A critical analysis of Turkey's Tourism Strategy Plan (2023) based on the key factors in mitigation and adaptation to climate change

Abstract

This study aims to analyze Turkey’s current tourism development plan (Turkey Tourism Strategy Plan 2023) from the perspective of climate change management, and to identify the gaps in the plan and provide an alternative framework for the climate change responsive tourism development plan. In order to achieve these targets, the study is constructed on 3 steps; i) defining key factors in climate change management in the tourism industry by in-depth literature review, ii) examining the Turkey Tourism Strategy Plan 2023 to reveal the gaps iii) providing a roadmap for climate change responsive tourism development. Firstly, the study looks deeply at the literature on tourism development and climate change impact management with a focus on mitigation of and adaptation to, climate change in the tourism industry. Regarding climate change management literature, the key factors are defined as; i) Sustainability, ii) Mitigation options, iii) Climate change assessment, iv) Adaptation options, v) Key actors. Secondly, based on these key factors compiled from the literature, the Turkey Tourism Strategy Plan 2023 is analyzed and it is considered whether it includes strategies in correlation with these key factors or not. Finally, a conceptual framework of climate change management in the tourism industry is provided. The results of this analysis sheds light on the gaps in the plan and considering these gaps a new climate change responsive strategic development plan framework has been suggested for further planning practices. The results of the plan analysis show that there are some important strategies in the plan that will contribute to eliminating climate change impacts, however, these efforts may not be sufficient in the long term when climate change impacts are more destructive. There is an urgent need for revision, which can be enhanced by the suggested strategic plan framework. This study is significant in defining the gaps in Turkey’s tourism development strategies. It is also important for providing suggestions for the future climate-proof tourism development in Turkey.