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THE IMPORTANCE OF WINDSURF SCHOOLS IN TOURISM: THE CASE OF ALAÇATI

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Abstract

Öz In addition to being seen as the best place to do surfing in Turkey, Alaçatı is accepted as the second among the best training areas in the world. Alaçatı is also a tourism destination famous for its bays and stone houses. There have been both national and international surfing races in Alaçatı. There are 10 surf schools. The main aim of this study is analyzing the current status of the surf schools along with determining the significance of surfing tourism for Alaçatı. In this study, the qualitative approach has been adopted in data collection and analysis. The data was collected through an interview technique: semi structured questionnaire conducted in the eight surf schools that have accepted to participate in the study. Surf schools believe that they contribute to Alaçatı in terms of promotion, economy, employment and incoming tourist number. The distinguishing features of the surf schools located in Alaçatı from the other surf schools have been listed as: the safety of the bay, the shallowness of water, visibility of the bottom of the sea, absence of waves and constant wind. They have emphasized that it is a great area for training with these features. Surf schools have stated that surf trainers have certificate and they follow the latest technology. The reason for the inability to increase the number of surfers has been linked to the high prices of the accommodation management corporations. It has been expressed that the biggest threat is the wind shields that are going to be built for the visitors of the area coming for sun, sandy beaches and sea. There is a concern that surfing in the area will end up because of the disruption of wind. They have rendered an opinion that raising the number of the feasts and having them in the low season would increase the number of surfers. As a result of the analysis, it is revealed that the local authorities should set a tourism plan for Alaçatı to progress in tourism. It should be decided upon whether Alaçatı is desired to be made into an outstanding surf center or not.
Journal of Yasar University, 2014 9(36) 6381- 6477
THE IMPORTANCE OF WINDSURF SCHOOLS IN
TOURISM: THE CASE OF ALAÇATI
RÜZGARSÖRFÜ OKULLARININ TURĠZMDEKĠ ÖNEMĠ: ALAÇATI
ÖRNEĞĠ
Nilgün AVCI, Ege University, Turkey, nilgun.avci@ege.edu.tr
ġükriye Melike BARIġIK, Balikesir University, Turkey, melikebarisik@gmail.com
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.) by them as being one of the stakeholders in the region. The study was conducted in Alaçatı accepted as the second among the best training areas
in the world in addition to being seen as the best place to do surfing in Turkey. Alaçatı is also a tourism destination well-known for its bays and stone
houses. There have been both national and international surf championships and competitions in Alaçatı. There were 10 windsurf schools at the time
of research. The data was collected through interview technique in eight windsurf schools that have accepted to participate in the study and the
qualitative approach has been adopted in data collection and analysis. In the study windsurf schools managers or owners believe that they contribute
to Alaçatı in terms of promotion, economy, employment and incoming tourist number. The distinguishing features of the surf schools located in
Alaçatı from the other windsurf schools have been listed as: the safety of the bay, the shallowness of water, visibility of the bottom of the sea, absence
of waves and existence of constant wind. They have emphasized that it is a great area for training with these features. Windsurf schools have stated
that surf trainers have certificate and they follow the latest technology. The reason for the inability to increase the number of surfers has been linked
to the high prices of the accommodation enterprises. It has been expressed that the biggest threat is the wind shields that are going to be built for the
visitors of the area coming for sun, sandy beaches and sea. There is a concern that surfing in the area will end up because o f the disruption of wind.
They have rendered an opinion that raising the number of the feasts and having them in the low season would increase the number of surfers. As a
result of the analysis, in order to develop tourism in Alaçatı; all tourism-related organizations (e.g.: NGOs, private sector representatives, municipal
and state administrators) should work together. It should be decided upon whether Alaçatı is desired to be made into an outstanding surf destination
or not.
