Residents' Perceptions Of Tourism Potential And Its Effect On Supporting Tourısm Development: The Case Of Çorum Province

This study aims to measure how the residents perceive the tourism potential of the region that they reside in and to determine the effects of those perceptions on the levels of residents’ support of tourism development in the region. In this context, data has been collected via survey method from the local people residing in the newly developing tourism destination, Çorum province. Validity and reliability analyzes were performed on the data obtained from 250 people via convenience sampling method, and scales used in the study were found to be valid and reliable. It was observed that the scale of tourism potential perception of the local residents used in the research had five dimensions, namely 'tourism attractions', 'shopping and entertainment', touristic products and services', 'price-performance' and 'general image of the province'. Residents support for tourism development scale were found to be consisting of one dimension, and it is a reliable and valid scale. The result of the regression analysis revealed that all dimensions of the residents’ tourism potential perception scale had significant effects on the level of supporting the development of tourism except for the general image of the province. In conclusion some recommendations were presented for destination management organizations and stakeholders on destination planning.