The Impact of the UNESCO World Heritage Lists on Tourism Supply: Diyarbakır Case

Abstract

In 2015 Diyarbakır entered the World Heritage List with its ¨Diyarbakır Walls and Hevsel Gardens¨. The significant changes can be seen in the destinations that are accepted to the World Heritage Lists with cultural or natural assets, in terms of tourism. This study investigated the impact of the UNESCO World Heritage Lists on tourism supply specifically Diyarbakır and through local stakeholders. As a qualitative research, this study used the case study method and collected data from the primary sources by interview technique. In this context, representatives of travel agencies, accommodation businesses, and public institutions in Diyarbakır, which are stakeholders of local tourism, were interviewed. Although the process was perceived positively by the local stakeholders of tourism, it was understood that there was no positive effect on tourism supply due to the terror events in Diyarbakir. On the other hand, it has been revealed that the knowledge and awareness of the local stakeholders about the UNESCO World Heritage List and Diyarbakır are not sufficient. After entering the UNESCO World Heritage List, there is no significant development in the tourism supply sources of the city; it has been observed that the relevant stakeholders have not carried out efficient studies to strengthen the tourism opportunities of the city. It has also been understood that access to the World Heritage List has not been taken into consideration as a promotional and marketing strategy, which is not very important at the local level.