Keywords: Wind-Surfing, Surf tourism, Alaçatı
Öz: Son on yılda akademik çalışmalarda sörf turizmine yönelik ilginin arttığı görülmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, sörf okullarının turizmdeki
önemini belirlemenin yanında, sörf okullarının bir paydaş olarak gelişmekte olan sörf turizmini nasıl değerlendirdiklerini (mevcut durum, sorunlar,
beklentiler vs.) analiz etmektir. Çalışma İzmir’in Alaçatı ilçesinde yürütülmüştür. Alaçatı’nın seçilmesinin sebebi ise Türkiye’de rüzgâr sörfü
yapılabilecek en iyi alan olarak görülmesinin yanında dünyada da en iyi ikinci eğitim alanı olarak kabul edilmesidir. İlçe aynı zamanda koyları ve
taş evleri ile de ünlü bir turizm destinasyonudur. Alaçatı’da ulusal ve uluslararası sörf yarışmaları düzenlenmiş olup, eğitim vermekte olan 10 Sörf
okulu bulunmaktadır. Veriler Alaçatı’daki çalışmaya katılmayı kabul eden sekiz sörf okulundan görüşme tekniği ile toplanmıştır. Analizinde Kalitatif
yöntem benimsenmiştir. Araştırmada, sörf okulları Alaçatı’ya tanıtım, ekonomik, istihdam ve gelen turist sayısında katkıları olduklarını
düşünmektedirler. Alaçatı’da bulunan sörf okullarının diğer sörf merkezlerinden ayırt edici özelliği olarak koyun güvenli olması, suyun sığ olması,
suyun dibinin görünmesi, dalga olmaması ve sürekli rüzgâr olması olarak sıralamışlardır. Bu yönleriyle mükemmel bir eğitim alanı olduğunu
vurgulamışlardır. Rüzgâr sörfü okulları eğiticilerin sertifikalı olduklarını ve yeni teknolojiyi takip ettiklerini belirtmişlerdir. Sörfçü sayısının
artırılamama nedenini konaklama işletmelerinin pahalılığına bağlamaktadırlar. En büyük tehdidin güneş kum deniz için beldeye gelenlere nelik
yapılacak olan rüzgâr perdeleri olduğunu belirtmişlerdir. Rüzgârın kesilmesi ile beldede sörfün biteceği yönünde endişeler bulunmaktadır.
Festivallerin artırılmasının ve düşük sezonda yapılmasının sörfçü sayısını artıracağı yönünde fikir bildirmişlerdir. Analiz sonucunda, Alaçatı’nın
turizmde gelişebilmesi için turizmle ilgili tüm birimlerin (örn: sivil toplum kuruluşları, özel sektör temsilcileri, belediye ve devlet yöneticileri) birlikte
çalışması gerektiği düşünülmektedir. Alaçatı dünyada önemli bir sörf merkezi yapılmak isteniyor mu istemiyor mu öncelikle buna karar vermelidir.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Rüzgâr sörfü, Sörf turizmi, Alaçatı
1. INTRODUCTION
Recently, the traditional holiday perception has given place to the alternative holiday types. Accordingly, it
is expected that sport tourism will increasingly become important. Sport tourism also makes progress day by
day since it provides individuals to be active in their social lives; provides their personal and self-confidence
developments. Surf tourism has become a significant niche within the adventure/sport tourism sector
(Barbieri and Sotomayor, 2013; Buckley, 2002). Surf tourism characterizes travel for the purposes of surfing,
learning to surf, or attending a surfing event. Recent estimates of the global surfer population are 35 million
participants (O’Brien and Eddie, 2013). Global growth in the sport of surfing is estimated at 16% per annum
(Buckley, 2002). Lately, recreational surfing and surf tourism have emerged as multibillion dollar industries
encompassing equipment manufacturers (such as Cobra International in Thailand), clothing corporations
(such as Quiksilver, Billabong, and Rip Curl), amateur and professional sporting events, and domestic and
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international tourism (Martin and Assenov 2014). Surf sites and surfing activities play a leading role in a
region’s image, commerce and tourism-based identity (Martin 2013). Owners and tourism officials reported,
for instance, that surfers were environmentally minded and on balance had a minimal impact on the coastal
ecologies (Krause 2012).This is another issue why surf tourism is important for creating a sustainable
tourism resort.
In recent years, surfing has made progress in Turkey as well. Many individuals have visited different
destinations in order to perform the sport tourism in which they are interested. One destination for Turkey
that is enduringly popular for surfers is Alaçatı which is in Ġzmir-ÇeĢme. International surfing destinations
are highly dependent on specific combinations of windwave formation, thermal conditions and local
bathymetry (Espejo, Losada and Méndez, 2014). It has been stated that geographic features of Alaçatı are so
favorable in terms of the wind surf (Sönmez 2006; Dalkıran and Bal, 2007; ĠZKA, 2014). Buckley (2002)
stated that people are willing and able to pay for unique surfing experiences in uncrowned, exotic locations.
Alaçatı has competitive advantages in the niche market of the surf tourism with these mentioned
characteristic features.
