Ecotourism
Impacts of Ecomuseums : A Case Study of an Ecomuseum in Nazarkoy
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Sinem Kurtural
This paper explores the idea of Nazarköy (Kurudere-Kemalpaşa) as an ecomuseum for tourism and local sustainability. In Turks, glass working is seen from the Seljuk period. After the conquest of Istanbul, the center of glassware became the center of the city and glass workmanship has developed day by day. The use of glass in Anatolia for the first time in bead design started with the making of anklets and bead bracelets by the masters who came from Izmir. The beads that were learned from these masters were developed by the Turks, in accordance with their requirements, with bead design. Mr.Mahmut Sür, who is one of the most important cultural values of the Aegean region and has been chosen by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Child Organization (UNESCO) as a "Living Human Treasure" in the making of the "Eye of the Beautician," continues to produce beads in traditional methods at his workshop in Nazarköy of İzmir Kemalpaşa. An ecomuseum can be developed in Nazarköy for sustainable tourism, thus attracting tourists. This would be a positive impact on the gross capital income for the village and residents, both nationally and internationally.
Stakeholder Perspectives Towards National Parks and Protected Areas in Saudi Arabia
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Abdulelah Al Tokhais, Brijesh Thapa
There is a genuine need to examine stakeholders’ perception of conservation and tourism development due to overlapping roles among key governmental agencies in Saudi Arabia. The challenge to successfully develop tourism and implement ecotourism activities simultaneously is an ongoing issue due to conflicting priorities. Thus, an understanding of the role of each stakeholder group will support policy implementation as well as efficient practices that can lead to an improved and effective policy/decision-making process. Within the Saudi Arabia context, this study examines and identifies factors that influence primary stakeholders’ perspectives (public, NGOs, and private sectors) with respect to the potential for ecotourism development and its support in protected areas and national parks, utilize ecotourism to support biodiversity conservation and socioeconomic development, and, evaluate the current management of protected areas and national parks. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews to compile information from 11 stakeholder representatives related to tourism and ecotourism development within national parks and protected areas. Open, axial, and selective coding were employed in the analysis of the data. Findings of the study revealed four main themes - ecotourism development, management issues, development challenges, and policy. The study highlights the need to develop a sustainable tourism foundation that aims to conserve biodiversity, and provide educational opportunities for local communities to ensure economic growth. Furthermore, implications for ecotourism development in protected areas and national park in Saudi Arabia is noted.
