Evaluation of Ecologically Based Activities Within the Scope of Sustainable Tourism and Recreation Planning

Abstract

This study aims to determine the potential of the area for diversifying ecologically based tourism and recreation activities, with a focus on balancing conservation and use to reduce the pressures on natural and cultural landscape values. Data related to the area were examined according to sustainable tourism principles, resulting in the identification of five feasible ecologically based tourism and recreation activities. In the subsequent phase, to analyze the compatibility of these activities with the area’s natural and cultural landscape values, suitability class values were mapped using GIS, based on evaluation criteria and indicators. The analysis identified suitable and highly suitable areas for camping, hiking, trekking, landscape, and nature photography, which were marked on the maps. By overlaying the activities, optimal land use was determined to cover 16.25% of the total area. Finally, the activities were assessed within the optimal land use framework using one-way analysis of variance, and relationships between different groups were identified. As a result, the most suitable activities for the study area were landscape and nature photography, while caravan camping was identified as a suitable activity.

1. Introduction

Coasts, which have attracted great attention in every period of history, have gained social importance in terms of shelter and usage-based purposes. With the rapidly increasing population density in coastal areas, people have started to use these areas to meet their physical needs as well as their touristic and recreational needs [1,2]. Tourism, which is generally located in rural areas and natural areas, grows and develops as an integral part of the environment, sustainably protects the local identity, and strengthens it by contributing to the economy [3,4].

Various principles, policies, directives, and management techniques required for the development of tourism in line with the objectives of making tourism regions open to developments that will occur over time or protecting them from possible damages that may arise from developments constitute the phenomenon of sustainable tourism [5]. Sustainable tourism requires, on the one hand, the sharing of sustainable developments in tourism to the economy and society, and, on the other hand, sustainability in the use of tourist areas and materials belonging to the area. Tourism cannot be considered successful if the demands are determined incorrectly and there are problems in management [6]. One of the aims of sustainable tourism is to increase tourism capacity and touristic product quality by keeping the natural and cultural resources that the market benefits from negative effects [7,8].

Sustainable tourism practices within the tourism system are the combination of a wide range of factors including social, cultural, and economic considerations at all levels of the system, and its development is the responsibility of all stakeholders (such as local people, NGOs, and the government) [9,10]. Eco-sustainability of tourism areas is closely related to natural and human factors such as spatial heterogeneity of tourism resources, local activity, and ecological carrying capacity [11]. Environmental tourism carrying capacity created by ecological tourism footprint and ecological tourism capacity is an important sign affecting the sustainability of natural areas [12]. In sustainable tourism activities, the preservation of natural resource values and their proper management are of great importance in supporting both the environment and the local economy in a sustainable manner. Natural resources are especially at the heart of tourism, as tourists visit a region due to elements such as natural beauty, ecosystems, biodiversity, and landscapes. The protection of these resources is essential for the long-term success of the tourism industry. Sustainable management of natural resources not only protects the environment but also ensures the continuity of tourism activities in the long run and strengthens local economies. This creates a beneficial balance for both tourists and the local population. While this issue is addressed through comprehensive planning approaches, today these approaches are evaluated through the lens of sustainable tourism and recreation planning.

Tourism concepts that have developed and changed with the increasing tourist interest in recent years have diversified. As an alternative to mass tourism, which is mostly preferred by large groups, tourism types that develop in ecologically sensitive areas with rich natural and socio-cultural values are on the agenda. Ecologically based tourism, one of the tourism types that emerged in this direction, can be grouped under four headings; Scientific/Educational tourism (Botanical tourism, Examining geomorphological formations, wildlife observation, Bird watching, etc.), Nature-Based Tourism (Nature Tourism, Rural tourism, Plateau tourism, Agricultural tourism, Village tourism Ecotourism, etc.), Cultural Tourism (Religious tourism, Festivals, Historical Tours, Cultural tours, etc.), and Activity Tourism (Hiking, water-based activities, cave tourism, mountaineering, adventure-based sports, special interests, and hobbies, etc.) [13,14,15]. These activities are integrated with different landscape characteristics across all four seasons.

Rural areas with preserved natural features have become preferred for activities. They have begun to turn into natural spaces needed for increasingly diverse activities. It is possible to classify the activities most preferred by people according to the characteristics of the place where they are carried out (activities based on area, water, climate, natural plant presence, and natural animal presence). This study progressed within the scope of sustainable tourism, based on ecologically based tourism content and activities that develop together with the characteristics of the areas. These events; hiking, picnics, watching agricultural landscapes, off-road, visiting and observing historical sites, mountain biking, caving, golf, mountaineering, driving for fun, trekking, tent camping, camping, landscape viewing and nature photography, and examining geomorphological formations. Activities are also elements that support an individual’s quality of life. On the one hand, due to the increasing need for tourism/recreation and, on the other hand, the decrease in recreation and tourism opportunities in densely populated residential areas over time, the preference for coastal areas and rural areas that interact parallel to the coast has gradually increased. In sustainable tourism practice, tourism types that are shaped with an ecological-based tourism content, focusing on non-artificial values in the region and manifesting themselves in rural settlements, appear as a distinct form of tourism compared to other types of tourism that develop in densely preferred coastal areas. The ecological values of these areas are integrated. These values encompass parameters that will question the compatibility of activities with the area.

In the study, the preference of coastal areas based on tourism and recreation uses, the concentration of uses on only one area, and the pressures on natural and cultural resource values were detected as a problem. Therefore, the purpose of the research is to diversify recreation and tourism-based activities that highlight the use of rural areas to offer alternatives to activities based on coastal use of the area with holistic field uses.

