GPT-Studios. 2022; 2(1): 21-32 | DOI: 10.5505/gpts.2022.99608

Evaluation of Geomorphosite Potential and the Tourism Attractiveness of Uçansu Waterfall (Gündoðmuþ-Antalya)

Ergin Canpolat
Department Of Geography, Science And Literature Faculty, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey.

Natural resources are the basic elements that create attraction in tourism. Waterfalls, which can be natural or artificial, can be centers of attraction due to their unique sights, noises and ecosystem features in the immediate vicinity. In this study, the geomorphosite potential and the tourism attractiveness of Uçansu Waterfall was evaluated. The Geosite Assessment Model (GAM) which is supported by Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to explain the geomorphosite and tourism attractiveness value. The basis parameters as the tourism-related natural features of the waterfall and the tourism-related human characteristics of the nearby environment were weighted in scores. Scoring was done by expert teams who visited the field and evaluated the waterfall and its surroundings through the visuals in the office. According to the evaluation, the geological, geomorphological and climatic parameters of the waterfall and its surroundings have a high weight value. Socio-cultural characteristics, current tourism conditions and transportation potential are the parameters that have relatively low weights. Geological and geomorphological values make the waterfall a unique natural resource, and the climate of the region supports this potential. However, in some years, the water scarcity that starts early in the summer, the inadequacy of tourism investments, the forestry and protected area features require the use of ecotourism, which is compatible with nature in and around the waterfall.

Keywords: Uçansu Waterfall, Gündoðmuþ, Antalya, Geomorphosite, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)

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