Abstract:

The tourism sector, which has positive effects on the economy, is important in the development of regional development. In recent years, the value given to the tourism sector has been increasing in the development of rural and regional economies. Thus, a strong basis for sustainable regional development programs will be provided in the long run. Kütahya has a very suitable potential for thermal tourism. Its resources are of great importance for the development of an economy based on regional resources and the creation of employment. The tourism sector has an important place in the development of the Kütahya region, where heavy industry opportunities are limited. In this study, the economic potential of Kütahya thermal resources and the economic situation of thermal tourism activities were tried to be examined with a survey study. It has been determined that the expenditures of the tourists coming to Kütahya are an auxiliary factor in terms of regional development. The study shows that if tourism planning for Kütahya is carried out at micro and macro levels, more efficient results can be obtained from tourism in the region. The importance of thermal tourism in developing the local economy is openly recognized.

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