Evaluation of the Perception of Change in Tourism and Agriculture after the Slow City Branding: The Case of Seferihisar

Abstract

Seferihisar is the Slow City capital of Turkey, which aims to preserve the local characteristics to ensure local sustainable development while inevitably promotes tourism. However, the agriculture and tourism sectors can be conflicting and need accurate planning and production policies to improve the intersections such as agro-tourism. The study aims to reveal the perceived conflicts and potentials between the agriculture and tourism sectors by local stakeholders within the axis of the planning and production policies. Within this purpose, the study approaches Slow City branding from a criticising perspective. The study is based on two main stages. In the first stage, the perception of local stakeholders on tourism and agriculture sectors is determined through an interview. In the second stage, planning and policy suggestions are developed considering the outcomes of the first stage. The interview is conducted online with non-governmental organisations, cooperative representatives, local organisation representatives, and chambers that are related to the tourism and agriculture sectors. The questions aim to examine the changes in the spatial, social, demographic, cultural, economic, and political structure of Seferihisar within the perceptions of local stakeholders. The outcome of the interviews enlightens the planning approach for well-managed development. Finally, the framework of planning and policy approaches is drawn considering the perceived problems and potentials by local stakeholders.