Holleran [16], Kent et. al. [17], Sutawa [10], Pirselimoğlu and Demirel [18], Dhami et. al. [19], Pirselimoğlu Batman and Demirel [18], Fung and Jim [20], Pirselimoğlu Batman, Demirel and Kurdoğlu [21], Pirselimoğlu Batman and Zencirkıran [22], Demir et.al. [23], Nowacki et.al. [24], Pirselimoğlu Batman et.al. [25], Demir and Atanur [26], Giardano [27], Jiménez-García et. al. [28], Kaptan Ayhan et al. [29], Pirselimoğlu Batman and Seyidoğlu Akdeniz [2], Sharmin et al. [30], Özgeriş and Karahan [31], Mateoc-Sîrb et al. [32], and Dipak et. al. [33], have presented examples of studies on land uses and the recreational and tourism-based use of landscape values. However, it has been identified that tourism and recreational uses tend to concentrate on a single area, and the pressures on natural and cultural resource values present a significant issue. Furthermore, there is a research gap in terms of detailed examination of each activity individually. Therefore, starting from the hypothesis that ecological-based tourism activities create positive effects on the ecosystem balance, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability of natural areas, the aim was to identify the activities based on coastal land use and associate them with landscape characteristics.

In line with this objective, areas within the transport network of cities such as Istanbul, Bursa, Yalova, and Izmir, located within the Marmara region, and possessing both coastal and rural resources, were considered. Taking into account that, especially during the recent pandemic, the public preferred outdoor activities such as camping, caravanning, hiking, trekking, and landscape/nature photography, the potential of the Bursa Gemlik Gulf was evaluated for these activities. The uniqueness of the study is emphasized by the fact that these activities are designed to protect the resource values of the area and ensure its sustainability. For this purpose, spatial data was identified and transferred into a GIS-based map environment. The suitability of the areas was evaluated by comparing it with the activities.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Material

The main material of the study is Narlı, Karacaali, Büyükkumla, Kumla, and Küçükkumla neighborhoods within the borders of Bursa province, Gemlik district. The surface area of the area is 7984.66 ha. Other materials used in the research and planning stages within the framework of the study area are as follows:

• General Command of Mapping 1/100,000 scale topographic maps;
• MTA 1/100,000 scale geological maps and reports;
• General Directorate of Forestry 1/100,000 scale Forest Management Plans and reports of Kumla District of Gemlik District;
• Landsat TM Satellite image dated 1999;
• Domestic and foreign literature data.

In addition, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software ArcGIS 10.5 and its modules were used to store, process and evaluate the data.

Surrounded by Yalova province in the north, Osmangazi district in the south, Gürsu and Kestel districts in the southeast, Orhangazi district in the east, and the Marmara Sea in the west, Gemlik is one of the 17 districts of Bursa province [34] (Figure 1 and Figure 2).

The slopes of the mountains surrounding Gemlik Bay, facing the gulf, constitute the terrain of the district. There are many plains sandwiched between the mountains and the coast. Sazlık Stream, known as Karsak Stream, is the stream carrying the most water in the district. Gemlik’s geological formation consists of old and new rocks and has been exposed to erosion, collapses, and slides for a long time. In mountainous regions, Paleozoic layers, gnaya and Granti period third-period terrain (Neogene layers) and new volcanic covers (Andesite) occupy a large area. The plain areas of the district are few and covered with new alluviums. The gulf, which is less than 200 m deep, is a depression area formed by the fractures of the earth’s crust [35]. When examining the plant and forest communities of the study area, the vegetation generally includes species such as Pinus brutia, Pinus nigra, Pinus pinea, Pinus maritima, Juniperus, Cupressus, Quercus coccifera, Quercus cerris, Quercus infectoria, Quercus frainetto, Quercus robur, Quercus petraea, Quercus pubescens, Fagus orientalis, Carpinus, Populus, Acer, Platanus orientalis, Salix, Santalum album, Almus glutinosa, Cornus mas, Crataegus, Prunus domestica, Pyrus elaeagrifolia, Phyllirea media, Corylus colurna, Paliurus aculeatus, Euphorbia tinctoria, Terebenthus pictasia, Terebenthus lentiscus, Cistus, Vaccinium, Rhus coriaria, Crataegus monogyna, Rosa canina, Hedera helix, Rubus fruticosus, Thymus, and Pteridium [36].

Its average temperature is 14.1° degrees. The hottest month of the year is July with a temperature of 22.8°. The lowest average temperature of the year is 5.5° in January. The average temperature varies around 17.3° throughout the year. The average annual rainfall is measured as 686 mm. The driest month of the year is July with 22 mm of precipitation. The highest rainfall is seen in December with an average rainfall of 104 degrees. The amount of precipitation between the wettest and driest months of the year is 82 mm. Although winds from the north and northeast are effective in the area, the average wind speed in the summer months is calculated as 12.4 km/h. The average wind intensity throughout the year is determined as 6–12 km/h [34].

The livelihood of the local people consists of income from agriculture, animal husbandry, and fishing activities. Olive cultivation has the largest share in agricultural activities. Additionally, high-quality apples, pears, and peaches are produced. Turkey’s first canning establishment and vegetable-growing activities have also progressed in line with the development of canning. Cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, peas, eggplants, peppers, and artichokes are among the products grown. Animal husbandry is practiced more in mountain villages and less in villages close to the district. Poultry farming activities are common in the district. One of the important sources of income is fishing, there are all kinds of fish in the gulf waters [37].

The coastline length of Gemlik district is 12 km, which corresponds to 10.82% of the total coastline length of Bursa province. Due to the distribution of topographic thresholds and the influence of the transportation network, the settlement is concentrated in areas close to the coast. The areas outside the settlement consist of wooded areas that have not been exposed to structural damage, forest areas, and areas with local products. The areas of the settlements are formed by the combination of second houses, where construction is intense and most of which are continuous starting from the end of the dunes, camping areas affiliated with institutions and non-governmental organizations, areas reserved for touristic activities based on daily use, and the facilities established in this infrastructure. These areas are generally areas whose structure is about to deteriorate, in some places severely damaged, and where the natural landscape structure is damaged [38].

