Kastamonu University Faculty of Tourism Identifies New Strategic Areas for Kastamonu’s Tourism Development

Under the leadership of our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, the Faculty of Tourism at Kastamonu University has conducted a comprehensive review of Türkiye’s tourism master plans and identified new strategic areas for Kastamonu.

An academic commission established within our Faculty comparatively analyzed the tourism master plans of 70 provinces across Türkiye’s seven regions using the document analysis method.

The commission, chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasan Evrim Arıcı, consisted of the following members: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çağdaş Aydın, Res. Asst. Dr. Yakup Erdoğan, Res. Asst. Dr. Selda Yordam Dağıstan, Res. Asst. Ahmet Tuğrul Karamustafa, Res. Asst. Dr. Gürkan Çalışkan, Res. Asst. Yağız Batuhan Eraslan, Res. Asst. Aziz Mert Sayan, Res. Asst. Dr. Demet Güner, and Res. Asst. Özge Çaylak Dönmez.

The report also highlighted priority areas that can showcase Kastamonu’s tourism potential. In terms of natural heritage, Küre Mountains, Ilgaz, and Valla Canyon stood out; among cultural values, Şeyh Şaban-ı Veli and Nasrullah Mosque were emphasized. Kastamonu’s gastronomic richness was represented by local specialties such as etli ekmek, siyez bulgur, and çekme helva.

The analysis report aims to enhance Kastamonu’s tourism diversity, create strategic roadmaps in line with sustainable development principles, and strengthen the city’s competitiveness on both national and international scales. The report also included recommendations to encourage local community participation in the tourism process.