Abstract:

In this new century, where the hegemony of mass tourism has been broken, some rapid developments have led to radical changes in consumer behavior. Tourists and nature lovers prefer touristic activities that center the nature, and accordingly, there is an increase in demand for alternative tourism types. Glamping tourism, which has started to become a trend among alternative tourism types, creates an effect that increases the tourism potential of destinations. Glamping is etymologically known as luxury camping, which is a combination of the words glamorous and camping. It has a concept that allows being intertwined with nature without neglecting comfort and luxury with camping and offers the comfort of home in the accommodation environment. While it is a widely preferred tourism activity in Europe, it is gaining ground in Turkey as a new understanding. Starting from the question of whether the districts in the Van Lake basin are suitable for this type of tourism as a destination, the research has started. The glamping tourism potential of the Van Lake basin was tried to be determined by interviewing the mayors who are in the position of decision-makers. The interviews were conducted face-to-face using the semi-structured interview technique. As a result of the research, it has been determined that the Van Lake basin is generally suitable for glamping tourism and local governments are willing to support such initiatives.

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