The role of stakeholders in sustainable tourism development in Safranbolu, Turkey

The aim of this paper is to determine the role of stakeholders in sustainable tourism development in Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular cultural tourism destination in Turkey. The study emphasizes the role of different stakeholders-local government, the tourism industry, educational institutions, nongovernmental organizations, and local communities-in sustainable tourism development. Qualitative research was conducted in this study. Specifically, face-to-face interviews were carried out with 20 stakeholders to determine their roles in developing sustainable tourism in Safranbolu. The
data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings of the research show that according to stakeholders, local authorities have the most important responsibility for sustainable tourism development and should lead the other stakeholders in that development because they are the most powerful party; they have the role of preserving heritage buildings and planning sustainable tourism. Tourism enterprisers also stated that they have responsibilities in preserving heritage buildings by restoring or renovating their hotels. Local residents have the responsibility to preserve the local culture and to sustain it for the future of the community and for tourism.