DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2663-4619/117/52-57
Aysu Musayeva
Baku State University
Master's student
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4501-9454
aysu.musayeva289@gmail.com
Sustainable Tourism Model in Buyukada
Abstract
This study explores the implementation potential of a sustainable tourism model on Büyükada, the largest and most visited island of the Princes’ Islands in Istanbul. Although the island offers remarkable natural and cultural richness, the increasing pressure from unregulated and seasonal tourism activities in recent years has led to serious environmental and social challenges. The main aim of this research is to identify practical strategies for establishing a long-term, balanced tourism model that protects natural resources while supporting the well-being of local communities.
The analysis is grounded in the three pillars of sustainable tourism — ecological sustainability, socio-cultural integration, and economic balance — and evaluates the applicability of slow tourism, ecotourism, and experiential tourism within the specific context of Büyükada. The study highlights the importance of local governance, civil society initiatives, and active community participation in shaping a sustainable tourism vision.
As a result, it is proposed that a sustainable tourism model for Büyükada should be based on carrying capacity management, preservation of cultural heritage, efficient use of local resources, and inclusive social development. This approach can serve not only as a roadmap for Büyükada, but also as a replicable framework for other island-based tourism destinations.
Keywords: Sustainable tourism, Ecotourism, Slow tourism, Experiential tourism, Carrying capacity, Tourism strategies, Alternative forms of tourism