Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
SpringerLink
Log in

Tourism and Sustainability in Turkey: Negative Impact of Mass Tourism Development

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Alternative Tourism in Turkey

Part of the book series: GeoJournal Library ((GEJL,volume 121))

Abstract

Mass tourism has played a critical role in Turkey’s strategy for economic development. However, mass tourism development has not been without costs. This chapter will critically examine the impact of mass tourism on destination areas in Turkey. This chapter argues that tourists tend to consume more vital resources than local people and generate more waste and pollution. We also found that local people have benefited very little from tourism development. The main benefit for them is the provision of jobs, but most of these are seasonal, part-time, low-skilled, and low-paying. Tourism has also brought them higher prices and a de facto segregation from tourists in the coastal areas, where they appear to have lost the right to access beaches and other coastal lands which used to be public in the past but seem to be reserved for tourists nowadays.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    Average water consumption is 140 L per person, per day, in rural areas and 250 L in urban areas (EEA 2001).

  2. 2.

    Total water consumption by the tourism industry in Alanya has increased from 4.6 billion liters in 2002 to 6.1 billion liters in 2008 (Tosun and Caliskan 2011).

  3. 3.

    Water consumption per guest, per day, in a five-star hotel is at least double compared to that in a two-star hotel. The share of five-star hotels in total water consumption of the tourism industry in Alanya is 34 %, and the share of four-star hotels is 11 % (Tosun and Caliskan 2011).

  4. 4.

    Besides the direct use of water in tourism, the indirect use of water is also very important—for example, for the preparation of food; with the increased preference for all-inclusive, this is projected to increase (Hadjikakou et al. 2013; Tortella and Tirado 2011).

  5. 5.

    The Blue Flag is a certification by the Foundation for the Environmental Education (FEE) that a beach meets its (high) standards for water quality and safety.

  6. 6.

    To be fair, we should note that, more often than not, the development of coastal mass tourism leads to an increase in the development gap between the coastal and the inland regions, especially in the developing nations. Andriotis (2006), for example, has reported a very similar situation on the island of Crete (Greece), where most development has taken place along the coast (stimulated by mass tourism), while the interior of the island is still used mainly for agriculture.

  7. 7.

    It is estimated that approximately 20 km2 of agricultural lands have been lost in Alanya alone to tourism development (Tosun and Caliskan 2011).

References

  • Akkemik, K. A. (2012). Assessing the importance of international tourism for the Turkish economy: A social accounting matrix analysis. Tourism Management, 33, 790–801.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alipour, H. (1996). Tourism development within planning paradigms: The case of Turkey. Tourism Management, 17(5), 367–377.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Altunel, E., & Hancock, P. L. (1994). Pollution of the Pamukkale travertine as a consequence of urbanisation: What future for a unique natural Turkish Monument? 47 Turkiye Jeoloji Kurultayi 1994 Bildiri Ozleri; Cevre Jeolojisi Oturumu. Izmir: Dokuz Eylul Universitesi.

    Google Scholar 

  • Alvarez, M., & Korzay, M. (2011). Turkey as a heritage tourism destination: The role of knowledge. Journal of Hospitality Marketing and Management, 20, 425–440.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amelung, B., & Viner, D. (2006). Mediterranean tourism: Exploring the future with the tourism climatic index. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 14(4), 349–366.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andriotis, K. (2006). Researching the development gap between the hinterland and the coast: Evidence from the island of Crete. Tourism Management, 27, 629–639.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Antakyali, D., Krampe, J., & Steinmetz, H. (2008). Practical application of waste-water reuse in tourist resorts. Water Science and Technology, 57, 2051–2057.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bianchi, R. V. (2004). Tourism restructuring and the politics of sustainability: A critical view from the European periphery (the Canary Islands). Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 12(6), 495–529.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blue Plan. (2012). Seaside tourism and urbanization: Environmental impact and land issues. Blue Plan notes: Environment and development in the Mediterranean, May 21.

    Google Scholar 

  • Briassoulis, H. (2002). Sustainable tourism and the question of the commons. Annals of Tourism Research, 29(4), 1065–1085.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Briassoulis, H. (2007). Golf-centered development in coastal Mediterranean Europe: A soft sustainability test. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 15(5), 441–462.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buhalis, D. (2000). Relationships in the distribution channel of tourism: Conflicts between hoteliers and tour operators in the mediterranean region. International Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Administration Journal, 1(1), 113–139.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burak, S., Dogan, E., & Gazioglu, C. (2004). Impact of urbanization and tourism on coastal environment. Ocean and Coastal Management, 47, 515–527.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Butler, R. W. (1980). The concept of a tourist area cycle of evolution: Implications for management of resources. The Canadian Geographer, 24(1), 5–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Çetinel, F., & Yolal, M. (2009). Public policy and sustainable tourism in Turkey. Tourismos: An International Multidisciplinary Journal of Tourism, 4(3), 35–50.