The most important transportation route connecting Gemlik District with national centers is the D-575 state highway. This highway connects to Istanbul via Yalova and Kocaeli in the north and to Bursa city center in the south. Additionally, it provides access to Adapazarı from the east via Orhaneli-İznik. The south–north oriented D-575 highway connects the Inner Marmara (Istanbul, Yalova, Kocaeli, etc.) via Bursa and Gemlik. Gemlik, which connects the province of Bursa, the Aegean Region, and the Southern Marmara Region to the inner parts of the Marmara Region, is an important highway connection point on the corridors that provide transit [37].

2.2. Method

The method of this study consists of 3 stages (Figure 3). While determining the method and flow chart of this study, sources from Corbin and Strauss [39]; Topay [40], Benliay [41], Pirselimoğlu Batman [15]; Parladır [42]; Topay and Parladır [43]; Baltacı [44]; Kıral [44]; and Graribvand et al. [45] were used in the first stage. The planning of goals and purposes that will determine the direction of the study started with an examination of the current situation, land investigations related to the study area, and the study of the literature. With the literature review, the environmental, social, and economic characteristics of the study area, tourism demand in the region, and the relationship between environmental characteristics and tourism have been determined. Especially the current use in the area is water-based activities and that is why the use and tourism-focused settlements are also clustered on the coast. In the study, the need for considering nature-based activities that will highlight the natural animal and plant existence in rural areas behind the coast has been identified. The next stage is to define the natural (topography, geological and hydrological structure, soil and climate features, flora and fauna) and cultural resources (transportation, demographic, and socioeconomic structure) of the area, both structurally and functionally; this is carried out in the survey and analysis stage of the method.

According to this research, all data related to the field were revealed using the document analysis method [40,46], which is a systematic method used to analyze written documents and where all printed and electronic documents are examined and evaluated.

As a result of the observations and investigations made on the area, by the user trends, area characteristics, and the evaluation conditions of the activities, a maximum of five ecologically based tourism activities were determined. In addition, it was observed that at this stage, not all tourist and recreational activities that can be carried out in rural areas can be implemented in the area. The activities determined for the area are tent camping, caravan camping, nature hiking, trekking, and landscape and nature photography. Criteria and standards have been determined for the activities determined in the second stage of this study. Data obtained through document analysis and data obtained from field surveys were evaluated with the descriptive analysis [44] method used to compare the differences between the cases, along with the interpretation, classification, and summarization given, and analyzed according to the “Suitability Class Values” applied by Topay [40], Benliay [41], Parladır [42], Topay and Parladır [43], and Topay [47]. There are 13 evaluation criteria for tent camping, 12 evaluation criteria for caravan camping, 11 evaluation criteria for hiking, 9 evaluation criteria for trekking, and 8 evaluation criteria for landscape viewing and nature photography, and they will be “Suitable” and “Most Suitable”. The suitability class values are given in

Table 1. Evaluation criteria for activities [40,41,42,43].

Evaluation Criteria	Tent Camping		Caravan Camping		Hiking		Trekking		Landscape Viewing and Nature Photography
	Most Suitable	Suitable	Most Suitable	Suitable	Most Suitable	Suitable	Most Suitable	Suitable	Most Suitable	Suitable
Slope %	0–15	-	0–15	-	0–8	0–12	5–20	5–30	-	-
Exposition	Straight, E, G, SE, SW, W	N, NE, NW	Straight, E, G, SE, SW, W	N, NE, NW	-	-	-	-	-	-
Height (m)	0–326	-	0–326	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Geological formations	-	-	-	-	-	-	Few	-	-	-
Landslide situation (% slope)	0–30	-	0–30	-	Few	-	-	-	45	-
Peaks (m)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	50	-
Soil Drainage	-	-	-	-	Good	Good-Fair	-	-	-	-
Soil Texture	-	-	-	-	Coarse–Medium	Coarse–Medium- Fine	-	-	-	-
Proximity to water sources (m)	0–250	250–500	50 and over	-	50–300	50–1600	50–300	50–1600	500–1000	1000 and over
Current land/area use	Forest, Shrubbery, Pasture, Coastal dunes	-	Forest, Shrubbery, Pasture, Coastal dunes	-	Forest, Shrubbery	Forest, Shrubbery, Pasture meadow	Forest, Shrubbery	Forest, Shrubbery, Pasture meadow	Pasture, Forest, Settlement, Beach	-
Presence of Vegetation	-	-	-	-	Available	-	Available	-	-	-
Natural plant existence	Leafy forest, mixed forest, treeless area	Coniferous forest	Open and semi-open areas	-	-	-	-	-	Deciduous forest, mixed forest, treeless area	Coniferous forest
Forest canopy (%)	0–70	-	0–40	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Relative humidity	30–80	-	30–80	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Average wind speed (m/sec)	0–10	10–15	0–10	10–15	-	-	-	-	0–10	10–15
Existence of Floodplain	Absence	-	Absence	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Transportation distance (m)	0–3000	3000 and over	0–100	-	0–1000	0–3000	0–5000	-	-	-
Land ability class	IV, VI, VII, Beach	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Track Length	-	-	-	-	5000	-	-	-	-	-
Availability of Energy Resources	-	-	-	-	0–3000	-	5000	-	-	-
Presence of Health Facilities	-	-	-	-	0–3000	-	5000	-	-	-

.

While determining potential areas for camping and caravans, hiking, trekking, landscape viewing, and nature photography, some of the evaluation factors were considered as fixed factors for the five activities. The fixed factors considered are given below.

• Landslide Situation: According to the data obtained from the Mineral Research and Exploration General Directorate earth science system, this factor was fixed as “None” since there is no landslide risk within the boundaries of the research area.
• Proximity to water sources: The fact that the research area is very rich in surface waters and that these surfaces are scattered throughout the area allowed the proximity criteria to the water source to be evaluated as constant.
• Wind speed: Although winds from the north and northeast are effective in the area, the average wind speed in summer is calculated as 12.4 km/h. The average wind intensity throughout the year is determined as 6–12 km/h [34]. The average wind intensity prevailing in the area is 6–12 km/h and this range corresponds to the 2–3 class range according to the Beaufort classification. The evaluation factors of this class of events were deemed appropriate for their thresholds and were taken as constant.

