ECOTOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE RURAL DEVELOPMENT: THE CASE OF YOZGAT, TURKEY.

This paper focuses on examining how ecotourism can help rural development. Eco-tourism is an important type of tourism that provides economic and social benefits to the local community by exhibiting rural life, culture, and nature in rural areas. The study was conducted in Yozgat province of Turkey using primary and secondary data. In this context, interviews were had with the authorities of the Culture and Tourism Provincial Directorate, Yozgat Culture, Tourism and Development Association, and local administrations, plus it was observed in the field. Published publications and scientific studies on the subject were also used as secondary sources. According to the research findings, ecotourism was considered an effective and important model for the sustainable development of local communities. In the study, the eco-tourism potential of the province, strengths (S), weaknesses (W), opportunities (O), and threats (T) were revealed by SWOT analysis. Opportunities and strengths were considered significant for sustainable ecotourism potential. Focusing on local tourism and rural development as a leverage point, this paper puts forward proposals on management strategies and offers a different viewpoint on the need for rural innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]