Tourists perception of landscape design: The case of resorts in the Belek Specially Protected Area

摘要

Tourism development in protected areas is highly critical for the sustainability of resources. Landscape design of the resorts can make a great contribution to physical environments by emphasizing the protection of natural character and cultural identity. The purpose of the study is to analyze the landscape designs of the resorts of the Belek region, which is one of the most important Specially Protected Areas (SPA) in Turkey. Seven resorts from the Belek SPA are evaluated to find out the tourists’ perception about the landscape designs of the resorts. The views of the designers and the local authorities are also investigated to question the main design concepts and characteristics of the tourism developments. According to results of the questionnaire survey, tourists in general heed the landscape design of the resorts and are particularly impressed by the water element, the natural atmosphere, and conservation of important plant species such as?Pinus pinea.??Interviews with the landscape designers show that there is a considerable awareness vis-à-vis the protection and sustainability of the environment through choosing the native plant species and using water supplies economically. However interviews with the local authorities demonstrate that the tourism policy for the region gives priority to the construction of large-scale resorts and investments which generally have less connection with the local people and the local characteristics of the region. Therefore, resorts in the Belek region should take action to protect the environment from the negative effects of mass tourism.