In the evaluation of wind speed, the classification prepared by Erol [48] was taken as basis. Values that meet the specified ranges in the Beaufort Wind classification are given in

Table 2. Wind classification [48].

Name of the Wind	Wind (M/S)	Wind (Km/H)	Beaufort
Severe	0–1	0–4	0
Light Breeze	1–2	4–6	1
Light Briz	2–4	6–12	2
Weak Briz	4–6	12–19	3
Moderate Briz	6–8	19–27	4
Hard Briz	8–10	27–35	5
Strong Wind.	10–12	35–45	6
Severe Wind.	12–15	45–55	7
Stormy Wind.	15–18	55–66	8
Storm	18–21	66–77	9
Severe Storm	21–25	77–90	10
Orcanoid Fir.	25–30	90–105	11
Orkan Hurricane	Above 30	More than 105	12

[48].

• Relative humidity: While the relative humidity rate prevailing in the area is between 10 and 100, this rate drops below 80 in the summer months when recreational activities are carried out, allowing this factor to be evaluated as constant.
• Existence of floodplains: The presence of surface water that will rise to flood level has not been detected in the area. Therefore, this factor was taken as constant.
• Transportation distance: There are stabilized roads, asphalt roads, highways, and pathways in the area, providing access to the area and surrounding settlements. Therefore, this factor was taken as constant.

Then, taking into account the evaluation criteria and field data, the “Suitable” and “Most Suitable” criteria for the activities were calculated and marked on the maps with the help of the ArcGIS 10.0 program. The filtering method has been applied to the maps. The filtering method defines the data contained in the evaluation criteria as input. It is used to determine which boundaries on the field fall within this range. The created maps are superimposed and the most suitable areas for the event are determined according to the required features. Thus, potential areas have been identified for future activities considered in line with the feasibility of activities in the region.

In the third phase of this study, by overlapping the suitable areas determined for the activities, the areas with high touristic and recreational potential of the area were determined and the optimal area usage status was revealed. The most suitable, suitable, and intersecting areas determined for each activity were determined in this analysis. While determining the optimal area usage, the surface areas of the “most suitable” areas and “suitable” areas were added and the surface areas of the intersecting areas were subtracted. In addition to determining the most suitable areas for the activities, it was also determined which of these activities within the study area would be the most suitable.

The evaluation of the identified potential areas according to activities within the framework of optimal land use was evaluated and analyzed with a one-way analysis of variance in the SPSS 23 program (IBM). Relationships between different groups were determined and lettered with the Duncan test at the error level of p ≤ 0.001 [49].

3. Results

3.1. Determination of Potential Areas for Tent Camping Activity

While determining the potential areas for the Tent Camping Activity, the “Most Suitable” and “Suitable” areas were calculated in line with the value ranges in line with the evaluation criteria. In determining the “Most Suitable” areas, seven factors were taken into consideration in addition to the constant factors. These factors are pinpointed on the map. The intersection areas were modeled by overlapping the prepared maps and these areas represented the “Most Suitable” areas for the event. Factors taken into consideration are as follows:

• Slope: The slope range for “Most Suitable” areas is 0–15. The area of surfaces that meet this condition in the area is 6335.75 ha. A total of 79.35% of the area was found suitable for the event.
• Exposition: Aspect directions accepted for the “Most Suitable” areas are straight, east, southeast, south, southwest, and west facades. The area of surfaces that meet this condition in the area is 7751.29 ha. A total of 97.07% of the area was found suitable for the event. Aspect directions accepted for suitable areas are north, northeast, and northwest.
• Height: The accepted height for “Most Suitable” areas is 0–326 m. The area of surfaces that meet this condition in the area is 6719.46 ha. A total of 84.15% of the area was found suitable for the event.
• Land ability class: Land ability classes accepted for “Most Suitable” areas are IV, VI, VII, and beach classes. The area of surfaces that meet this condition in the area is 7118.12 ha. A total of 89.15% of the area was found suitable for the event.
• Current land use: Accepted use types for “Most Suitable” areas are forest, shrubland, dry farming, and coastal dunes. The area of surfaces that meet this condition in the area is 5701.9 ha. A total of 71.41% of the area was found suitable for the event.
• Natural plant existence: Plant assets accepted for “Most Suitable” areas: deciduous forest, mixed forest, treeless area. The area of surfaces that meet this condition in the area is 5383.09 ha. A total of 67.42% of the area was found suitable for the event. Plant assets accepted for “Suitable” areas: areas with coniferous trees. The area of surfaces that meet this condition in the area is 264.65 ha. A total of 3.31% of the area was found suitable for the event.
• Forest canopy: Forest cover rates accepted for “Most Suitable” areas are 1–10%, 11–40%, and 41–70% cover classes. The area of surfaces that meet this condition in the area is 6285.94 ha. A total of 78.72% of the area was found suitable for the event.

In this activity, 13 evaluation factors were questioned in the field. As a result of the inquiry, the “Most Suitable” areas are located in the southwest-east direction of this study area. The “Suitable” areas are concentrated in the southwest of the research area. The reason for this distribution is the topographic structure and soil characteristics, as well as the natural plant presence of the area as a limiting factor. is to be addressed. With the filtering method, the surface area of the “Most Suitable” areas for the “Tent Camping” activity in the area is 100.52 ha, and the surface area of the “Suitable” areas is 264.65 ha (Figure 4).

3.2. Determination of Suitable Areas for Caravan Camping Activity

In determining the “Most Suitable” areas, six factors were taken into consideration in addition to the fixed factors. In evaluating the event, the evaluation factors of the tent camping event are similar to the factors of the caravan camping event. The distinguishing factors of the two events are as follows:

• Natural plant presence: Plant assets accepted for “Suitable” areas are open and semi-open areas. The area of surfaces that meet this condition in the area is 777.01 ha. A total of 9.73% of the area was found suitable for the event.
• Forest canopy: The forest cover rates accepted for the “Most Suitable” areas are 1–10%, and 11–40% cover classes. The area of surfaces that meet this condition in the area is 5147.3 ha. A total of 64.46% of the area was found suitable for the event.

