Sustainable tourism development via agritourism :|the case of Gökçeada

Abstract

Since the late twentieth century, there is a growing interest of various stakeholders worldwide, from policymakers to practitioners and tourists, in agritourism. However, limited research has been done to identify critical success factors for sustainable agritourism development, especially in the context of developing countries. Therefore, this research provides guiding information concerning the development of an agritourism destination within the principles of sustainability. It analyzes the specific example of Gökçeada as an incipient agritourism destination and thus highlights what factors are available and what factors are missing for the development of an agritourism destination in the island. A conceptual model that summarizes all of these factors is also proposed. Data collection is made through semi-structured in- depth interviews carried out with local authorities, organic farmers, agritourism providers and candidates of agritourism activities, selected via judgmental and snowball sampling techniques The research findings reveal the importance of a legal framework to develop sustainable agritourism destinations. This research also highlights the need for a definition of what is a working farm. Practical implications for policymakers and agritourism providers are also made.