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. Favorable geographic features of Alaçatı in terms of the wind surf cause the
worldwide surfers to recognize this destination as an ideal surfing location. The wind surf schools which
provide training to the domestic and foreign tourists create the infrastructure of this sport. Alaçatı, which is
preferred by many domestic and foreign windsurfers interested in the wind surf, becomes increasingly an
important center with the national and international organizations of wind surf such as Wind Surf League,
Alaçatı Surf Festival, BauMax Surf Jump Show, Pegasus Airlines PWA Wind Surf World Cup, IFCA Surf
World Championship, European Championship, Jim Beam Wind Surf World Championship, Petrol Ofisi
Olympic Wind Surf European Championship, Mistral Wind Surf World Championship.
Surf tourism has evolved into a rapidly expanding market segment of the wider tourism industry,
gaining significant attention in the academia during the previous decade (Martin and Assenov 2012).
Furthermore, the surf tourism industry promises further growth with the development of more specialized
services such as surf schools as well as increase of the market for surfing-related consumer brands
(Moutinho, Dionısio, and Leal, 2007). The aim of this study is to analyze the current status of the windsurf
schools, to learn their opinions on the development of surf tourism in the destination along with their
expectations and suggestions. In this study, windsurf schools’ and surf tourisms’ problems together with the
suggestions could be exhibited. This information is used to provide recommendations to local government
managers and policy decision makers while planning future destination developments. The result of the study
will be instructive for the other destinations. This study also will fill the gap in the sport tourism literature.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
Buckley (2002) defines surf tourism as “travelling for the primary purpose of surfing that entails at least one
overnight stay”. Started with independent travelers searching for new surfing spots, surf tourism peaked in
the1960s mostly because of more affordable air travel, lighter surfboards, and the image of a surfing culture
delivered through mass media, increased accessibility to lessons at surf schools (Butts, 2001; Tantamjarik,
2004; Barbieri and Sotomayor 2013; Ng, Phillips, Calado, Borges and Veloso-Gomes, 2013).Thanks to the
lightening and quickening materials, surf has been adopted by a large mass of people as a business line, a
competitive sports branch, and a leisure time activity (Reichenfeldr, 1991). One of the important differences
between surf tourists and other travellers is that surfers stay longer and prefer local establishments more
often than other types of tourists (Krause 2012).
Buckley (2006) denoted that surf tourism in economic terms encompasses surf schools offering surfing
lessons as part of a tourist’s travel experience as one of four distinct segments. The surf tourism industry
promises further growth with the development of more specialized services such as surf schools as well as
increase of the market for surfing-related consumer brands (Moutinho, Dionsio and Leal, 2007).
Poorly planned surf tourism can be lead to negative social and environmental impacts, often with little or
no economic benefits reticulating back to host communities (Barilotti, 2002; Buckley, 2002). The literature
on surf tourism topic has mainly focused on community impacts, urbanization threats, and entrepreneurial
complexities in surf tourism destinations (Martin and Assenov, 2012). Previous surf tourism researches has
explored the sustainability of management plans, policies, and regulations in a range of destinations
(Buckley, 2002; O’Brien and Ponting, 2013; Martin and Assenov, 2014; Ponting and O’Brien, 2014).
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Barbieri and Sotomayors’ (2013) study was conducted using a convenient sample of 126 surfers to
examine whether the six serious leisure qualities (Effort, Ethos, Career, Identity, Perseverance, Benefits) are
associated with surf travel behavior and destination preferences. Martin and Assenov (2012) reviewed surf
tourism studies between 1997-2011 years and found that; surfing events, artificial surfing reefs, and the
sustainability of surf sites and host communities are among the most prolific areas under discussion and key
arguments include socioeconomics, coastal management, and sustainable tourism.
An urban area where surfing, surf culture and employment in surf related industries comprise a
significant proportion of the economic, social and cultural base of the city and the surf industry is formally
recognized by the city government (Eddie & O'Brien, 2013). For developing surfing destination Eddie and
O'Brien’s (2013) study proves that government support, surf tourism, surf events, surf education, surf media,
surf festivals and surf real estate should be analyzed together displayed in Figure 1.
Figure 1: The place of Surf Schools in Surf Concept
Source: Eddie, I. and O'Brien, D. (2013). Benchmarking Global Best Practice: Innovation and Leadership in
Surf City Tourism and Industry Development. Global Surf Cities Conference, Australia.
