Abstract:

Ecotourism is a type of tourism whose main motivation is to protect the integrity of the ecosystem with a responsible tourism scientist and should be handled under the umbrella of sustainability. In ecotourism, natural areas are accepted as the home of all of us, with the principles of protecting nature and not destroying nature. In addition, ecotourism is envisaged as a tool for the protection of natural areas and sustainable development. Isparta province is a rich destination in terms of ecotourism activities with its unspoiled nature and rich ecology. Various studies have been carried out on ecotourism in the region and projects related to ecotourism are supported. In the study, firstly, the nature-based ecotourism routes in the destination were discussed, and a focus group interview was conducted to determine the economic, political, socio-cultural, technological and ecological dimensions of ecotourism in the destination with PESTE analysis, which is a strategic and external environment analysis. The opportunities and threats of ecotourism activities in the destination for the region were examined. It has been concluded that strategic ecotourism planning studies should be carried out and these plans should be maintained in a sustainable way in Isparta province, which is a destination rich in nature-based ecotourism routes. It has been concluded that the infrastructure facilities of ecotourism routes should be improved, technological developments should be benefited and environmental destruction on these routes should be prevented. It is thought that the study will contribute to the field of tourism and ecotourism activities and projects to be carried out in the region.

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