Determination of tourism potential and routes in the case of Adana Karaisali district

Local, natural and cultural heritage is the most important part of tourism and it is very important to protect, preserve and transfer these values to future generations. Especially when these values are linked to tourism routes, they have the potential to add value to the region. The main purpose of the tourism routes is to combine the natural and cultural values that are planned for the route, to develop the region and to increase the level of discovery for the tourists. The aim of this study is to identify the walking, cycling and enduro motorbike routes in Karaisalı district in order to reveal the natural and cultural tourism values by digitising natural and cultural data in Geographical Information System (GIS) environment, inventory analysis and survey. In this context, the research includes literature review, data collection, inventory, mapping, analysis, evaluation and synthesis studies. Through the identification of tourism demand and trends, the current situation was assessed through a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis. A strategic action plan for tourism was prepared, and walking, cycling and enduro motorbike routes were identified in the light of this data. The natural and cultural tourism values of Karaisalı District were digitised spatially, point by point and linearly, and the routes were determined using network analysis, taking into account the existing transport routes and distances. Karaisalı District has important natural and cultural values. Varda Bridge, Kapıkaya Canyon, natural and green areas, mosques and tombs, historical buildings, fountains and monuments, castles and historical baths in the district were considered. As a result of the study, walking, cycling and enduro motorbike routes were proposed in 3 groups.