Abstract:

Since tourism has been a source of employment and income for a long time, it is important in terms of eliminating inequalities between regions and localities. In areas where economic activities are limited, the utilisation of natural and human resources in terms of tourism is used as a strategy for national and local development. In this study, the resource values of Yıldızeli district, which is the gateway to the west of Sivas province, which are included in the cultural inventory list of Yıldızeli district and which have touristic potential as a result of field studies, were evaluated using a mixed design research method in which qualitative and quantitative data were synthesised together. Yıldızeli District has been located at the crossroads of important roads connecting the eastern parts of the country to the west and the inland parts to the Black Sea coast since ancient times. The district, which is located in the transition area of important civilizations, has been under the sovereignty of many civilizations and states. For this reason, the rich historical and cultural values of the district constitute important human attractions, while landforms, climate, hydrography and vegetation constitute natural tourism attractions. Depending on these potential resources, tourism types such as winter tourism, historical and cultural tourism, thermal tourism, camping tourism, event and festival tourism, trekking, sportive angling, photo safaris are among the tourism activities that can be developed in the district. Since the district is located close to Sivas and Tokat provincial centers, it is economically under the sphere of influence of these cities. For this reason, it cannot attract the economic investments necessary to diversify tourism. In terms of the development of tourism, it is important to have access to touristic areas. The presence of road, railway and airline transport facilities provides an advantage in terms of the development of tourism in the district.

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