Cittaslow concept and its effectiveness from the point of view of local residents: A comparative study on two regions in Turkey, the case of Yalvaç and Eğirdir

The slow movement, which emerged as a reaction to the phenomenon of the sameization that has occurred due to globalization, has received great international attention in recent years. Cittaslow, which is influenced by the concept of slow movement, is a union of cities established to improve the quality of life of cities. As a member of this union, cities aim to increase their tourism potential and thus economic development. Therefore, the tourist potential in countries like Turkey were met frequently with Cittaslow application. In this context, the study aimed to evaluate the perceptions of local people towards the Cittaslow movement. Local people are primarily affected by Cittaslow applications. Therefore, the determination of Cittaslow perception of local people can help to determine the positive and negative situations arising from the practices as well as to indicate whether it contributes to the maintenance of tourism. Thus, it can also guide future policies. Yalvaç and Eğirdir, which were accepted as Cittaslow, were determined as the research area in the empirical examination using the survey application. Between December 20, 2018 and December 30, 2018, face-to-face interviews were held with Yalvaç and Eğirdir people and 851 questionnaires were completed. The data which obtained after the elimination of missing and incorrect information were analyzied to statistical analysis. Questionnaire data were analyzed with explanatory factor analysis and difference analysis. According to the factor analysis findings obtained separately for both Cittaslow cities, five dimensions were determined and these dimensions were named as "support of local people, life satisfaction, impact on welfare and economy, cultural impact and natural environment". As a result of the research, it was concluded that Cittaslow perception levels were intermediate in Yalvaç and high in Eğirdir. In addition, ıt is understood that being a Cittaslow contributed to the preservation of Yalvaç and Eğirdir values, but contributed to the welfare is low. Conducting similar studies in different Cittaslow destinations may contribute to the development of Cittaslows over time. In addition, this research is expected to be a guide in the tourism sector in terms of realizing new ideas and activities for the regional municipalities, and it will be beneficial in creating new strategies and policies.