    Google Scholar 

  • Claver-Cortes, E., Molina Azorin, F., & Pereira-Moliner, J. (2007). Competitiveness in mass tourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 34(3), 727–745.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Stefano, L. (2004). Freshwater and tourism in the Mediterranean. Rome: WWF Mediterranean Program. www.panda.org/Mediterranean

  • Duman, T., & Tosun, C. (2010). Current developments in Turkish tourism. Anatolia: An International Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Research, 21(1), 5–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Duzgunoglu, E., & Karabulut, E. (1999). Development of turkish tourism: Past and present. Istanbul: TURSAB (Association of Turkish Travel Agencies).

    Google Scholar 

  • EEA. (2001). Environmental signals. Copenhagen: European Environmental Agency. http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/signals-2001/page000.html

  • EEA. (2003). Europe’s water: An indicator-based assessment. Topic report No. 1, European Environmental Agency. http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/topic_report_2003_1

  • Egresi, I., Bayram, B., Kara, F., & Kesik, O. A. (2012). Unlocking the potential of religious tourism in Turkey. GeoJournal of Tourism and Geosites, 5(1), 63–80.

    Google Scholar 

  • Erdogan, N., & Baris, E. (2007). Environmental protection programs and conservation practices of hotels in Ankara, Turkey. Tourism Management, 28, 604–614.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eroglu, T. (1995). Yuksek okul adina yapilan konusmalar. In Kapadokya Toplantilari II: Turizm Endustrisi—Turizm Isletmeciligive Otelcilik Yukesek Okulu Isbirligi Imkanlari (pp. 30–33).

    Google Scholar 

  • EurActive. (2010). Turk Turizmi Ekonomik Krizden Neden Daha Az Etkilendi? http://www.euractive.com.tr

  • Gezici, F. (2006). Components of sustainability: Two cases from Turkey. Annals of Tourism Research, 32(2), 442–455.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gezici, F., Yazgan GĂĽl, A., & Alkay, E. (2006). Analyzing coastal development pattern of tourism in Turkey. 46th Congress of European Regional Science Association, 30 August–3 September, Volos, Greece.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gossling, S. (2001). The consequences of tourism for sustainable water use on a tropical island: Zanzibar, Tanzania. Journal of Environmental Management, 61, 179–191.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gossling, S. (2006). Tourism and water. In S. Gossling & C. M. Hall (Eds.), Global environmental change, ecological, social, economic and political interrelationships (pp. 180–194). Abingdon: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gossling, S., Peeters, P., Hall, C. M., Cevon, J.-P., Dubois, G., Lehmann, L., et al. (2012). Tourism and water use; supply, demand and security: An international review. Tourism Management, 33, 1–15.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Göymen, K. (2000). Tourism and governance in Turkey. Annals of Tourism Research, 22, 1025–1048.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hadjikakou, M., Chenoweth, J., & Miller, G. (2013). Estimating the direct and indirect water use of tourism in the Eastern Mediterranean. Journal of Environmental Management, 114, 548–556.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaya, Z., & Raynal, D. J. (2001). Biodiversity and conservation of turkish forests. Biological Conservation, 97(2), 131–141.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaya, L. G., & Smardon, R. (2000). Sustainable tourism development: The case of Antalya, Turkey. In Proceedings of the Northeastern recreation symposium, Bolton Landing, New York, USA (pp. 222–228).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kent, M., Newham, R., & Essex, R. (2002). Tourism and sustainable water supply in Mallorca: A geographical analysis. Applied Geography, 22, 351–374.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kocasoy, G. (1989). The relationship between coastal tourism, sea pollution and public health: A study case from Turkey. Environmentalist, 9(4), 245–251.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kuvan, Y. (2005). The use of forests for the purpose of tourism: The case of Belek Tourism Center in Turkey. Journal of Environmental Management, 75, 263–274.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kuvan, Y. (2010). Mass tourism development and deforestation in Turkey. Anatolia: An International Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Research, 21(1), 155–168.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kuvan, Y., & Akan, P. (2005). Residents’ attitudes toward general and forest-related impacts of tourism: The case of Belek, Antalya. Tourism Management, 26, 691–705.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Medeazza, G. M. (2004). Water desalination as a long-term sustainable solution to alleviate global freshwater scarcity: A north-south approach. Desalination, 169, 287–301.

