Tourism policies followed in Turkey: The reflections to Mardin tourism

The tourism industry which has an importance with different aspects, influces dramatically on countries by the means of economic, social, cultural and environmental and the tourism industry becomes one of the most rapidly developing sectors in recent years. Furthermore, it has increased this effect on countires. The tourism industry is so important for many countries which increases the revenues of countries and affects the social and cultural structures. The tourism industry is close relationship with policy. The steps taken by countries of their domestic and foreign policy play a decisive role on tourism. As looking at the studies about tourism industry in Turkey, it was taken various precautions and started implementations after 1963. In this study is concentrated on the tourism policies in Turkey and the implication of these policies on Mardin?s tourism. In this context; the concept of tourism, tourism policy, foreign policy, and policy concepts with the objectives are explained in first section. In the second part is discussed on the basic principles of Turkish foreign policy and the steps taken in foreign policy especially in the period after 2000, within the scope of the tourism relationship and the steps? impact on Turkish tourism. In third section is discussed about the tourism policies in Turkey and is mentioned before the planned period and after the period in two different ways. Besides, GAP action plan which has great importance on Mardin?s tourism isstudied in this section. In fourth section is discussed the tourism potential of Mardin. The last section of the fifth chapter is mentioned the impact on tourism in Mardin of Turkish tourism policies. Key Words: Tourism, Policy, Turkish Foreign Policy, Tourism Policy, Mardin