination planning.