THE IMPORTANCE OF WINDSURF SCHOOLS IN TOURISM: THE CASE OF ALAÇATI

Surf tourism has gained significant attention in the academia during the past decade. It is a new and fast-growing field of study. The main aim of this study is to analyzing the current status of windsurf schools along with the evaluation of surf tourism (current status, problems, expectation, etc.) by them as being one of the stakeholders in the region. The study was conducted in Alacati accepted as the second among the best training areas in the world in addition to being seen as the best place to do surfing in Turkey. Alacati is also a tourism destination well-known for its bays and stone houses. There have been both national and international surf championships and competitions in Alacati. There were 10 windsurf schools at the time of research. The data was collected through interview technique in eight windsurf schools that have accepted to participate in the study and the qualitative approach has been adopted in data collection and analysis. In the study windsurf schools managers or owners believe that they contribute to Alacati in terms of promotion, economy, employment and incoming tourist number. The distinguishing features of the surf schools located in Alacati from the other windsurf schools have been listed as: the safety of the bay, the shallowness of water, visibility of the bottom of the sea, absence of waves and existence of constant wind. They have emphasized that it is a great area for training with these features. Windsurf schools have stated that surf trainers have certificate and they follow the latest technology. The reason for the inability to increase the number of surfers has been linked to the high prices of the accommodation enterprises. It has been expressed that the biggest threat is the wind shields that are going to be built for the visitors of the area coming for sun, sandy beaches and sea. There is a concern that surfing in the area will end up because of the disruption of wind. They have rendered an opinion that raising the number of the feasts and having them in the low season would increase the number of surfers. As a result of the analysis, in order to develop tourism in Alacati; all tourism-related organizations (e.g.: NGOs, private sector representatives, municipal and state administrators) should work together. It should be decided upon whether Alacati is desired to be made into an outstanding surf destination or not.