Abstract:

While preserving, protecting and utilizing its cultural, national, historical and geographical values, resources, and heritage, Turkey has been persisting in increasing the alternatives and the scope of its touristic wealth. The aim of doing so is to gain a higher share from the world tourism industry. Marine tourism takes a considerable place in tourism industry and an essential role in this particular aim. Therefore, action plans for marine tourism have been included in the basic targets to be reached by 2023, when the 100th anniversary of the foundation of Turkish Republic will be celebrated. The 5-year development plans have been formed to act as the crucial steps toward such main target. The purpose of this study is to analyze the historical progress of Turkish marine tourism considering the perspectives of these plans. To do this, “content analysis method” has been used, which has been carried out through computer and based on such key words as “coastal tourism”, ”cruising”, and “yacht tourism “and” water sports. The analysis has focused on the state policies and strategies of Turkey included in the 5-year plans particularly regarding marine tourism. The results reveal that no concrete and substantial targets regarding this field of tourism have taken place in the 5-year plans and thus despite certain outstanding opportunities and advantages Turkey owns, marine tourism has not been made use of to a desirable extent.

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