The model shows that all the surf components are in interaction with each other and each surf component
will affect the challenges of surf cities. One of them is surf schools. YaĢar’s (2014) study suggests that it
should be avoided from the settlements which can cause the windbreak; that Ayazma beach should be left for
the surfers; and that capacity of accommodation should be increased and presented. The fact that Alaçatı has
the extremely favorable geographic features in terms of the wind surf sport is seen as the biggest factor
leading to call the worldwide surfers’ attention (Dere, 2010). In the study on the profiles of the tourists who
put up in Alaçatı, Dalkıran and Bal (2014) stated that sea and historic fabric drew attention in the process till
2000, and that customer proportion who came for the wind surf increased after 2000. And the wind surf
facilities which do the honors and provide training to the domestic and foreign tourists create the
infrastructure of this sport and feed the sport. In the study conducted in Alaçatı, Sönmez (2006) stated that a
great majority of the surfers got surf training before and are still getting surf training; that not having any
materials again indicated the importance of the surf schools as material providers. Sönmez suggests that
association of the surf schools should be formed so that season can be extended.
Eddie and O'Brien (2013) suggest that successful cities in the global surf industry should be in
coordination with all governmental and non-profit institutions at local, provincial and national level. The
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research contributes to surf tourism planning and development though the clarification of surf schools
importance, and with developing solutions of surf tourism. It is expected that analysis of the role of the surf
schools, one of the key considerations in the surf tourism, for the development of the tourism in Alaçatı will
beneficial to the tourism decision makers. The importance of the study: results could be helpful for future
policy design and management of the destination Alaçatı and literature.
3. METHODOLOGY
The aim of the study was to gain in-depth understanding on how one of the stakeholders windsurf schools
evaluate surf tourism in Alaçatı, thus a qualitative research strategy was adopted. Specifically, exploratory
semi-structured interviews were undertaken with key stakeholders identified by the researchers as being
related to the surf tourism sector. Qualitative research method of semi-structured interviewing involving
open-ended questions was preferred as a research technique. Data were collected through in-depth interviews
with eight wind surf schools, all conducted face-to-face. In conformity with the aim of this study, the
questionnaire has been generated with the specialized questions including general questions for all schools
and special questions for each school, based on the literature survey prior to the interviews. During the
interview, new questions have also been asked in order to raise new subjects. In April and May 2014, the
interviews have been conducted by making appointments with each school representative. Participants
consist of owners (5) and managers (3) of the schools. Questions have been asked and answers have been
recorded by a tape recorder. The interview time was at least 50 minutes for each respondent. Subsequently,
the interviews have been decoded into verbatim of 16 pages . Transcribed interviews and field notes were
collected, content analysis was done, and data were coded manually to themes. The main question in this
study was determined as follows: Being one of the stakeholders how does windsurf schools evaluate surf
tourism in Alaçatı? In this context, 20 questions were asked.
The main issues that the interview questions focused on were as follows:
Describing the situation of the surf schools in Alaçatı (7 Questions)
Listing the advantages of Alaçatı for the surf tourism (5 Questions)
Determining problems in terms of the surf tourism in Alaçatı (5 Questions)
Discussing the suggestions to develop the surf tourism in Alaçatı (3 Questions)
4. RESULTS
In the vicinity of Alaçatı , there are 10 wind surf schools, eight of which it has been interviewed with their
owners and managers. As Miles and Huberman (1994) suggested the transcripts and notes from the
interviews were read several times in order to identify key themes. Subsequently, for the identification of
thematic categories blocks of verbatim text were copied, re-organized and cross-referenced. The broader
themes that contain the categories are listed as; (1)The situation of the surf schools in Alaçatı, (2)Listing the
advantages of Alaçatı for the surf tourism (3)Determining problems in terms of the surf tourism in Alaçatı
(4)Discussing the suggestions to develop the surf tourism in Alaçatı.
4.1. The situation of the surf schools in Alaçatı
According to data obtained from the meetings with eight windsurf schools in Alaçatı, it is seen that
entrepreneurs of the surf schools did the surf sport and set their hearts on this sport before opening the
schools. And then, they combined this surf love with their entrepreneurships. It can be said that they
combined their hobbies with their businesses. They stated that surf schools except one are adequate, even
plus as quantity in Alaçatı. They underlined “The more schools, the more rivalries. Even so, the number of
the school is so many.” Concerning the qualities of trainers, they stated that these trainers have the
certificates of coaching, given by the Turkish Sailing Federation, for Wind Surf (RS4 and RS5) and Kite Surf
(KB4 and KB5), and that non certificated trainers occasionally work as the seasonal supervision.
Additionally, the certificated trainers from abroad also serve. Concerning the contributions of the surf
schools to Alaçatı, firstly they are in agreement that all surf schools attract the attention of domestic and
foreign surfers and those who want to get surf training, in Alaçatı. Secondly, they are in agreement that these
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schools contribute to Alaçatı’s popularity in national and international tourism market. The reasons why surf
tourists prefer surf schools are; the belief of getting professional education, provision of equipment, and
service. The surf schools also provide the provision, the maintenance and the repair, the storage of
equipment; and the opportunity to go surfing with new equipment every year. After all, the surf training can
provide continuity; the surf schools are needed to join the competitions, to practice and to raise rating. The
schools stated that materials can’t be stored at first 50 m because of the Coastal Law, that the schools
themselves provide to store the materials and to carry them during using.
