Local people component in rural tourism: An attitude determination study in ankara-ayaş case

Abstract

This study which investigates the attitude, interest, knowledge and expectation of the local people about of rural tourism that is based on the sustainability mentality was carried out in Ayaş where is district of Ankara Province. The study is based on the questions such as "What is the level of awareness of local people about rural tourism and sustainable environment?", "Do local people want to contribute to rural tourism activities?", "What are the reservations/expectations of the local people about rural tourism?”. In study; how much the local people know Ayaş, their knowledge, perception and expectations about sustainable environment/rural tourism and the activities they can do have been questioned. Oral interview and field observation, which are qualitative research methods; among the quantitative research methods, the survey was applied and statistical evaluation was made. In the results of study; It has been observed that the local people have high awareness of sustainable tourism, but the level of awareness of sustainable environment is below expected. It has been determined that the local people see rural tourism as an opportunity for development and are willing to participate in rural tourism activities. Only the reservations about accommodation were seen. Obtained results shows that rural tourism has the potential to be effective in development if the education-information support is provided to the local people about rural tourism and the necessary infrastructure is established in Ayaş. The study is expected to contribute to researches and local development studies on rural tourism and rural landscape planning and local development studies.