Project name: Eastern Anatolia Tourism Development Project

Timeline: 2007-2009

What's the situation?

Although Turkey is a middle-income country with an approximate per capita GDP of over US$ 5,000, there are significant disparities in terms of socio-economic development between geographical regions. Socio-economic development level of Eastern provinces are consistently behind that of western regions. In the 12 NUTS-1 regions, the Northeastern and Eastern Anatolia regions rate the lowest respectively. These areas are characterized by lower per capita GDP, a higher ratio of agriculture in economy, lower urbanization ratio and high outmigration. Employment, health, education and infrastructure related indicators also contribute to the lower socioeconomic development, in line with MDGs. These regions are also usually far away from the industrial regions and lack the human resource capacity and infrastructure to develop an industry.

Northeastern Anatolia Region heavily relies on agricultural sector and shows relatively low capacity of efficient farming practices and low level of competitive power. Therefore, both the local stakeholders and the central government with its regional and national level development strategies promote development of new, non-agricultural sectors as a means to provide alternative income generation lines. One of these alternative sectors is community based tourism, which is considered globally to be a sector for pro-poor economic growth.

Çoruh Region, covering the districts Ispir, Uzundere, Narman, Olur, Tortum and Yusufeli has a strong potential for tourism, owing to its natural beauties. The Çoruh valley, with its high potential for summer tourism activities could bring new economic life and new opportunities to the region in the long run, despite its seasonal nature. The River Çoruh, one of Turkey's natural beauties, originates at the Mescit Mountains (3,225 m) and flows 466 km before reaching the Black Sea in Georgia. This is one of the fastest flowing rivers in the world. The small towns and villages located along the river are impressively authentic and historically interesting. The area as a whole represents the synthesis of the cultures of Eastern Anatolia and the Black Sea, and the Kaçkar Mountains offer highly attractive possibilities for canoeing, rafting and trekking.

What's our mission?

With its existing experience on local economic development and community based tourism, and in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, UNDP continues to strengthen the institutional structures as well as individual capacities. UNDP support both promotes the region and improves the response capacity of the local stakeholders to make maximum and sustainable use of tourism potential.

How are we doing this?

First, the organizational capacity in the Coruh region is strengthened through established Local Tourism Boards, which will act as the planning and monitoring mechanism at the local level. The action plans will be developed by the Local Tourism Boards with the support of UNDP. The tourism potential is promoted both in the region as a potential income line, and to the outside partners, which will organize trips to the region/visit Coruh Valley. This will be done through preparation of tourism products and promotional materials. Specific training programs will be designed for the local stakeholders to improve their awareness of the potential and their business capacities to make income out of the tourism sector.

UNDP partners with Ministry of Culture and Tourism at the central level, and the district governors/mayors/civil society organizations at the local level. The project is financially supported by Efes Pilsen. The Efes Group also provides assistance in terms of Public Relations and Promotion of the region/project.

How will Turkey benefit?

This project will build a demonstrative model for regional/rural development strategies of Government of Turkey. The Eastern Anatolia Region, more specifically Coruh Valley will receive support to develop income generating sectors that are alternative to agriculture and ultimately the income of the residents will increase.

	Project Documents
Project Document Progress Report 2007 Çoruh Extension Results Resources Framework

	Related Links
Çoruh: An Eco-Tourism Gem (New Horizons - September 2009) An Alternative Tourism Spot (New Horizons - June 2008) Çoruh Valley Will Become A Tourism Centre (New Horizons – April 2007)