A PROPOSAL TO EXPAND TOURISM REVENUES TO LOCALS; CITY ACTIVITY PLAN AND THE SAMPLE OF ERZURUM

Through an accurate decision for planning, investment and promotion, tourism can affect positively, directly, rapidly and sustainably the socioeconomic development of a nation, region, province and local destination. In order to achieve national tourism targets not only in the number tourists but also in revenue, activities are needed to lengthen stay periods and increase revenues. Such activates are only possible through mainly the touristic products attracting and integrating with all tourism types and presenting local and native cultural elements, emphasizing uniqueness and accurateness. Such activities may increase tourist satisfaction, the share locals get from revenues, the adoption rate of tourism by locals and their pleasure. Erzurum has faced in recent years some slight increase in the number pf tourist due to various types of tourism potentials e.g. winter, history – culture, nature – adventure and health and well – being. Nearly 50 thousand foreign and 340 thousand domestic tourists visit the city staying only one or two days. In order to increase the contribution of tourists to the city, length of their stay should be increased. Therefore, preparation and implementation of a city activity plan through the participation of all local actors including mainly municipalities. Maybe, only a simple plan involving pilot activities is planned. As in all parts of Anatolia, Erzurum city shelters several values to serve as touristic products. Local authorities and responsible institutions should work together in a coordination and try to implement the activity plan in a great care.