4.2. The advantages of Alaçatı for the surf tourism
Eight schools in meeting mentioned that the most important features of Alaçatı for surfers are that it is
shallow along 400m, that sea bottom is clearly seen, that it is a closed cove and that it is always windy. It is
stated that it is a safe and great educational field together with its above features. The surf schools agree that
Alaçatı is a second center for the surf training in the world. Due to all these reasons, they describe Alaçatı as
surf paradise. Except one of eigth schools, the others have the opinion that there is field enough to the race
tracks and field houses and Alaçatı can be appropriate for the players at every level.
4.3. The problems in terms of the surf tourism in Alaça
In the meeting with the surf schools, it was mentioned that the season is short, as the first problem
concerning the surf tourism. This situation was associated with the school holidays but not natural
conditions. Secondly, it was underlined that materials are expensive. After all, it was stated, as a problem,
that Coastal Law only lets the schools open at 100 m ahead from the coast. Also “the Project of Port
Alaçatı”, which is topical and discussed in many platforms, was asked to the surf schools. Except one of the
authorities of the surf schools, the others turned thumbs down on the project for surfing. They stated that
settlement affects negatively the wind quality, wind comes brokenly. While eight schools underline that
project is a good attempt in terms of the tourism, eigth of them have the opinion that it is bad in terms of the
surf tourism. It was also underlined that boats entering-leaving the harbor create the security problem. The
need of accommodation was showed as another problem; the price issue and reserving a place at high season
were put forwarded as the other issue to be handled. Another important problem is that Alaçatı is considered
as an amusement center but not surf center from day to day. Additionally, the conflict of the tourism types
with each other is a problem. For example, if it is windy in Alaçatı, this situation will provide the wind surf
tourism to develop; but at the same time, it will become menace for sun-sand-sea. Therefore, ÇEġTOB
(Association of Tourism Hoteliers of ÇeĢme) plans windbreaks to Alaçatı. A great majority of the surf
schools has the opinion that surf will be over in Alaçatı if the windbreaks are made.
4.4. The suggestions to develop the surf tourism in Alaçatı
The sport can be done during the whole year in addition to similar suggestions in the other tourism types so
that some projects can be developed.
It has been suggested that reasonably priced packages at off-season can be prepared.
It is accepted that surf activities increase the participation in competitions and the recognition;
believed that these activities should be improved.
Particularly, it was mentioned that the problem of high price and bed capacity at high season will be
solved due to the surf schools offering accommodation.
It was stated that they should be positioned in a way not to break the wind, if the windbreaks will
definitely be constructed.
5. CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS
In this study performed at the windsurf schools of Alaçatı, the importance of the surf schools in the
development of Alaçatı surf tourism has been researched. In this qualitative study, data have been gathered
through meetings with responsible of 7 of 10 surf schools in Alaçatı. When the data obtained from the
meetings were analyzed, collected qualitative data were analyzed under four broad themes “The situation of
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the surf schools in Alaçatı”, “The advantages of Alaçatı for the surf tourism”, “The problems in terms of the
surf tourism in Alaçatı” and “The suggestions to develop the surf tourism in Alaçatı”.
These surf schools stated in the meeting that surf schools provide Alaçatı to be well-known in nationally
and internationally. They have the opinion that development of Alaçatı in the surf tourism is thanks to the
windsurf schools. They do this by providing training for the surfers, providing the surf services like renting
equipment. Particularly, it was underlined that national and international surf organizations turn Alaçatı into
an important destination in the surf tourism. Eddie and O'Brien (2013) in their study emphasizes for being
surf city, government support, surf tourism, surf events, surf media, surf festivals, surf real estate and surf
education should work together. The realization of the surf organizations with the surf schools shows the
importance of the surf schools in development of the surf tourism. Dalgakıran and Bal (2007) suggested to
open the new surf schools in their own strategies. The projects are needed to increase the demand for the surf
schools at off-season. As a solution to this problem, it can be suggested to establish clubs and to provide
training with the universities in Ġzmir. And these students can be the surf tourist later.
