Entrepreneurship intourism sector; The case of Gi̇resun

The aim of this study is to put forward the basic terms about entrepreneurship, to evaluate the entrepreneurship activities in tourism sector in the Giresun province of Turkey, and to identify and evaluate the current conditions of tourism enterprises operating in this province, with a field research. The research also aims to learn the expectations of stakeholders. In this framework, the thesis includes three chapters. In the first chapter, the basic concepts about entrepreneurship and their situation in tourism sector is given. Then, in the second chapter, the conditions of Giresun's tourism enterprises, the probabilities of tourism in this province, the natural, historical and cultural values of this area are shown in details. The third chapter of the thesis includes an case study about the current conditions of tourism firms in Giresun province. This last chapter also includes evaluations about the probabilities of the sector, and the expectations of stakeholders. The thesis ends with a conclusion and several proposals. In the field research, the current situation of the tourism sector of Giresun province was evaluated with a SWOT (Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis, and the frequency results of the answers of participants to a survey form. The sample consisted of forty (40) participants, who are knowledgeable about the province of Giresun. The basic finding after the field research is: Giresun is a suitable province for entrepreneurship, because it presents innovation, opportunities, and high income opportunities in tourism sector. On the other hand, Giresun province presents opportunities especially for nature tourism which includes sea tourism and plateau tourism. In addition to these areas, the province of Giresun is open to innovation for also the cultural tourism that includes elements as the tourism activities related with religious belief, or history based tourism. In the frame of SWOT analysis: the basic strength of Giresun province in the tourism sector is its natural and historical properties. Again, the basic weaknesses of the province are the insufficiency in infrastructure, advertisement and lobbying activities, awareness, and the insufficiency of private sector interests and investments. The major opportunity for Giresun province is, the rise of Black Sea region in tourism sector. Finally, the major threats are the competition between the neighbor provinces, and the environmental pollution. The other findings achieved in this study are the followings: The province of Giresun includes a cultural richness with its special geographical structure, urban and rural territories, plateaus, plateaus migrations, hazelnut harvest seasons, migrations to the large cities which is done in every autumn, and its sea and behavioral types special to the Black Sea culture. Giresun province, which is located in Black Sea region, can be a very important tourism destination point for especially tourist from hot and droughty countries. Accordingly, when the infrastructure is improved, the city and its environment will be more attractive, the number of incoming tourists will increase. Moreover, the health tourism activities can increase, due to the developments in health service infrastructure. The tourism firms of Giresun should put forward the local cuisine, local tastes among their services. On the other hand, the province of Giresun has a high security level. Again, there are many choices to reach Giresun. It can be reached by highway, airlines, or by ferries. The province of Giresun has many plateaus, which make the province more attractive for tourists. Accommodation opportunities, internal and external design, presented services, the competencies of employees should satisfy the customer needs. The integration of tourists with local people should be encouraged. In this framework, the kindness and helpfulness of business owners and their employees are important. The province can be made more attractive with lower prices. The province of Giresun is a very suitable province to live different excitements, to set up new friendships, to live in a restful environment. In addition, it has beautiful sea, seaside, beaches, landscape, and natural attraction areas which give the happiness of living. The most important weaknesses of Giresun are the quality of services, and facilities.