The Importance of Windsurf Schools in Tourism: The Case of Alaçati

Abstract

: Surf tourism has gained significant attention in the academia during the past decade. It is a new and fast-growing field of study. The main aim of this study is to analyzing the current status of windsurf schools along with the evaluation of surf tourism (current status, problems, expectation, etc.)

Surf Tourism Development: Perspectives in Alaçati Surf Spot

“…They have stated that increasing the number of feasts and having them in low season would increase the number of surfers and extend the tourism season. What makes this research different from other recent studies (Yenilmez & Çelik, 2017;Avcı & Barışık, 2015) is that after the coup attempt in the country in the summer 2016, the social and economic influences on surf tourism are researched, along with the collection of first hand data source.…”

“…The participants stated that good blowing wind, safe deepness and available spots for training of water attract the visitors in the destination as well. In the study of Avcı and Barışık (2015), based on the interviews with managers of eight surf schools, they said that they contribute to the region in terms of promotion, economy, employment and incoming tourist number. The distinguishing characteristics of surf centers located here from other schools have been listed as: the safety of bay, shallowness of water, visibility of the bottom of sea and existence of constant wind.…”

“…In order to cultivate tourism in the region; all tourism-related establishments (non-governmental organizations, private industry representatives, municipal administrators) should work together. The critical point is that it should be decided upon whether Alaçatı is desired to be made into an outstanding surf spot or not (Avcı & Barışık, 2015). Throughout the interviews, the study is also backed up by the theoretical frame depending on several instances.…”

“…One destination for Turkey that is highly popular for surfers is Alaçatı, Çeşme. It has been thought that Alaçatı is the most favorable region in that it is a closed cove, safe, with shallow water and adequate wind (Yenilmez & Çelik, 2017;Avcı & Barışık, 2015;Dalgakıran & Bal, 2007). Favorable geographic characteristics of the destination in terms of windsurf causes the worldwide surf lovers to recognize this destination as an ideal spot.…”

“…The destination which is preferred by many domestic and foreign windsurfers becomes an essential center with the national and international organizations of windsurf. These are; Windsurf League, Alaçatı Surf Festival, Pegasus Airlines PWA Windsurf World Cup, IFCA Surf World Championship, European Championship, Jim Beam Windsurf World Championship and Mistral Windsurf World Championship (Avcı & Barışık, 2015). What makes this study unique is that after the coup attempt in the country in 2016, the social and economic impacts on surf tourism are mainly investigated in this tourism destination, along with the first hand data through surf centers.…”