Unsustainable Tourism Approaches in Touristic Destinations: A Case Study in Turkey

Abstract

Large investments made because of high tourism revenues in touristic destinations can threaten balanced growth, ecological sensitivity and sustainable tourism principles. To raise awareness of this situation and draw attention to unsustainable tourism approaches, this study is presented with the situation approach method. The main purpose of this research is to determine the negative effects of unsustainable tourism approaches in tourist destinations. In this context, case studies are frequently used and are the preferred qualitative research method. The Historical Peninsula of Istanbul, Bodrum, Uzungöl and Hasankeyf, which will be examined in line with the principles of sustainable tourism, are understood to be damaged in four basic categories: unplanned construction, sound pollution, exposure to environmental destruction and overtourism pressure. The results of unsustainable tourism approaches are seen in these regions, which are more and more negatively affected by the increasing number of tourists and unconscious tourism policies. Contrary to scientific studies that generally focus on sustainable tourism policies, this study reveals the mistakes made with case approach evidence and develops some ideas for the solution to the problem. It also has remarkable results in terms of showing the obstacles in front of sustainability.