Tourism and local attitudes in Girne, Northern Cyprus

Abstract

Given Girne's limited growth potential, tourism is its most important activity Consequently, growth has both negative and positive impacts upon the environment and its values. It is therefore important that the tourism industry remains positive and sustainable in every way it interacts with the environment. For this to happen, a strategy that takes into consideration all related aspects has to be developed. One important step towards this is to learn about the attitudes of the people whose lives are affected by tourism. The purpose of this article is to analyze the existing situation, the physical condition of the environment and to learn the expectations and attitudes of the local residents in Girne, Northern Cyprus. To accomplish this, a questionnaire survey was prepared and administered to some people living in the historic areas of Turkish Mahalle and Liman Arkası in Girne as well as visiting tourists. They were asked to answer questions about themselves, their physical environment, their attitudes about tourism and their future expectations. The paper presents background information on tourism in Girne and summarizes the responses to questions that were put to the residents and the tourists on their needs and aspirations regarding developments for tourism.