Land Use Changes in Relation to Coastal Tourism Developments in Turkish Mediterranean

Abstract

Tourism is one of the major driving forces behind land use and landscape changes in the coastal Mediterranean. The aim of this study is to analyze the land use changes in relation to coastal tourism developments in the Turkish Mediterranean. Spatial and quantitative inventory of land use changes was delineated by interpreting physical land use data for 1974, 1988, 1990 and 1996 in GIS systems. Study results showed that 816 hectares of agricultural land and 457 hectares of natural coastal forest are converted to tourism-based establishments such as hotels, service buildings and settlements. Degradation of the coastal forests was higher in the beginning of tourism developments, but this trend has become static while constant change on agricultural lands was expected to continue in the coming years. Therefore, it is crucial that tourism development plans be accompanied with a set of ecological, social and economic system for the livelihood of tourism and the operated area.