A method approach for identifying thematic footpaths in ecotourism: Kiyikoy pabucdere and Kazandere basins

Abstract

In this study; new tracks were created, alternative to the existing walking routes within Kiyikoy Region, with the foresight of Tourism routes are both an important element of economic growth and a natural and cultural heritage value. This process was carried out by analysing natural and cultural values ecologically, with a participatory approach. The research area, located in the Thrace region of Turkey; facilitates the emergence of different tourist routes and corridors with its historical and cultural identity, natural values, local capabilities, history and product focused route traces (Sultan Road, Dionysus Wine Road), and natural identity. The working area is recommended as ecotourism centre in the upper scale planning decisions with its potential. In this study, it was aimed to create ecotourism development corridors, which are passing through the rural areas, forest roads, historical route traces, cultural axes and agricultural axes, by connecting the natural and cultural resources integrally within thematic routes, instead of point-scale ecotourism planning. For this reason the area was divided into micro watersheds, determined by the natural watershed boundaries. Each micro-watershed was evaluated according to six basic factors, including; natural landscape attractiveness, accessibility, tourist infrastructure facilities, tourist superstructure facilities, socio-cultural landscape attractiveness and the impact of visitors on ecotourism resources and their perspectives. The ecotourism value of each micro watershed was determined in line with ecological examination. 11 different designated thematic routes, which are distinguished with their natural, cultural and historical source values, were created for nature walking in the aforementioned area. As a result, it is ensured to create a strong tourism route and destination regarding ecotourism, and to develop proposals for a sustainable rural improvement of the weak areas of the region. The created lines where ecotourism routes are identified will provide a fundamental base for decision-makers and practitioners in the fields of tourism and rural development. Besides, the method developed can be used on different areas and in different countries.