**3.2.3 Local residents' perspectives on the natural and cultural values in Amasra**

The majority of the participants stated that urban development is incompatible with the natural and historical pattern of the city and that city walls, historic buildings and artifacts discovered in archaeological excavations are significant contributions to the historical and cultural values of the city. In addition, the state of neglect of the historical buildings of the city was as a prominent opinion. 90% of the participants stated that the natural and cultural values should be protected for sustainable tourism in Amasra (Table 7).


Table 7. Local residents' perspectives on the natural and cultural values of Amasra.

The participants who indicated that the historical buildings and spaces in Amasra are in a state of neglect stated the reason as lack of local residents' awareness regarding protection (43%), lack of interest by the authorities (23%), and insufficient financial resources (20%) (Table 8).

Local Residents' Perceptions of and Attitudes

**Activities in Amasra and its surroundings** 

**Issues of priority in inner city urban planning for tourism development in Amasra** 

**Measures to be taken to increase the duration of stay of daily visitors in Amasra** 

Toward Sustainable Tourism Planning and Management in Amasra (Turkey) 191

Visits to historical and cultural

Gastronomical activities (seafood

Visits to local handicraft

Maintenance and repair in

Raising standards of

Maintenance and repair in the city

Eliminating the factors causing

Natural and historical patterns

Planned development of summer

Improvement in public spaces and

Establishing relationship between Amasra and Kastamonu-Bartn Küre Mountains National Park

Establishing routes to nearby bays

Establishing organic agriculture areas in the environs; visits to these areas and accommodation facilities

**I. Preference**

No response 1 21 31

buildings and spaces <sup>54</sup> 3 4 Water sports 9 13 5 Hiking 11 17 7 Picnic 1 5 2 Nature observation 4 7 4

restaurants) <sup>7</sup> 12 17 Purchase of local food 3 9 4

workshops /purchase of products <sup>3</sup> 9 11 Boat trips 4 4 15 Other 3 - -

No response 1 20 27

historical buildings <sup>41</sup> 6 7

walls and its environs <sup>10</sup> 17 7 Overcoming parking problem 29 20 18

accommodation facilities <sup>3</sup> 16 14

visual pollution in the city <sup>3</sup> 9 9

should be compatible <sup>9</sup> 6 7

houses should be ensured <sup>2</sup> 3 2

green areas - 3 9 Other 2 - -

No response 1 34 45

by boat tours <sup>8</sup> 11 10

20 5 9

6 5 4

**II. Preference** 

**Percent (%)** 

**III. Preference** 


Table 8. Local residents' perspectives on the cultural values of in Amasra.

#### **3.2.4 Local residents' expectations of and suggestions for new tourism planning and management strategies in Amasra**

According to the participants, the activities that could take place in Amasra and its surroundings are visits to the historical and cultural buildings and spaces (54%), hiking (17%) and gastronomical activities (seafood restaurants) (17%). In terms of issues that should be prioritized in urban planning for tourism development in Amasra, 41% of the participants stated that building maintenance and repair should be done, 29% of the participants stated that parking problems should be overcome and 10% indicated the need for maintenance and repair of the city walls. The three most common suggestions in order to extend the duration of stay of daily visitors are as follows: Package programs should be prepared for accommodation facilities (e.g. boat tours, trekking, etc.), the relationship between Kastamonu-Bartn Küre Mountains National Park and Amasra should be established, and trekking routes should be created connection the historical center of Amasra and the natural and cultural assets of its surrounding area. Among the participants' opinions regarding the future of Amasra, the first preference was protection of fishing village identity, the second was protection of the port town identity and the third was qualitative and quantitative improvement in public spaces and green areas (beaches, parks, playgrounds, sports fields, etc.) (Table 9).

According to the participants, the responsibility for the planned development of tourism in Amasra is of local adminstrations (80%), local residents (46%), and civil society organizations (38%).

The results of the Chi-square test indicated that whether new urban development is compatible with the natural and historical pattern of Amasra varies according to the level of education. 33% of the participants whose level of education is primary school stated that new urban development is compatible with the historical and natural structure of the city, while 85% of the participants who have a university degree found it incompatible (Table 10a). It was observed that as the participants' level of education increases, the new development is considered incompatible with the natural and historical pattern in Amasra.

