Research to Measure Bosphorus Region Residents' Support for Tourism

Abstract

This study examines the support of residents of the Bosphorus region for further tourism development. The social, cultural, physical, and political conditions of the area are consistent in some ways; however, a survey was conducted to measure variation in attitudes and perceptions and to analyze any differences discovered. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to investigate patterns in local residents' views on tourism, the objective and subjective variables considered, and what relationships might exist between them. The weighted linear combination technique was used to rate and analyze the results. The survey was conducted between March and May of 2014 and sampled 476 people living in the Bosphorus region. The research data collected indicated that opinions regarding tourism development reflected differences according to the perceived impact and effects of tourism on the socio-cultural, physical, and political environment. The geographic distribution of responses is provided and findings are discussed in relation to related literature.