The fact that the factors included ranges covering the entire area during the evaluation of “Suitable” areas allowed this activity to be carried out everywhere in the area under the conditions of “Suitable” areas.

The number of evaluation factors determined for this activity is 12. The fact that the “Most Suitable” areas have many evaluation factors and condition a narrow scale as appropriate has limited the areas where the activity can be carried out. The wider range of factors in determining “suitable” areas allowed the “Caravan” activity to be held throughout the area. By the filtering method, the surface area of the “Most Suitable” areas for the “Caravan Camping” activity in the area was determined as 110.04 ha, and the “Suitable” area was determined as the entire research area (7984.66 ha) (Figure 5).

3.3. Determination of Suitable Areas for Hiking Activity

In determining the “Most Suitable” areas, five factors were taken into consideration in addition to the fixed factors. These factors were mapped on the area and determined pinpointed. The intersection areas were modeled by overlapping the prepared maps and these areas represented the “Most Suitable” areas for the event. Factors taken into consideration are as follows:

• Slope: The slope range for “Most Suitable” areas is 0–8. The area of surfaces that meet this condition in the area is 3018.42 ha. A total of 37.8% of the area was found suitable for the event.
• Soil drainage: “Most Suitable” areas are areas with good drainage. The area of surfaces that meet this condition in the area is 7666.8 ha. A total of 96% of the area was found suitable for the event.
• Soil texture: The texture class for “Most Suitable” areas are areas with coarse and medium texture. The area of surfaces that meet this condition in the area is 5079.91 ha. A total of 64% of the area was found suitable for the event.
• Current land use: The types of use accepted for “Most Suitable” areas are forest and shrubland. The area of surfaces that meet this condition in the area is 5171.9 ha. A total of 64.77% of the area was found suitable for the event.
• Natural plant presence: It is deemed sufficient to have unrestricted presence of plant assets accepted for the “Most Suitable” areas. The area of surfaces that meet this condition in the area is 7711.29 ha. A total of 96.6% of the area was found suitable for the event.

In the evaluation of “suitable” areas, four factors were taken into consideration in addition to the fixed factors. These factors are as follows:

• Slope: The slope range for “suitable” areas is 0–12. The area of surfaces that meet this condition in the area is 4118.97 ha. A total of 51.59% of the area was found suitable for the event.
• Soil drainage: “Suitable” areas are those with good and medium drainage. The drainage classes available in the area are good, poor, and inadequate. For this reason, areas representing the “Most Suitable” areas in soil drainage are considered valid among the “Suitable” areas.
• Soil texture: The texture class for “suitable” areas are fields with coarse, medium, and fine texture. Since the soil texture types in the area are medium and fine texture, the entire area meets this condition.
• Current land use: Accepted use types for “suitable” areas are forest, shrubland, pasture, and meadow. Since there are no pastures and meadows in the area and the remaining areas represent the “Most Suitable” areas, these areas are also considered valid for “Suitable” areas.

The number of evaluation factors determined is 11. Due to the 8% slope specified for suitable areas and the fact that well-drained soils cover a small surface area in the area, it has been determined that the “Most Suitable” areas where the activity can be carried out in the study area are scattered in the area as small, disconnected surface groups. “Suitable” areas, on the other hand, provide applicability to larger areas in terms of surface area, as they make a wider scale acceptable in terms of slope range in the evaluation criteria. Due to the evaluation factors of the “Most Suitable” and “Suitable” areas covering the same range, some areas were determined as both “Most Suitable” and “Suitable” and these areas formed the intersection areas.

By the filtering method, the surface area of the “Most Suitable” areas for the “Hiking” activity in the area is 173.49 ha, and the surface area of the “Suitable” areas is 1790.2 ha (Figure 6).

3.4. Determination of Suitable Areas for Trekking Activity

In determining the “Most Suitable” areas, four factors were taken into consideration in addition to the fixed factors. In the evaluation of the activity, since the evaluation factors of the hiking activity and the trekking activity factors are similar, the mats prepared for hiking were used in common. The distinguishing factor of the two events is the slope range. For this reason, the slope condition of the trekking activity was also taken into consideration.

Slope: The slope range for the “Most Suitable” areas is 5–20. The area of surfaces that meet this condition in the area is 5026.21 ha. A total of 62.95% of the area was found suitable for the event.

In the evaluation of “suitable” areas, the slope factor, which excludes the fixed factors and the factors common to the hiking activity, was taken into consideration. The slope range for “suitable” areas is 5–30. The area of surfaces that meet this condition in the area is 6444.45 ha. 80.71% of the area was found suitable for the event.

The number of evaluation factors determined is nine. Since the slope range makes a wider scale acceptable compared to the “Hiking” activity, the “Most Suitable” and “Suitable” areas of the “Trekking” activity are spread over a larger surface. Due to the evaluation factors of the “Most Suitable” and “Suitable” areas covering the same range, some areas were determined as both “Most Suitable” and “Suitable” and these areas formed the intersection areas. The surface area of the “Most Suitable” areas revealed for the “Trekking” activity in the area by the filtering method is 1747.71 ha, and the surface area of the “Suitable” areas is 4259.9 ha (Figure 7).

3.5. Determination of Suitable Areas for Landscape Viewing and Nature Photography Activity

In determining the “Most Suitable” areas, three factors were taken into consideration in addition to the fixed factors. Among these factors, the presence of natural plants covers the same range as the “Most Suitable” evaluation criterion of the tented camping activity, so these substrate data were used jointly. Another factor, the current use evaluation criterion, covers the entire area.

The factors of landscape viewing and nature photography activity cover the same range as other activity evaluation factors, and the only factor other than fixed factors is the peaks. A total of 15 peak detection points were identified in the area. Taking these points as the center, a circular area with a diameter of 100 m was created. These areas represent landscape viewing areas. Landscape viewing areas of approximately 117.75 m² in total were created on 15 hills.

