Role of the sustainable tourism projects in the regional development

The main goal of this study is to put forward the role of the "Gelecek Turizmde" (Future Lies in Tourism) projects that are being conducted so that Tourism may gain grounds in Turkey as an alternative sustainable development instrument. In this context the answer to the question "Role of the Future is in the Tourism projects in the regional development?" has been sought. In the study, it was tried to introduce the contributions of the "Lavanta Kokulu Köy" (Town with the Lavender Scent) project which was conducted at the Kuyucak village of the Keçiborlu district of the Isparta province. While determining the sampling of the study, the snowball sampling method has been used, and interviews were conducted with local population using a semi-standardized interview method. Participants were asked generally to make comments on the project on its economical, social-cultural, and environmental contributions to the region, to interpret the lavender season in terms of the duration, and to express the thoughts regarding the future of the project. By subjecting the data gathered from the local population to the descriptive analysis it might be possible to conclude that; as the purple color is a touristic appeal, lavender fields became a touristic product, and the local population gained a second income source other than the agricultural activity and the environment of the Kuyucak Village which is in the area of study, has developed via tourism. In addition to these results, when the project is evaluated from a socio-cultural point of view, it can be concluded that the women gained self-confidence and started taking more place in the work-life. Along with these improvements, there are also negative sides to that as expressed by the local population.