Abstract:

In this study, the concept of "sport tourism" which arises as a combination of sports and tourism activities is aimed at evaluating the potential of sport tourism in the destinations in Artvin. The universe of the study in which the quality research method is used consists of competent and informed persons in the fields of sport and tourism at the destination. In this direction, the sport tourism values related to the destination have been scaned, and then the views of the local managers, representatives of the civil society organization, business managers, club officials and academics who serve in the sport and tourism field in the Artvin province concerned have been evaluated. The sample method is determined by the maximum diversity strategy in the framework of the study of the interview technique used a semi-structured interview form, the obtained data is evaluated by illustrative analysis. The study found that there were significant sports tourism values in Artvin province. With the areas of nature, flow, valley, fountain, and the festivals and events that take place in the summer and winter months in Artvin and its districts host the organizations that serve sports tourism, offering alternative options to sports tourists. All stakeholders serving and operating at the destination are entitled to enterprise or individual role and role as regulators and participants within local, regional, national and international organizations. Other issues that are especially focused on the participant’s common opinion that the promotional and marketing activities that should be carried out in the field of sport tourism related to the destination are the need for qualified employment of business managers and staff with a lack of foreign language.

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