The number of evaluation factors determined is eight. The fact that the factors in determining the “Most Suitable” areas are few and the criteria cover wide ranges has increased the surface of the areas where the activity can be applied. The determining factor in determining the “Suitable” areas was the presence of plants, and it allowed construction in more limited areas compared to the “Most Suitable” areas. The peaks dominating the landscape were considered as a circular area with a diameter of 50 m. The surface area of the “Most Suitable” areas revealed for the “Landscape Viewing and Nature Photography” activity in the area by the filtering method is 6162.53 ha. The “suitable” area was determined as 72.12 ha (Figure 8).

3.6. Optimal Land Use

After determining the areas where ecologically based tourism and recreation activities can be implemented (“Most Suitable” + “Suitable”), an optimal land use map of the research area with high potential for recreational and tourism purposes was created by overlapping these areas (Figure 9).

As a result of the analysis, the surface area of the areas where recreational activities can be implemented was determined as “Most Suitable” areas as 23.21 ha and “Suitable” areas as 1397.75 ha. It has been determined that these areas cause overlapping areas in the “Most Suitable” and “Suitable” areas because they cover intersecting criterion ranges in the evaluation factors. The surface area of these areas was determined as 21.03 ha.

To determine the areas that provide optimal land use, the surface areas of the “Most Suitable” areas and “Suitable” areas were collected and the surface area of the intersecting areas was subtracted. Thus, an area of 1297.75 ha was determined for optimal land use, and this resulted in the conclusion that 16.25% of the research area could enable the planning of tourism-recreation activities.

Optimal land use is 1297 ha and 16.25%. When the areas were evaluated according to the proportional distribution of optimal area use, it was found to be significant at p ≤ 0.01 level. Accordingly, it is seen that the most suitable areas have the highest rate with 1295.57, followed by the most suitable areas with 23.21 and intersecting areas with 21.03 (Figure 10).

When the activities were compared according to optimal land usage, it was determined to be significant at the p≤ 0.01 level, according to the results of a one-way analysis of variance. Accordingly, it was determined that Landscape and Nature Photography was the most suitable area with an area of 6162.53 ha, Caravan Camping was the most suitable area with 7984.66 ha, and Caravan Camping was the intersecting area with 7984.66 ha (

Table 3. Comparison of activities to optimal land use.

		Optimal Land Use
		The Most Suitable Area (ha)	Suitable Areas (ha)	Intersecting Area (ha)
Activities	Tent Camping	100.52 e	264.65 d	365.17 e
	Hiking	173.79 c	1790.2 c	91790.2 d
	Trekking	1747.71 b	4259.9 b	4259.9 c
	Caravan Camping	110.04 d	7984.66 a	7984.66 a
	Landscape Viewing and Nature Photography	6162.53 a	264.65 d	6427.18 b
Significance		**	**	**

** (a–e) Significance levels are determined at the p ≤ 0.01 level and are lettered.

).

4. Discussion

Nowadays, in line with industrialization and developments in industry and technology, the workforce has increased and people’s lifestyles have accelerated accordingly. For this reason, people’s needs for rest, entertainment, and getting away from the places they live have also increased. Many studies in the literature have shown that people are under physical, social, and emotional impact due to the stress they are exposed to in their daily lives. People feel the need to participate in recreational activities to satisfy their emotional hunger [50,51].

Zhang and Chen [52] stated that in their systematic screening study in this context, data showed that physical activities increase happiness. According to the results of research conducted within the scope of the physical, social, and spiritual effects of recreational activities on the individual, it has been revealed that individuals who include recreational activities in their daily lives contribute positively to their personal feelings and thoughts such as happiness, satisfaction, and stress management. Today, modern individuals frequently visit green areas and parks where they can practice recreational areas and various activities to live a physically, spiritually, and mentally healthy life [53,54]. In today’s conditions, recreational desires are indispensable activities for individuals. These activities are interconnected with many different parameters.

In sustainable tourism practices, while integrated planning is done with many parameters (such as economy, ecology, culture, etc.), it is also important to consider the relationships between different parameters. The focus of this study is to evaluate the relationship between recreational and tourist activities and landscape values. When evaluating the studies of Holleran [16], Kent et. al. [17], Sutawa [10], Pirselimoğlu and Demirel [18], Dhami et. al. [19], Pirselimoğlu Batman and Demirel [18], Fung and Jim [20], Pirselimoğlu Batman, Demirel and Kurdoğlu [21], Pirselimoğlu Batman and Zencirkıran [22], Demir et.al. [23], Nowacki et.al. [24], Pirselimoğlu Batman et.al. [25], Demir and Atanur [26], Giardano [27], Jiménez-García et. al. [28], Kaptan Ayhan et al. [29], Pirselimoğlu Batman and Seyidoğlu Akdeniz [2], Sharmin et al. [30], Özgeriş and Karahan [31], Mateoc-Sîrb et al. [32], and Dipak et. al. [33], it is evident that ecological-based approaches enhance the compatibility of recreation and tourism activities with the areas, supporting the sustainable use of resources. This situation will further strengthen the concept of sustainable tourism. Therefore, our study serves as a foundational piece for sustainable tourism.

In this context, in line with the increasing tourism and recreation demands over time, it is important to first determine the suitability of the area for tourism and recreation in opening the areas that will meet these demands for public use. In the planning to be made, revealing the factors affecting tourism and recreation potential is among the objectives [55]. Tourism-based uses of the areas are determined by preparing ecological synthesis maps consisting of overlapping one-to-one scale maps in which the natural (hydrology, geology, vegetation, soil, etc.) and cultural (existing land use) landscape values of the determined area are processed in line with the planning goal. The main goal of planning is to reveal a sustainable and effective optimal use of space with the necessary measures, without making changes to the existing potential of the area, in line with the natural and cultural data of the area [18,56].

