The utilization of thermal tourism in treatment in İzmir within the context of tourism diversification and its economic value

In this study, within the context of tourism diversification, thermal tourism potential of İzmir, which is considered as an important city of our country in terms of its geothermal resources is investigated. The revenue that will be derived from thermal tourism after the geothermal resources are determined and the contribution of this revenue to İzmir economics is tried to be determined. Thermal tourism that has a small portion in tourism revenues is thought to be an important source of income in the future within the context of tourism diversification.In the first part of the study, tourism diversification, the alternative tourisms in Turkey and in İzmir is investigated. The areas in İzmir that are going to be diversified are determined.In the second part, the place of the thermal tourism in the health tourism and the factors that affect the thermal tourism demand are explicated.In the third part, the demand of thermal tourism in İzmir is investigated, the thermal resources, their peculiarities are identified and the economic return if the resources are brought in the tourism is estimated. Furthermore, the ongoing studies that are made to develop the thermal industry are discussed.In the conclusion part, the importance of the thermal tourism is emphasized in accordance with the determinations made and the suggestions to develop it are indicated.Key Words: Thermal Tourism, Tourism, Tourism Diversification, Thermal Sources, Economical Value.