Lack of local

resources

Table 8. Local residents' perspectives on the cultural values of in Amasra.

residents' awareness regarding protection

Lack of interest by

Insufficient financial

**3.2.4 Local residents' expectations of and suggestions for new tourism planning and** 

According to the participants, the activities that could take place in Amasra and its surroundings are visits to the historical and cultural buildings and spaces (54%), hiking (17%) and gastronomical activities (seafood restaurants) (17%). In terms of issues that should be prioritized in urban planning for tourism development in Amasra, 41% of the participants stated that building maintenance and repair should be done, 29% of the participants stated that parking problems should be overcome and 10% indicated the need for maintenance and repair of the city walls. The three most common suggestions in order to extend the duration of stay of daily visitors are as follows: Package programs should be prepared for accommodation facilities (e.g. boat tours, trekking, etc.), the relationship between Kastamonu-Bartn Küre Mountains National Park and Amasra should be established, and trekking routes should be created connection the historical center of Amasra and the natural and cultural assets of its surrounding area. Among the participants' opinions regarding the future of Amasra, the first preference was protection of fishing village identity, the second was protection of the port town identity and the third was qualitative and quantitative improvement in public spaces and green areas (beaches, parks,

According to the participants, the responsibility for the planned development of tourism in Amasra is of local adminstrations (80%), local residents (46%), and civil society

The results of the Chi-square test indicated that whether new urban development is compatible with the natural and historical pattern of Amasra varies according to the level of education. 33% of the participants whose level of education is primary school stated that new urban development is compatible with the historical and natural structure of the city, while 85% of the participants who have a university degree found it incompatible (Table 10a). It was observed that as the participants' level of education increases, the new development is considered incompatible with the natural and historical pattern in Amasra.

**Factors for the neglect of historical buildings and spaces in Amasra for the participants who think that they are in a state of** 

**management strategies in Amasra** 

playgrounds, sports fields, etc.) (Table 9).

organizations (38%).

**neglect** 

**I. Preference** 

No response 7 41 68

the authorities 43 23 7

Other - 2 -

**II. Preference** 

**Percent (%)** 

39 21 5

11 13 20

**III. Preference** 


Local Residents' Perceptions of and Attitudes

on the city (Table 10c).

**Table 10.a. Whether new urban development is compatible with the natural and historical** 

**Table 10.b. Local residents' perspectives on the city walls, historical buildings and historical artifacts discovered by archeological** 

(Table 11).

**pattern of Amasra**

χ2= 103.193\*\*\* p<0.001

**excavations in Amasra**

They are obstacles to urban development in Amasra

χ2= 58.084\*\*\* p<0.001

They are important historical and cultural values contributing to Amasra

Toward Sustainable Tourism Planning and Management in Amasra (Turkey) 193

In terms of the relationship between the educational background of the participants and opinions on the future of Amasra, it was observed that the participants with primary school degree supported that the fishing village identity of the city should be protected (67%), followed by revitalization of tourism and commerce in the city (33%). While the participants with high school degree (20%) and university degree (20%) stated that the historic port town identity of Amasra should be protected in the future, the participants who graduated from high school (20%) stated the need for qualitative and quantitative improvement in public spaces and green areas. In addition, the participants with university degree indicated that archaeological and historical characteristics of the city should be protected (18%). It was observed that as the participants' educational level increases, the opinions favoring the archeological and historical assets of the city and its identity as a historical port town are more prominent among opinions regarding the future of Amasra. As the participants did not express a significant opinion about the number of summer houses and the increase in the hard coal activities, it could be furthered that these two factors have a negative impact

The problems faced by the participants with tourism as source of income are lack of training in the field of tourism (35%), lack of local residents' awareness about tourism (22%), lack of standards in the tourism sector in Amasra (14%), and insufficient financial resources (14%)

No response n 0 - - -

Yes n 1 1 9 9

No n 2 5 21 51

No response n - - - 1

They limit land use and building height n 1 1 4 6

Other n - - 1 -

**Educational background**

Secondary school

% - - - -

% 33 17 30 15

% 67 83 70 85

% - - - 2

% 33 17 13 10

n 1 1 1 9 % 33 17 3 15

n 1 4 24 44 % 33 67 80 73

% - - 3 -

High school University

Primary school


Table 9. Local residents' expectations regarding the new tourism planning and management strategies in Amasra.

