An evaluation of economic impacts of tourism industry in terms of regional devolopment: A case for the city of Adana

In recent years researchers, local government officals and other stakeholders point out the economic impacts of tourism, both at national and local level. The aim of this study is to compare tourism industry with other outstanding industries and reveal its importance in terms of Adana economy. Furthermore, it is aimed to point the way to the ones who want to invest in tourism sector, to show some basic statistical data all together for the public institutions to determine the appropriate policies and by informing the ones who want to research about the tourism in Adana and while doing this, to consider the subject of supply and demand. Initial objective of this study is; searching the role of toursim in development of Adana city according to local stakeholders (managers of tourism enterprises with operation licence, companies which supply goods and services to hotels, local merchants, non-governmental organizations and local people). Secondary objective is; studying average expenditures of incoming tourists to determine economic impacts of tourism in Adana. While doing this survey quantitative research method was used. The data obtained from the local stakeholders and from the tourists by choosing questionnaire method as a part of quantitative research method data collection techniques. In this context total number of 457 regional development questionnaires from local stakeholders and 404 touristic expenditure questionnaires from incoming tourists was collected. It was determined that the data obtained from the local stakeholders were not distributed normally and analysed using non-parametric tests and the touristic expenditure survey data obtained from the tourists were analysed by frequency analysis technique. According to the results of the research, the large part of the local stakeholders stated that the tourism sector in Adana came after the industry and agriculture sector. Commonly shared statements of local stakeholders about tourism activities in Adana are respectively; creating new employment opportunities, enabling inflow of foreign currency, and increasing regional investment. Significant differences were found between the large of demographic data of the local stakeholders and the expressions. According to the results of the touristic expenditure survey, the purpose of coming to Adana is mostly relatives-friend visits and holidays, average expenditure of tourists per person is 1578 TL, and highest average expenditure is made by the USA citizens.