In addition to the opportunities offered by coastal areas where recreational use and tourism demand are high, disruptions occur in the conservation-use balance based on unplanned uses, and the natural integrity of these areas is rapidly damaged. To improve or reduce these deteriorations to minimum levels, it is imperative to establish a balanced relationship between the recreational orientations of the participants and the available resources. This situation highlights the concept of “sustainability”. In this regard, it is of great importance that both the resource values of existing recreation elements and their activities are sustainable. To protect natural assets, studies should be carried out with a comprehensive planning and management approach that includes coastal areas and their surroundings [27,57,58,59,60]. Landscape evaluation studies carried out to determine the use, suitability, and potential of rural areas for ecologically based tourism purposes are very diverse. The ecologically based planning studies carried out on these areas aim to emphasize environmentally friendly activities and to make the area sustainable by preserving the natural and cultural structure of the area. To achieve these goals, it is also necessary for users to be conscious and for inspections to be carried out by the relevant administrations.

Düzgüneş and Demirel [61] expressed in their study that the ecological sensitivity structure of the area or region is an issue that should be taken into consideration when planning activities to be held in areas with high ecological sensitivity. Higham and Dickey [62] evaluated the activities in the ecotourism market in two categories: adventure and cultural. They revealed that ecotourism types are mostly preferred in connection with adventure tourism (walking in bush areas, trekking, geological volcanic tours, bird watching, eco-tours, wildlife watching, mountaineering, camping, diving, sea kayaking, mountain biking, rafting, caving). However, cultural activities (viewing, historical tours/excursions, traditional tours, cultural excursions) are also preferred. Marrosu and Balvis [63] conducted a study showing that the natural landscaping character guides the activities to be carried out in the area. With the interest in areas with large amounts of rock outcrops, an increase in climbing and mountaineering activities has been observed, and the development of tourism infrastructure in these areas has been observed. Silva et. al. [64] conducted a study that evaluated nine outdoor activities. In their study, they used a matrix to evaluate the activities. In the matrix, they evaluated the area characteristics of the activities together with the application conditions, sustainable development, infrastructure, and resources. In this study in Northern Portugal, outdoor activities have been determined as fishing, cycling, climbing, rafting, canoeing, paragliding and hand gliding, and wildlife watching. Evaluation and rating conditions of these activities vary depending on the nature of each activity. However, they may show common characteristics in some points. In their study, Gonia and Jezierska-thöle [65] evaluated that sustainable and active forms of tourism for nature reserves will be possible through hiking, cycling, educational tourism, and daily recreation activities.

The natural features of the region, such as soil, climate, and vegetation, provide significant opportunities for meeting the necessary conditions for activities, which have diversified tourism uses and enabled the planning of nature-based activities. At the same time, the ability to utilize the area’s different climatic characteristics, seasons, and landscape features in both coastal and rural areas has facilitated the fulfillment of various demands.

In our study, in determining the tourism-based activities evaluation that can be done in the area, the method used by Topay [40], Benliay [41], Parladır [42], Topay and Parladır [43] was used to create digitized maps on the GIS program for each criterion of the application conditions of recreational activities and analyze the common areas that emerged by overlapping these maps. With this method, the most appropriate areas where activities that will highlight the natural riches of the area, contribute to the local community and offer a variety of uses for visitors have been identified.

Considering the transportation opportunities of the area as well as its natural features, the fact that it is on the Istanbul–Izmir road allows transportation by sea and is an area with high accessibility increases its potential for preference. This situation is related to the integration of both the natural resource values of the areas and the human-centered cultural landscape characteristics in sustainable tourism planning.

In this context, Vuković [66] concluded in his study that Geographic Information Systems (GIS) could be useful in sustainable tourism planning. The importance of the research findings is reflected in the contribution to the theoretical foundation of sustainable tourism and the identification of innovative perspectives as ’smart sustainable tourism.

Similarly, Islam et al. [67] aimed to develop a geotourism suitability map for the East Duars region in West Bengal, India, using GIS-based Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (F-AHP) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Based on the F-AHP results, a geotourism suitability map was created, matching the most suitable locations for geotourism according to the area’s suitability criteria. Potential geotourism areas were identified based on various physical, climatic, and human-induced factors, guiding tourism planners and policymakers in developing sustainable geotourism destinations while protecting the region’s natural environment and wildlife.

Montoya et al. [68] designed a tourist route and itinerary integrating tourist attractions and facilities in Sangay National Park and Altar Volcano in central Ecuador. During the methodological process, the main tourist attractions of the region were identified and geographically referenced. A thematic map was created using ArcGIS 10.5^® software, and distances and transportation alternatives to the main camps were considered while designing the route, which was structured based on tourist activities.

Nishant et al. [69] aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of GIS and AHP techniques in identifying potential areas for tourism development. Overall, their findings indicated that the results could serve as a foundation for future research and policy decisions regarding the region’s tourism sector. In another GIS-based study, Chandel and Kanga [70] aimed to identify the role of ecotourism growth and planning and to map existing tourism flows in the study area using ArcGIS software. The evaluations made in the study concluded that GIS and management planning provided much better results than anticipated, and with the use of geographic information technologies, visitor flows in ecologically sensitive areas could be managed more effectively.

These studies show that, in sustainable recreation and tourism planning, the alignment of landscape characteristics with activities and the impact of spatial data usage on applications are significant factors, with GIS being an essential tool.

One of the most important steps in ensuring the sustainability of tourism is the development of policies. This is a crucial phase in translating planning into practice. In this context, Turkey’s Twelfth Development Plan [71] includes strategies under the headings of tourism goals, policies, and measures, which focus on ’the effective management of protected areas through planning and practices aimed at ecosystem protection and sustainable use’ and ’the establishment of destination management organizations to ensure consistent and holistic tourism development, create unique identities for destinations, and strengthen local economic cycles.’ These strategies will emphasize ecological tourism activities under the framework of sustainable tourism.

Additionally, within the framework of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, [72] tourism strategies have been developed under the mission, vision, and core values, aiming for the development and sustainability of tourism areas. This aligns the results and recommendations of this study with national policies, supporting the realism of this study.