The surf schools stated that the biggest dangers in terms of the surf tourism in Alaçatı are the projects of
Port Alaçatı and Windbreaks. In their study, Dalgakıran and Bal (2007) have suggested to pay attention to
the claims that project of Port Alaçatı will harm the surf sport and disrupt the ecological balance. And it was
underlined that the possible effects of the project of Port Alaçatı on Peninsula Sustainable Development
Project should be researched scientifically, because the sustainability of activity fields of the surf sport is
very important to Alaçatı, ÇeĢme and Ġzmir (ĠZKA, 2014). Similarly, YaĢar (2014) underlined that
settlement affects negatively the quality of the surf wind. It is seen that most important factor in these
problems is the mutual influences of the tourism types performed in Alaçatı. Alaçatı is considered as an
amusement center, a second residential center, a center of boutique hotels composed of stone houses, and a
center of surf tourism. The projects improved for any tourism type can affect negatively another one.
Surf sites around the world are under ever-increasing pressures from tourism (Martin 2013). The
predicted global growth of the surf industry over the following decades will provide successfully
management of the site, the problems, challenges with significant economic opportunities in terms of
employment, tourism and increased social capital (Eddie and O'Brien, 2013).
The results of this study suggest that; Alaçatı’s local authorities should decide strategically for being surf
city or not. The other tourism types in Alaçatı can be developed in many destinations of Turkey. However, it
is agreed that Alaçatı is the best destination for the surf tourism in Turkey (ĠZKA 2014). Global surfer
population is 35 million, total surf industry economic impact ranges from US$47.25 to US$131.25 billion
(O’Brien and Eddie 2013). Based on the interviews conducted with the schools, the approximate annual
income generated from surf tourism in the region is said to be $ 10 million. Alatı does not receive the
deserved share. When any decision will be made about Alaçatı, it should be researched well how this
situation will affect the surf tourism. All tourism stakeholders work together while preparing policy and
planning.
One of the limitations of the study is that only qualitative method was used and size of the sample in the
research was limited. There were only ten windsurf school in Alaçatı at the time of research. Another
limitation is that study was done with one of the stakeholders of the surf tourism. Suggestion for further
studies: data should be obtained from all stakeholders of the surf tourism so that, a strategy can be formed for
the development of the surf tourism in Alaçatı.
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APPENDIX
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
SURF SCHOOLS
1. Where did your opinion to open a surf school come from?
2. Which reasons were efficient while performing this attempt?
3. Do you find adequate the number of surf school in the region? If there are a great number of the
school, is this situation advantageous or disadvantageous?
4. Do you find adequate the trainers at schools? (What kind of certificates have they got?)
5. What are the advantages of the surf school for Alaçatı?
6. What are the reasons why the surf schools are prefered?
7. Why are the places of the schools to store the surf materials far away from the beaches?
SURF TOURISM and ALAÇATI
1. How can the season be extended in Alaçatı?
2. What are the advantages of surfing and festivals for Alaçatı?
3. How has “Port Alaçatı”, the first canal city in Turkey, affected the surf? What kind of changes have
been in the quality of wind?
4. What are the features of Alaçatı distinguished from the other surf centers?
5. Can Alaçatı be considered as “Surf Paradise”?
6. How should the deficiencies about sport centers, sport materials and technical features in the region?
7. Are the race tracks or the field houses adequate?
8. Is there a capacity to provide all the capabilities of the surfers in Alaçatı?
9. What are the factors affecting the selection of destination?
10. What are the risks that may occur while surfing in the region? What is the most common risk of
accident? Are the security measures adequate?
11. What do you think about windbreaks?
12. If the windbreaks are made, does Alaçatı lose the whole of its surfing features?
13. Can Alaçatı reach a close position to Canary Islands and Cope Verde which are the best surfing
centers in the world?
SPECIAL TO SURF SCHOOLS QUESTIONS
Alaçatı Beach Resort
1. What are the advantages of having a big area as coast?
2. What are the advantages of being the first and only boarding wind surf academy in Turkey?
3. Is there any specialty because Alaçatı has the oldest wind surf academy?
4. Where did the opinion to open the first surf school in Alaçatı come from?
Muga Surfcity
1. What kind of innovations are there for surf lovers?
2. What are the advantages of doing the honors to Alaçatı surf festival?
Çağla Kubat Wind Surf Academy
1. Could the academy realize its opening purpose?
2. How has giving education of Power Yoga affected the players?
Active Surf
1. Are there advantages of being the biggest surf school in Alaçatı? What?
2. Are there dangers or advantages of which its three sides are surrounded by the sea?
Bora Kozanoğlu Surf Center
1. What are there in order to endear the wind surf sport that is one of the missions of the academy to
everyone and to make this sport lifestyle for students?
2. What are the advantages of the techniques to learn fast the wind surf which B. KOZANOĞLU has
developed? Could it be got efficiency?
Bu Bi Surf School
1. What are the advantages of being the closest surf school to the sea in Alaçatı?
2. What has it given place in Alaçatı as the one of the most popular surf areas in the world?
Alaçatı Surf Paradise Club ASPC
1. What were the advantages or the disadvantages of renewing all materials of the school in 2009?
2. Are having the worldwide materials adequate to be prefered by the players? Why?
... 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. ...
... 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. ...
Article
Full-text available
The main objective of this research is to analyze and evaluate the perceptions and opinions of employees and visitors on sustainable surf tourism in seven surf centers in a popular tourism destination called Alaçatı, Turkey. Based on the interviews in seven schools by using the semi-structured interview technique, research findings revealed that construction and housing around the surf destination should be limited and natural texture should be preserved in the bay area. Formation of surf camps for kids from various age groups are critical for the development of surf tourism industry. Innovative windsurf related activities should be organized to attract the attention of domestic and international visitors. This exploratory research sheds a light in this field of study for researchers, practitioners and sports tourism professionals.
... 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. ...
... 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. ...
Article
Full-text available
The main objective of this research is to analyze and evaluate the perceptions and opinions of employees and visitors on sustainable surf tourism in seven surf centers in a popular tourism destination called Alaçatı, Turkey. Based on the interviews in seven schools by using the semi-structured interview technique, research findings revealed that construction and housing around the surf destination should be limited and natural texture should be preserved in the bay area. Formation of surf camps for kids from various age groups are critical for the development of surf tourism industry. Innovative windsurf related activities should be organized to attract the attention of domestic and international visitors. This exploratory research sheds a light in this field of study for researchers, practitioners and sports tourism professionals.
... Adventure tourism supports substantial international commercial tourism industry subsectors [2][3][4][5][6], and although windsport represents a niche tourism segment, it can be of high economic importance for regional development [7][8][9][10]. Quintana and Canino [11] show that in the case of the island of Fuerteventura (Canary Islands, Spain), the René Egli kite and windsurf center alone attracts between 50,000 and 60,000 tourists per year, accounting for 3% of all tourists on the island. ...
Article
Full-text available
Windsports (e.g., windsurfing, kiteboarding) can contribute to important tourist experiences at destinations with suitable natural resources. In the context of future tourism decarbonization, it is expected that many distant locations will become less accessible to Europeans, which will increase the attractiveness of nearby destinations. This study provides an analysis of the natural resources of European and nearby windsport destinations, which proves to be important physical evidence for windsport experiences. The high-frequency output of a long-term, high-resolution numerical atmospheric reanalysis (COSMO_REA6) was thoroughly analyzed using a method specifically tailored to windsports. This gives us unprecedented insight into the geographical distribution of wind resources in the period from May to September. The wind and temperature analysis recognizes the most known windsport locations and identifies several potential locations for possible windsport development. The trend analysis identifies potential changes in future wind conditions. Detailed wind analyses are of great importance to destination managers and marketers, as these could support strategic planning at the destination level, which is necessary for sustainable development. Furthermore, the study can guide windsurfers and kiteboarders in their future destination choices.
Article
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In July 2010, the Fijian government issued a decree that liberalized Fiji's surf breaks and deregulated its surf tourism industry. It did this by canceling licenses that granted resorts exclusive use of surf breaks based on indigenous customary ownership of foreshore and fringing reef fishing areas as common pool resources. This paper analyses the sustainability of surf tourism in Fiji, utilizing a developing framework for sustainable surf tourism. Based on broader sustainable tourism theory and empirical research, the framework considers (1) the impact of economic neo-liberalism, (2) the need for coordinated planning and limits to growth, (3) the advantages of systematic attempts to foster cross-cultural understanding, and (4) the social benefits associated with the development of surfing at the village level. The study found that a lack of regulation is compromising the sustainability of Fiji's surf tourism industry in each of these four dimensions. However, evidence of a growing acceptance of the need for regulation by most stakeholders offers a starting point for a transactive, participative process to find solutions. A fifth element to the framework is recommended for future analyses based on the need for surf tourism to contribute to poverty alleviation in destination communities.
Article
Surf tourism is a largely ignored mode of touristic behaviour in the academy. This investigation adds to a very limited body of work by providing explorations of the significance of surf tourism for surfers and by bringing forward data and observations of the impacts surf tourism has had on Playas Jacó and Hermosa, Costa Rica. Interview, statistical and observation data are used here to argue that: a surfer habitus creates dispositions for many surfers to travel to exotic coastal destinations on the periphery; surf trips to Costa Rica in many ways are experientially similar to pilgrimages; and that surf tourism can be seen to be directly and indirectly associated with many economic, environmental and socio-cultural costs and benefits to the local communities under study. Considering the applied dimension of surf tourism it is argued that surfers may indirectly set in motion a process of development and foreign investment into areas that are ill prepared for large numbers of visitors. © Berghahn Books and the Association for Anthropology in Action.
