ENOTOURISM AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR PROMOTING RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN THRACE REGION (TURKEY)

Abstract

Anatolia, which has hosted many civilisations for centuries, has great tourism potential with its natural and cultural resource values. Not only as a general destination for tourism but also as an alternative tourism destination, Anatolia is attracting the attention of local and foreign tourists. In recent years enotourism has been developing in Turkey and by popularising new destinations, it has become an important sector for tourism. Turkey is located in the Earth most conducive climate zone for viticulture. The history of viticulture in whole Anatolia goes back to 3500 years B.C. Turkey consists of seven regions which have different geographic and climatic characteristics. In almost every region, various grape species are cultivated and wine production is made. In Turkey, 49% of the land are used for agricultural purposes and 1.2% of agricultural land are used for grape cultivation. According to FAO 2012 database, Turkey is ranked 6th out of all world countries in the grape production but only 2% of grapes are used for wine production. With implementation of wrong policies, prohibitions and obstructions for wine production and consumption, the benefits of enotourism to Anatolia can not be adequately assessed. Within the context of this study, economic contribution of enotourism, the changes in the employment opportunities of local communities and changes in the tourism movements are examined in the Thrace region where 40% of Turkey wine production is carried out.