Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) organized a "Rural Development and Tourism Panel" in cooperation with the Faculty of Tourism and Bafra Vocational School of Tourism. The panel, held at the Bafra Campus, addressed the role of rural tourism in sustainable development.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yasin Keleş from OMU Faculty of Tourism moderated the panel. Participants included OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten, Samsun Provincial Director of Trade Kürşat Turpçu, Director of Bafra Vocational School of Tourism Zuhal Çilingir Ük, President of Sürmeli Women’s Association Aşire Yılmaz, sector representative Niyazi Kesim, President of Vezirköprü Nerik Women's Cooperative Hatice Kandemir, and faculty members Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mutlu Kaya and Res. Assist. Dr. Taner Akkoç.
The panel extensively evaluated tourism's economic, cultural, and social impacts in rural areas. It was emphasized that rural tourism contributes significantly to local economies, supports women's employment, preserves cultural heritage, and effectively reduces rural-to-urban migration.
Speakers including Samsun Provincial Director of Trade Kürşat Turpçu, sector representative Niyazi Kesim, President of Sürmeli Women’s Association Aşire Yılmaz, President of Vezirköprü Nerik Women's Cooperative Hatice Kandemir, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mutlu Kaya, and Res. Assist. Dr. Taner Akkoç shared their insights and experiences on the interaction between rural development and tourism.
As part of the 2025 Tourism Week celebrations held at OMU Faculty of Tourism’s Bafra Campus, various activities took place, including the "Joint Forces for Samsun Tourism Meeting," "Exhibition Opening of Turkish Tourism History," "Rural Development and Tourism Panel," "Stand Visits," and "Offering of Local Products to Participants."
Prof. Dr. Yetkin Bulut, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism, highlighted that rural tourism has emerged as a globally rising value and can serve as a significant tool for sustainable development in rural areas if managed effectively.
In his speech, Prof. Dr. Bulut pointed out the strong growth in the rural tourism market in recent years, stating, “The rural tourism market, valued at $91 billion in 2023, is projected to grow by 7.4% in 2024, reaching approximately $98 billion. By 2028, it is expected to grow further by 7.7%, reaching $131 billion.”
Prof. Dr. Bulut noted that the rise of agritourism, increased interest in cultural heritage, environmental awareness, and demand for pilgrimage routes are the main factors driving this growth. He stated, “These developments demonstrate that rural tourism is strategic not only for the tourism sector but also for rural development, employment, and the preservation of cultural values.”
Highlighting trends in rural tourism, Prof. Dr. Bulut emphasized that promotional activities through digital marketing and social media, enriching visitor experiences through smart technologies, adopting eco-friendly practices, and offering personalized travel packages and niche experiences such as agritourism and wellness tourism would shape the sector's future.
The panel also explored the implications of the rapidly growing global rural tourism market, projected to reach $98 billion by the end of 2024, focusing specifically on Türkiye and Samsun. The region’s natural assets, such as the Kızılırmak Delta, Nebiyan Mountain, and Şahinkaya Canyon, were emphasized.
The EKOTURİZMSAMSUN project, implemented under the Samsun Tourism Master Plan 2024–2028, aims to integrate rural areas with tourism activities, promoting sustainable development.
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