Visitor management plan approach at touristic coastal settlements a case study of Göcek (Fetiye)

IV ABSTRACT Visitor Management Plans (VMP), during the past ten years, have developed in order to comprimise the demans and needs of the local population, visitors and the locality within a system. This is one method which has not found any implementation in Turkey yet. Within this respect, VMP approaches developed and implemented in various countries were examined. Also the place of VMP was defined as regards tourism planing and current practices. Morever, by examining VMP examples, its content, goals and functioning was elaborated. Within this study, an application of the VMP is made for Göcek settlement (Fethiye). With this purpose in mind, three fundamental functions of VMP (visitor, local population and locality) data were gathered. These were supported with the analyses made on the spot, texture analyses and analyses of local settlement texture, the visitors and the local population. Surveys were conducted on a sampling basis. According to the findings, during the months of June, July and August, 100% of the interviewees are employed, although this percentage falls drastically during other months. This points out to one of the most important problems of the locality Le. that of unemployment. Twenty two percent of the population, in their evaluation of tourism, find yacht capacity, infrastructure, organisation and control insufficient. While the "economic benefits of tourism" is found to be its most positive effect (59.5%), "degredation of personal qualities" was found to be its most negative effect (44%). The local population is seriously disturbed by "boat discharges and litter" (28%) and other types of environmental pollution (22%). The locals' desire for further land uses is marked by more sports facilities (34%), and cultural arts center (30.5%).Visitors arrive to Göcek by air (46.5%), by sea (38.5%) and by land (15%). Accommodation preferences is for yachts (46%) followed by self-sufficient accommodation (34.5%). Twenty five per cent of the visitors indicate their major recreational activity as eating out. This is followed by activities held hi yachts (23%), and shopping (20%). According to the results of the survey, the locals and visitors alike agree on the following issues: Need tor architecturel with identity, signs and indications tor pedestrians, other information related to roads and environment, as well as the cleanliness of toilets and further need for tourism information offices. On the contrary, positive views were indicated as regards pedestrianization, parking, seats, focal points, landscape arrangements and opening hours of shops. Similar views were also indicated for dining facilities and boat maintenance services. Having assessed the need for VMP within national conditions, a VMP scheme was proposed for Göcek. Each individual unit found in the scheme was defined according to its functions and responsibilities. These were further evaluated with respect to visitors, the focal population and the locality. Similarly, function and responsibility definitions were made for the Planning and Conservation Unit which is found within the proposed visitor management scheme. Decisions taken within this respect were reflected on the urban design project prepared for Göcek' s coastal strip.