Can Alternative Tourism Heal the Wounds of the February 6 Earthquake in Göksun (Kahramanmaraş)?

Abstract

Abstract

Today, the tendency towards alternative tourism types has increased in order to reduce the natural, cultural, and environmental problems caused by mass tourism, to benefit from tourism revenues all year round, and to use resources effectively. This situation creates a chance for underdeveloped countries/regions/cities. The study was conducted in Göksun district, which is an important place with its historical/natural/cultural elements. Göksun was both materially and morally affected by the Kahramanmaraş-based earthquakes, which were expressed as the disaster of the century on February 6, 2023, and migration from the region became inevitable. The aim of the study is to examine the alternative tourism potential of the region from a holistic perspective, to determine its strengths/weaknesses and opportunities/threats, and to put forward suggestions on the usability of tourism for the recovery of the region after the earthquake. Göksun’s mountains, rivers, plateaus, karakucak wrestling, festivals, historical and cultural values, tradition of minstrelsy, local Circassian food have been identified as alternative tourism offerings. The strongest aspect of the region is that nature is untouched and tourism can be sustained over 12 months, while the weakest aspect is that the earthquake concern continues. While the fact that the industry does not pose a danger to natural values is an opportunity, the fact that tourism is not sufficiently known by the local people and the decrease in the young population due to migration pose a threat. Göksun is a place where alternative tourism such as trekking, rock climbing, rafting, paragliding, mountain biking, bird watching, sports, cave, adventure, hunting, creative and cultural tourism can be practiced. In order to utilize this potential, all stakeholders must act together in the region.