Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The implication of this is that although
tourism development taking place in the more
developed regions has made a considerable
contribution to the country's GNP, it has also
magnified the developmental problems of
Turkey by inducing regional disparities and
class inequities (Seckelmann, 2002; Tosun
et al
., 2003).
It is reported that while the Aegean, Marmara
and Mediterranean regions, as relatively devel-
oped areas, received on average 77.8% of the
tourism credits and 78.7% of the bed capacity
supported by tourism incentives between 1985
and 2000, the Black Sea and Central, South-east
and East Anatolia, as relatively less-developed
areas, obtained only 22.1% of the tourism
credits and attracted only 21.3% of the bed
capacity developed in the same period. How-
ever, this appeared to change dramatically in
2001. For example, while East and South-east
Anatolia received 33% and 30% respectively of
the tourism credits given as tourism incentives,
the Aegean and Marmara regions obtained only
3% and 1% of this credit (Turkiye Kalkinma
Bankasi, 1990, 2002) (Table 21.2). The rele-
vant international tourist figures support the
above figures. For example, 91% of Turkey's
international tourists visited the most developed
regions, and 96% of the nights spent by foreign
visitors in 1997 and 2000 were in these regions
(Table 21.3). Moreover, 84% of licensed beds
in tourism operations and 86% of investment in
providing licensed beds in tourism establish-
ments are in the Marmara, Aegean and Mediter-
ranean regions - the most developed parts of
Turkey (Ministry of Tourism, 1993; 2001b). The
comprehensive spatial shift in investment
between 2000 and 2001 probably reflects the
recognition of an excess capacity of tourism
supply in the relatively developed regions.
Implication of EU enlargement for tourism
development in Turkey
Enlargement of the EU brings with it opportuni-
ties and pitfalls for sustainable development in
general and sustainable tourism development in
particular. The acceptance of the euro as a single
currency, considerable reduction in entry for-
malities, guaranteed consumer rights by a single
European law might motivate European people
to visit primarily countries within the EU. EU
enlargement to the eastern Mediterranean and
CEE may have negative implications for the
Turkish tourism industry, particularly in the
short term, such that the rate of increase in
potential and actual tourist demand for Turkey
may decrease in relative terms. However, when
the tourism profiles of the new accession coun-
tries are examined, none of them offer an equiv-
alent substitute for the Turkish tourism product.
Although Cyprus and Malta can offer similar
coastal tourism opportunities to Turkey, their
small size limits their capacity and their impact.
For the eight new members from the former
Communist bloc, cultural heritage, ecotourism,
and other 'niches' can be developed as a unique
attraction of those countries, which may have
some negative implications for Turkish tourism
demand. Yet Turkey's cultural heritage is nota-
bly different from the rest of Europe. Further, as
the EU provides subsidies and more regional
assistance, the new accession countries will
become more affluent, such that demand from
those countries for Turkish tourism is likely to
increase in the long term. Clearly, much depends
on the tourism policies and marketing strategies
of Turkey to secure some of the potential tourism
demand of the new EU.
Impacts of Turkey's accession to the EU
on tourism development in Turkey
EU Enlargement and Tourism
Development Patterns in Turkey
Turkey's accession to the EU will have various
positive impacts on political, social, cultural and
economic development of the country. Of course,
not only will Turkey benefit from this member-
ship, but the EU will gain as well (Birand,
2004a). However, it is beyond the scope of this
chapter to consider wider impacts of Turkey's
accession to the EU on the EU and Turkey.
Thus, the scope will be limited to discussing
While enlargement of the EU and Turkey's
accession to it will have various implications
for and impacts on Turkish tourism develop-
ment patterns, Turkey's membership of the EU
will equally have influences on tourism within
the EU.
