Abstract:

This paper investigates perceptions of local people about socio-cultural impacts of tourism. The study area is located on eastern coast of Marmara Sea in Çınarcık district of Turkey that has been used as a popular second home destination for years.Second homes have been constructed in the form of apartments on the narrow coastal strip in this area since 1960s. The data were collected by conducting questionnaire surveys with local residents. Questionnaire surveys were conducted with a total of 372 local residents selected by convenience sampling during July 2015 and August 2015. Results revealed that establishment of seconds homes in the area have various positive socio-cultural effects such as increasing the entertainment opportunities in the districts, establishing friendships networks among the groups and increase in immigration. However, local residents are also concerned about various negative socio-cultural effects of second homes, like increase inalcohol usage, increase in crime rate in the city and changing traditional way of life. The perceptions about socio-cultural effects have shown significant differences according to demographic variables used in the study. It has been found that the socio-cultural effects of second homes in Cinarcik are generally percieved dissatisfying.

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