In terms of the relationship between the participants' education level and opinions about the city walls, historic buildings and archaeological artifacts discovered in excavations, 33% of the participants with primary school degree considered the historical structure of the city as a factor restricting land use and building height, while 33% of the participants with the same level of education stated that it is a barrier to urban development in Amasra. 80% of the participants with high school degree and 73% with university degree stated that the historical structure of the city is a significant historical and cultural value that contributes to Amasra (Table 10b). Thus, it was found out that the participants' awareness regarding the historical and cultural values increases as education level increases.

Other 5 - 3

No response 1 39 52

identity <sup>30</sup> 10 1

identity <sup>19</sup> 16 11 Increase in the hard coal activities - 3 4

historical assets <sup>11</sup> 12 14

houses <sup>2</sup> 2 -

Other 1 1 -

Table 9. Local residents' expectations regarding the new tourism planning and management

In terms of the relationship between the participants' education level and opinions about the city walls, historic buildings and archaeological artifacts discovered in excavations, 33% of the participants with primary school degree considered the historical structure of the city as a factor restricting land use and building height, while 33% of the participants with the same level of education stated that it is a barrier to urban development in Amasra. 80% of the participants with high school degree and 73% with university degree stated that the historical structure of the city is a significant historical and cultural value that contributes to Amasra (Table 10b). Thus, it was found out that the participants' awareness regarding the historical and cultural values increases as education level

7 9 8

33 17 9

20 19 12

28 12 2

8 5 16

Increasing the attractiveness of river tourism by establishing the relationship between the Bartn

Preparing package programs in accommodation facilities (e.g. boat

Creating trekking routes between the historical city center and the close-by areas with natural and

Protection of fishing village

Protection of historical port town

Protection of archeological and

Qualitative and quantitative improvement in public spaces and green areas (beaches, parks, playgrounds, sports fields, etc.)

Increase in the number of summer

Revitalizing tourism and

River and Amasra

trips, trekking, etc.)

cultural value

commerce

**Opinions on the future of Amasra** 

strategies in Amasra.

increases.

In terms of the relationship between the educational background of the participants and opinions on the future of Amasra, it was observed that the participants with primary school degree supported that the fishing village identity of the city should be protected (67%), followed by revitalization of tourism and commerce in the city (33%). While the participants with high school degree (20%) and university degree (20%) stated that the historic port town identity of Amasra should be protected in the future, the participants who graduated from high school (20%) stated the need for qualitative and quantitative improvement in public spaces and green areas. In addition, the participants with university degree indicated that archaeological and historical characteristics of the city should be protected (18%). It was observed that as the participants' educational level increases, the opinions favoring the archeological and historical assets of the city and its identity as a historical port town are more prominent among opinions regarding the future of Amasra. As the participants did not express a significant opinion about the number of summer houses and the increase in the hard coal activities, it could be furthered that these two factors have a negative impact on the city (Table 10c).

The problems faced by the participants with tourism as source of income are lack of training in the field of tourism (35%), lack of local residents' awareness about tourism (22%), lack of standards in the tourism sector in Amasra (14%), and insufficient financial resources (14%) (Table 11).


Local Residents' Perceptions of and Attitudes

**Creating comfortable environments through landscape design**

**Age No** 

χ2= 43.612\*\*\* p<0.001

**4. Discussion and conclusions** 

**4.1 Tourism development** 

Authority.

**response**

Toward Sustainable Tourism Planning and Management in Amasra (Turkey) 195

**Promotion of Amasra** 

**Positive effects of tourism in Amasra**

 n % n % n % n % n % n % n % **15-20** 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 **21-30** 2 6 4 11 18 51 1 3 10 29 0 - 0 - **31-40** 4 16 2 8 12 48 0 - 7 28 0 - 0 - **41-50** 0 - 1 3 12 46 0 - 13 50 0 - 0 - **51-60** 0 - 0 - 2 22 0 - 7 78 0 - 0 - **60 +** 0 - 0 - 0 - 1 25 3 75 0 - 0 -

Table 12. Perspectives on the positive effects of tourism in Amasra in terms of age groups.

