THE EFFECTS OF DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM: THE SAMPLE OF NORTHERN ANATOLIA DEVELOPMENT AGENCY-KASTAMONU

Abstract

In the process of regional development, efforts to determine and implement development policies were taken from the central organizations and given to the local ones. Thus, the transfer of local politics to local organizations that are better able to recognize and analyze the region has resulted in more effective work in development. Development agencies have emerged in the process of leaving regional work to local organizations. In this study, the fact that the agencies carry out important studies in the activity areas despite their short history and especially the support they gave to tourism investments were chosen as research subject and the effects of the North Anatolian Development Agency on Kastamonu tourism were examined. In-depth interview, one of the qualitative research methods, was utilized in the study. With the direction of the general secretary of the Agency, data were gathered from two staffs who are experts in their fields through structured interview forms. The data obtained by face-to-face interview technique were analyzed by descriptive analysis method. The findings of the research reveal that within the scope of the projects carried out by the Northern Anatolian Development Agency which Kastamonu is affiliated with, the branding of the city, the establishment of many destination areas, publicity activities and stakeholder support have contributed significantly to the development of tourism and to the development of the city. The survey also shows that there is a City Tourism Action Plan to be carried out in the city and it is determined that it will carry out extensive studies in the areas of continuing education, capacity, superstructure and infrastructure within this plan.