Doğu Karadeniz’deki Doğal Turistik Alanlarda Aşırı Turizm Sorunu: Ayder ve Uzungöl Örnekleri (Overtourism Problem in Natural Tourist Areas in the Eastern Black Sea: Ayder and Uzungöl Examples)

Abstract

The aim of this research is to determine the environmental, cultural and economic effects of the overtourism problem in Ayder and Uzungöl plateaus. The research is a qualitative research and the data were obtained from the interview method and field study. A semi-structured interview was conducted with a total of 22 people, most of whom are investors, living in Ayder and Uzungöl, and new photographs were taken from close to / similar angles to the places where old photos of Ayder and Uzungöl plateaus were taken and the differences were examined. Findings obtained from the interview data show that although the participants find the economic consequences of overtourism positive, they are uncomfortable with environmental degradation. As a result of the comparison of the old and new photographs of the plateaus, significant environmental degradation was detected. Satisfactory data could not be obtained for the cultural consequences of excessive tourism, and it was evaluated that transhumance activities were replaced by tourism activities. The findings of the research show that concretion, illegal construction and garbage/waste problems in the highlands come to the fore, and excessive tourism causes traffic problems in certain periods. As a result of the research, suggestions were presented to the relevant parties in order to prevent the problems arising from excessive tourism and to develop sustainable tourism.