    Google Scholar 

  • Okumus, F., Avci, U., Kilic, I., & Walls, A. R. (2012). Cultural tourism in Turkey: A missed opportunity. Journal of Hospitality Marketing and Management, 21(6), 638–658.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • OkumuĹź, F., & Karamustafa, K. (2005). Impact of an economic crisis: Evidence from Turkey. Annals of Tourism Research, 32(4), 942–961.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ozden, S., Atmis, E., & Menemencioglu, K. (2004). Negative effects and recent unplanned expansion on highland ecosystems in Turkey. Mountain Research and Development, 24(4), 303–306.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Perry, A. (2006). Will predicted climate change compromise the sustainability of Mediterranean tourism? Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 14(4), 367–375.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reid, D. G. (2003). Tourism, globalization and development: Responsible tourism planning. London: Pluto Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sabban, M. (2013). Report on sustainable tourism in the Mediterranean. Assemble Regionale et Locale Eyru-Mediterraneene—Euro Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM). http://cor.europa.eu/en/activities/arlem/activities/meetings/Documents/sudev-report2012-tourism-en.pdf

  • Sari, D., Ozkurt, N., Hamamci, S.F., Ece, M., Yalcindag, N., Akdag, A., et al. (2014). Assessment of noise pollution sourced from entertainment places in Antalya, Turkey. Inter-noise conference proceedings, November 16–19, Melbourne, Australia. http://www.acoustics.asn.au/conference_proceedings/INTERNOISE2014/papers/p141.pdf

  • Scoullos, M. J. (2003). Impact of anthropogenic activities in the coastal region of the mediterranean sea. In International Conference on the Sustainable Development of the Mediterranean and Black Sea Environment, May, Thessaloniki, Greece.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seckelmann, A. (2002). Domestic tourism—A chance for regional development in Turkey? Tourism Management, 23, 85–92.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shaw, G., & Agarwal, S. (2007). Introduction: The development and management of coastal resorts: A global perspective. In S. Agarwal & G. Shaw (Eds.), Managing coastal tourism resorts: A global perspective (pp. 1–20). Clevedon: Channel View Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sönmez, S., & Sirakaya, E. (2002). A distorted destination image? The case of Turkey. Journal of Travel Research, 41, 185–196.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tavmergen, I. G., & Oral, S. (1999). Tourism development in Turkey. Annals of Tourism Research, 26(2), 451–453.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tezcan, B. (2004). Developing alternative modes of tourism in Turkey (M.A. Thesis), Middle Eastern Technical University, Ankara, Turkey.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tortella, B. D., & Tirado, D. (2011). Hotel water consumption at a seasonal mass tourist destination. The case of the island of Mallorca. Journal of Environmental Management, 92, 2568–2579.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tosun, C. (1998). Roots of unsustainable tourism development at the local level: The case of Urgup in Turkey. Tourism Management, 19(6), 595–610.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tosun, C. (1999). An analysis of contributions of international inbound tourism to the Turkish economy. Tourism Economics, 5(3), 217–250.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tosun, C. (2001). Challenges of sustainable tourism development in the developing world: The case of Turkey. Tourism Management, 22, 289–303.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tosun, C. (2002). Host perceptions of impacts of tourism: A comparative tourism study. Annals of Tourism Research, 29, 231–253.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tosun, C., & Caliskan, C. (2011). An analysis for achieving a better level of sustainable tourism development at local scale. Sophia Antipolis: Plan Bleu.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tosun, C., Okumus, F., & Fyall, A. (2008). Marketing philosophies: Evidence from Turkey. Annals of Tourism Research, 35(1), 127–147.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tosun, C., & Timothy, D. (2001). Shortcomings in planning approaches to tourism development in developing countries: The case of Turkey. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 13, 352–359.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tosun, C., Timothy, D. J., & Ă–ztĂĽrk, Y. (2003). Tourism growth, national development and regional inequality in Turkey. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 11(2–3), 133–161.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tosun, C., Timothy, D. J., & Ă–ztĂĽrk, Y. (2004). Tourism growth, national development and regional inequality in Turkey. In B. Bramwell (Ed.), Coastal mass tourism: Diversification and sustainable development in Southern Europe (pp. 85–113). Clevedon: Channel View Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tucker, H. (2010). Peasant entrepreneurship, a longitudinal ethnography. Annals of Tourism Research, 37(4), 927–946.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Var, T. (2001). The state, the private sector, and the tourism policies in Turkey. In Y. Apostopoulos, P. Loukisas, & L. Leontidou (Eds.), Mediterranean tourism: Facets of socioeconomic development and cultural change (pp. 91–111). London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams, S. (2009). Tourism geography: A new synthesis. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yarcan, S. (2007). Coping with continuous crises: The case of Turkish inbound tourism. Middle Eastern Studies, 43(5), 779–794.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • YĂĽksel, F., Bramwell, B., & YĂĽksel, A. (1999). Stakeholder interviews and tourism planning at Pamukkale, Turkey. Tourism Management, 20(3), 351–360.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography, Fatih University, 34500, Buyukcekmece, Istanbul, Turkey

    Istvan Egresi

Authors
  1. Istvan Egresi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Istvan Egresi .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography, Fatih University, Istanbul, Turkey

    Istvan Egresi

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2016 Springer International Publishing AG

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Egresi, I. (2016). Tourism and Sustainability in Turkey: Negative Impact of Mass Tourism Development. In: Egresi, I. (eds) Alternative Tourism in Turkey. GeoJournal Library, vol 121. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47537-0_3

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47537-0_3

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-47535-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-47537-0

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation