An Evaluation of Ecotourism Potentials of Rumkale Archaeological Region

Abstract

In this study, the Rumkale Archaeological Region and its vicinity located in Gaziantep City, Turkey, were examined in terms of potential value for ecotourism activities. The region has high historical reputation and natural beauty which avails magnificent structures for visitors. In examining the ecotourism potential of Rumkale Archaeological Region, a standard questionnaire form was designed and administered to respondents who came on visit to this region. The study revealed that majority of respondents (70%) has heard of Rumkale’s reputation from friends. It also realized that visitors mostly tripped to Rumkale Archaeological Region in order to access the natural beauty and archaeological features. With regard to activity of interest undertaken by visitors to the area, their preferences centered on doing nature walks, trekking/hiking and seeing archaeological residues including historic structures. It also came to the fore that lack of accommodation and difficulties with transportation to the region has negatively affected development of ecotourism activities in this area. Rumkale and its vicinity was scored by visitors according to its suitability for ecotourism activities and in this regard it was revealed that  85% of the respondents ranked this region as suitable for nature walks (trekking/hiking), followed by field photography (73%) and trips to historical and archaeological sites (70%) in that order of importance. After the detailed examination of Rumkale Region and analyzing information from visitors, it is therefore reasonably to conclude and suggest that the Rumkale Archaeological Region and its environs have high potentials for ecotourism and if careful planning is done, these potentials can be tapped for socio-economic development of the area.