Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The primary objective of this study is to explore how social tourism is positioned and functions within Türkiye's national policy documents.Since social tourism first emerged as a concept in the 1950s, it has evolved alongside a range of contextual developments, including the global expansion of mass tourism, transformations in welfare state structures, neoliberal economic reforms, and the increasing prominence of sustainability concerns.In countries where social tourism has been formally incorporated into public policy, its advantages are consistently highlighted, and it is strategically embedded within broader planning processes.These international trends have notably influenced the direction and priorities of national tourism policies in Türkiye.In line with broader goals to stimulate tourism development, governments have embraced social tourism not only to promote domestic tourism but also to enhance inclusivity and broaden participation.Consequently, early initiatives often positioned social tourism as both an instrument and an objective, reflecting an egalitarian perspective in tourism planning.Within this framework, social tourism in Türkiye has been largely shaped by supply-side policies that emphasise investment in tourism-related infrastructure.Nevertheless, demand-side measures-such as direct and indirect financial support for individuals-have also been implemented, albeit to a more limited extent.To trace the evolution of social tourism in Türkiye, this study conducts a comprehensive analysis of national policy documents using a document analysis methodology.Drawing on both academic literature and official governmental sources, the study critically reviews key policy instruments, including the Development Plans, the Tourism Strategy of Türkiye 2023, and the 2007-2013 Action Plan.
Source: Kesit Akademi
DOI: 10.29228/kesit.82812
Author: Nail HOŞCAN
Institution: Sakarya Uygulamalı Bilimler Üniversitesi
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4414400399
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