Abstract:

In this study, Torul Castle Glass Observation Terrace was examined which was opened to tourism in 2018. Located in the East Black Sea Region, 24 km northwest of Gumushane city center, the observation terrace is located on the Gumushane-Trabzon highway (E97), on Kale Tepe, which limits the Torul district center established in the Harşit Stream Valley from the east. Purpose of the study is to examine the geographical characteristics of the viewing terrace and its environment and to make plans for its sustainable and effective use as a tourism and recreation area. From the geographical point of view to provide suggestions to increase the contribution of the terrace to the local economy. For this purpose; with field studies the geographical characteristics of the area, its location in relation to the tourism assets in the surrounding area and the spatial changes experienced by the investments in the area were determined. Data about the terrace were obtained from Torul Municipality and various institutions and converted into visual materials. According to findings; Torul Castle Glass Terrace Although it was put into service in early 2018, it has attracted the attention of those who live in Torul, Gumushane and Trabzon and who use the Trabzon-Gumushane route.The terrace started to add socioeconomic liveliness to Torul district and Gümüşhane Province. Since its opening, 273,867 people have visited the facility. While 191,536 people visited the terrace in 2018, this number was 82,331 in the first seven months of 2019. These numbers indicate that, Torul Castle Terrace will learn an important place among peers in Turkey. Around the terrace, there are tourist attractions such as Karaca Cave, Limni Lake and Örümcek Forests. For the effective use of the terrace, it should be planned together with the tourism assets in the vicinity