Together with the rapid economic, political, technological developments and changes in the world, significant changes occur also in tourism. Different forms of tourism as an alternative to mass tourism in Turkey started to develop in the 1990s. These forms of tourism are considered important tools for ensuring sustainable environments as they bear rural and cultural tourism characteristics could be developed in sensitive natural and cultural areas. In this respect, Amasra, an ancient port city located on a peninsula, has rural landscape features. Creating a significant demand for tourism with its natural, cultural and historical values, Amasra was investigated in this study in terms of sustainable tourism planning and management which prioritizes the integrity of ecology and the traditional structure and the participation of local residents. As such, the survey study conducted to determine the local residents' participation in tourism activities, support, expectations and attitudes toward and perceptions of natural and cultural values in terms of sustainable tourism planning and

The results of the survey indicated that the participants were not aware of some of the factors that could hinder tourism activities such as problems related to summerhouses, and environmental problems caused by road construction works and by Turkish Hard Coal

The analyses demonstrated that the historic coastal town of Amasra has a strong tourism potential. The income of the local residents who are engaged in tourism activities in Amasra is based on running pensions (guesthouses) and seafood restaurants, and handicrafts. The dissemination of pensions and increasing the quality of services is important in terms of tourism development. The other source of income, handicrafts, is based on traditional methods and know-how. The unique aspects of traditional handicrafts should be protected and promoted to international markets through branding. In this respect, efforts should be put in raising the awareness of local residents about tourism and in educational activities.

management constituted an important aspect of the present study.

**Protection of cultural heritage** 

**Contribution to the economy of Amasra** 

**Ensuring the continuity** 

**handicrafts** 

**Other** 

**of** 


Table 10 a.b.c. Comparison of local residents' perspectives in terms of educational background.


χ2= 88.519\*\*\* p<0.001

Table 11. Primary problems indicated by participants with tourism as source of income.

Positive impact of tourism in Amasra varies according to age groups of the participants. The age group 41-60+ stated that tourism contributes to the economy of Amasra, while the age group 21-40 stated tourism contributes to the promotion of tourism in Amasra. The participants showed no awareness with regards to the contributions of tourism to ensuring the continuity of the local handicrafts (Table 12).


χ2= 43.612\*\*\* p<0.001

194 Landscape Planning

No response n - - - -

Protection of the fishing village identity n 2 4 10 14

Revitalization of tourism and commerce n 1 - 8 19

Increase in the hard coal facilities n - - - -

Other n - - - 1

**Primary problems in tourism** 

n % n % n % n % n % n % n % n % n %

**Tourism** 1 3 5 14 13 35 1 3 1 3 5 14 2 5 8 22 1 3

Positive impact of tourism in Amasra varies according to age groups of the participants. The age group 41-60+ stated that tourism contributes to the economy of Amasra, while the age group 21-40 stated tourism contributes to the promotion of tourism in Amasra. The participants showed no awareness with regards to the contributions of tourism to ensuring

Table 11. Primary problems indicated by participants with tourism as source of income.

**Lack of attention from local administration** 

Table 10 a.b.c. Comparison of local residents' perspectives in terms of educational

**Limitations due to Amasra's status as a protection site** 

% - - - -

% 67 67 33 23

% 33 - 27 32

n - 1 6 12 % - 17 20 20

% - - - -

n - - - 11 % - - - 18

n - - - 2 % - - - 3

n - 1 6 1 % - 17 20 2

% - - - 2

**Lack of branding** **Lack of local residents' awareness regarding tourism** 

**Other** 

**Lack of standards in tourism sector** 

**Table 10.c. Opinions on the future of Amasra**

Protection of the historical port town

Protection of archeological and

Increase in the number of summer

Improvement in public spaces and green areas both qualitatively and

identity

houses

historical assets

quantitatively

background.

**Source of income** 

**No response** 

χ2= 88.519\*\*\* p<0.001

**Financial difficulties**

the continuity of the local handicrafts (Table 12).

**Lack of education in tourism**

Χ2= 126.081\*\*\* p<0.001

Table 12. Perspectives on the positive effects of tourism in Amasra in terms of age groups.
