3.1 SWOT analysis of the existing natural and cultural values of Amasra
In order to reveal the current status of the area a SWOT analysis was conducted. The results of the SWOT analysis are as follows (Table 1).
Strengths • Historical and archaeological sites/ heritage sites • Hills (panoramic views) • Natural protected areas • Natural beaches • Biodiversity • Climate advantages • Visual advantages (opposite shore due to the peninsula) • Gastronomic activities • Fisheries • Coastal features (steep cliffs, caves, interesting coastal formation) • Traditional handicrafts • Folklore • Ports/Harbours (big and small ports) • Tourism activities dating back • 3000-year past • Ancient port town • Established guesthouses |
Weaknesses • Topographic obstacles • Traffic and parking problems • Use pressure on carrying capacity in the summer • Lack of promotion • Misuse of protected areas • Factors that cause changes in the shore line (fill practice, etc.) • Degradation in the historic urban pattern • Aesthetic problems in urban and natural environment (visual pollution, etc.) • Lack of infrastructure • Activities of Turkish Hard Coal Authority • Earthquake and erosion risk • Lack of inventory on natural and cultural assets • Lack of tourism education • Insufficient accommodation standards • Financial limitations faced by local administrations • Lack of expertise in local administrations about planning, design and management of natural and cultural areas • Lack of approaches to protection in local administrations • Lack of interest by NGOs and local residents • Irregular urban development |
Opportunities • Proximity to major cities (Ankara and Istanbul) • Local residents’ openness to innovation • Sea tourism • Fisheries open to development • Proximity to Kastamonu-Bartin Kure Mountains National Park, one of the most important natural protection area of Europe for its natural, cultural and historical values • Proximity to the Bartin River, the only waterway available for transport in Turkey • Proximity to the museum city of Safranbolu, which is in the World Heritage List |
Threats • Seawater pollution • Anthropogenic pressures on forests • Degradation of archaeological areas • Coastal fill areas • Overcrowding especially in summer months (exceeding carrying capacity) • Increase in building density and height • Urban development in agricultural areas (pressures on agricultural areas) • Cultural degradation • Changes in laws and legislations |
• Employment opportunities in
tourism for local residents
• Active Tourism Vocational School
• Accessibility through land, sea and
air travel
• Being on the current tour routes___
Table 1. SWOT analysis of Amasra.