Abstract:

Ecotourism has gained great importance after 2000s, especially in the rural areas where natural and cultural assets have been protected. Eco-tourism has seen as an efficient tool for rural development as it aims to protect natural environment and provide economic and social benefits to the local community while performing nature-based activities. In this study Yörük, a protected area of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and a village of Safranbolu which is a UNESCO World Heritage city and its surroundings are examined. In order to determine the current situation of the village at first, observations and empirical survey then R'WOT analysis were carried out. In this paper ecotourism opportunities in Yörük village and its surrounding and the importance of rural development are discussed. Besides in order to develop ecotourism in the area some recommendations are presented.

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