Article
This research analyzes a strategic approach to managing surf tourism in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Surf tourists travel to often remote destinations for the purpose of riding surfboards, and earlier research suggests the mismanagement of surf tourism in some destinations has resulted in significant deleterious impacts on host communities. The research question in this study addresses how surf tourism can be managed to achieve sustainable host community benefits in the context of a developing country. Primary data came from semistructured interviews and participant observation. The findings demonstrate how sport governing bodies can engage host communities in a collaborative framework for the sustainable utilization of sport tourism resources. The derived knowledge from this research may decrease host communities' reliance on less sustainable commercial activities, and inform policy and practice on sustainable approaches to using sport tourism for community building and poverty alleviation.
Article
The sustainability and conservation of coastal surfing resources have gained considerable attention in the twenty-first century. Scholars, graduate students, not-for-profit organizations, and commercial and governmental sectors have entered the surf tourism research field in order to better understand and manage surf sites. This research investigates the significance of 27 social, economic, environmental, and governance indicators outlined in the Surf Resource Sustainability Index, a contemporary methodology for measuring the conservation aptitude of surf sites. Twenty-one highly experienced surfers from diverse backgrounds were chosen for in-depth interviews based on their position as key stakeholders and for their practical experience, knowledge, and interaction with the resource. The study finds that surfers placed the highest importance for conservation aptitude on beach quality, water quality, legislative status, biodiversity, and history. Overall, environmental and governance indicators were slightly more significant than social indicators, and economic indicators were the least significant. Stakeholders' comments and corresponding ratings are listed for each indicator and provide insight to their perspectives and evaluations. The research contributes to surf tourism planning and development though the clarification of sustainability indicators and the discernment of indicator importance by surfers. A surf resource conservation action matrix is developed for future policy design and management.
Article
Surf tourism is a rapidly expanding market segment of the wider sport tourism industry and the purpose of this study is to provide an analytical interpretation of surf tourism research. Published and unpublished literature from 1997 through to 2011 was collected through searching a variety of academic databases and communicating directly with the authors themselves. A systematic review was employed to identify and analyze the types of research emerging from international journals, universities, governments, and the not-for-profit sector. The study indicates a genesis in sport tourism literature, representing a new and available body of surf tourism research. We find that this new area of research has arisen mainly from the grey literature through the works of graduate students and consultants. Surfing events, artificial surfing reefs, and the sustainability of surf sites and host communities are among the most prolific areas under discussion and key arguments include socioeconomics, coastal management, and sustainable tourism. Approximately 10% of countries in the world with coastal surfing resources have been studied, and this and other findings indicate the potential for new areas of research in domestic and international tourism. A bibliography provides 156 documentary materials compiled for the systematic review.
Article
•Resorts adjacent to surf breaks in the Maldives are given exclusive access.•New resort to control two of seven remaining open access breaks near Male.•Much local opposition has been framed in terms of negative economic impacts.•Analysis shows resorts are better able to optimize economic benefits of breaks.•Resort development must balance with local recreational and open space needs.
Article
The Azores is a remote archipelago rich in biodiversity, geodiversity and cultural heritage located in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. It comprises nine volcanic Small Islands (SIs) scattered over 600 km and are vulnerable to coastal hazards due to limited land availability and ocean exposure. To mitigate and adapt to hazards and human occupation, traditional hard-engineering structures have been used. However, these structures have negative impacts on natural coastal character and amenity value and with growing environmental awareness, soft-engineering solutions designed to work with natural processes, such as multifunctional artificial reefs (MFARs), are globally becoming more appealing. MFARs are offshore submerged structures which provide coastal protection while enhancing marine and recreational amenities such as surfing, diving and beach widening. This paper determines "optimal" MFAR multifunctional design criteria based on current progress and assessment of nine international MFARs installed to-date. It subsequently explores MFAR feasibility in Sao Miguel Island, the biggest and most populated Azorean Island with the largest surfing population. An assessment of surf breaks was undertaken, including coastal processes and retreat rates, and MFAR site selection, criteria and rationale are discussed. By considering site-specific parameters such as local bathymetry, wave climate, tides, coastal processes and marine environment alongside tourism potential and surf culture, Sao Roque reef was selected as a potential MFAR to provide both coastal protection and surfing amenity.