5. Conclusions

When the requirements of the activities included in the tourism-recreation activities classification and the current status of the area are examined, the activities that are predicted to be impractical and the existing uses in the area are not taken into consideration. For the study area, activities that integrate with natural and cultural landscape values have been identified, reflecting the activities users are most inclined towards. In this study conducted with this approach, rural areas were evaluated to offer an alternative to sea tourism that dominates the Gemlik Gulf. Considering the transportation opportunities of the area as well as its natural features, the fact that it is on the Istanbul–Izmir road and that it is an area with high accessibility as well as allowing transportation by sea has supported its preference. In these areas, potential areas for tent/caravan camping, hiking, trekking, landscape and nature photography activities have been evaluated. For this purpose, when evaluated specifically for the event, it is necessary to determine the areas with an ecologically based planning approach while identifying potential areas for tent/caravan camping, nature walking, trekking, landscape, and nature photography activities.

In the research, five activities were examined, the activities were filtered within the scope of evaluation factors, and the “Most Suitable” and “Suitable “areas were determined, mapped, and analyzed at the scale of the research area. In this regard, the surface area of the “Most Suitable” areas for the “Tent Camping” activity is 100.52 ha the surface area of the “Suitable” areas is 264.65 ha. The surface area of the “Most Suitable” areas for the “Caravan Camping” activity is 110.04 ha the “Suitable” area has been determined as the entire research area (7984.66 ha). The surface area of the “Most Suitable” areas for the “Nature Hiking” activity is 173.49 ha the surface area of the “Suitable” areas is 1790.2 ha. The surface area of the “Most Suitable” areas for the “Trekking” activity is 1747.71 ha. The surface area of the “Suitable” areas is 4259.9 ha. The surface area of the “Most Suitable” areas for the “Landscape and Nature Photography” activity is 6162.53 ha. The “Suitable” area has been determined as 72.12 ha.

During the evaluation of the activities, some of the “Suitable” area factors were within the range of the “Most Suitable” area factors. In the events, areas where these two areas intersect occurred. In the events where the factors were independent, the “Most Suitable” area and the “Suitable” areas emerged in different locations. When we looked at the optimal area uses, it was determined that the most suitable in the area was landscape and nature photography. Suitable as a caravan camping. Effectiveness has been determined. For the determination of fields providing optimal area use, the “Most Suitable” and “Suitable” areas have been determined as 1297.75 ha. and these areas correspond to 16.25% of the research area. Also, according to comparative values of optimal area use, it has been determined as the most suitable for scenes and nature photography (6162.53 a*). The caravan camping activity (7984.66 a*) has been determined as suitable. In addition, as a result of the analysis, it has been determined that the area is suitable for tent camping, nature walks, trekking, caravans, landscape, and nature photography activities.

In addition, as a result of the analysis, it has been determined that the area is suitable for tent camping, nature walking, trekking, caravans, landscape, and nature photography activities. These activities may focus on just one activity, depending on the visitor’s intended use, or when desired, more comprehensive and diverse usage patterns can be presented by integrating the activities. For example, a person who chooses a work area for tent camping can explore the area by hiking and watching both sea and forest views.

Areas that allow all evaluated activities to be carried out have been determined, mapped, and analyzed as optimal land use with high potential for recreational and tourism use.

The determined activities were a priority to prevent intensive coastal usage in accordance with the objectives of this study and directing the activities to rural and natural areas. It has been determined that the selected activities are compatible with the landscape characteristics of the area. Additionally, among the ecologically based tourism activities, the most well-known and preferred by users, which have gained significant attention during the pandemic, are camping and caravanning, nature hiking, trekking, landscape viewing, and nature photography, and these activities have been selected for the area. In addition, the activities are also integrated with the natural and cultural landscape values of the area in accordance with the objectives. In addition, holistic and ecologically based planning approaches will be evaluated, which will increase the use of areas for the development of tourism and recreation activities. In this case, studies based on the protection-use principle and ecologically based tourism planning will be considered.

Despite the existence of suitable areas offered for tourism in areas with ecological sensitivity, unspoiled natural history, and cultural landscape resource value, it is a desired situation that touristic infrastructures are not sufficient and do not accommodate touristic infrastructure. Because wrong planning on sensitive areas will result in the wrong use of resources that cannot be recycled. Ecologically based planning approaches that will eliminate this situation should be considered. In addition, in the process of ecologically based tourism, plans should be taken to ensure the pristineness of the resources, the balance of protection–use in the activities to be carried out, and the sustainability of the resources [15,25,73]. The relationship between the activities considered on the basis of this planning approach and the natural and cultural landscape resource values is an important parameter on the basis of the sustainability of resources. In this line, as a result of this study, the applicability of ecologically based activities in the study area, where tourism use is concentrated on the sea and coastal zone, not only offers an alternative to the user but also enables integrated tourism planning in coastal and rural areas. Thanks to the planning, it aims to make the area sustainable by protecting the natural and cultural landscape structure of the area by emphasizing environmentally friendly activities. The distinct feature of natural and cultural landscape resource values will be achieved by planning ecologically based activities based on the preservation–use balance. With this study, effective use of resources will be ensured by determining suitable use areas in line with the natural and cultural characteristics of the area. This will ensure sustainability in natural and cultural landscape resource values. Sustainability of resources will support the sustainability of ecologically based activities and the sustainability of the tourism potential of the area. This situation is also supported by national plans and policies.

This study, which evaluates landscape characteristics for sustainable recreation and tourism planning—a multi-criteria process—encourages important infrastructural work. Together with the significance of spatial data, tourists’ demands and needs can be addressed, and the carrying capacity of the area can also be evaluated in the next phase. All of this, when integrated into the region’s plans and policies, will support the sustainable use of resources. Furthermore, this study will assist policymakers and tourism stakeholders in developing and ensuring the sustainability of recreation and tourism. It can provide sustainable economic growth for the local population.