An Evaluation of Yacht Tourism in Kuşadası Gulf, Türkiye from the Perspective of Coastal Zone Management and Bathing Water Quality

Yacht tourism is a prominent subsector of marine tourism which plays a significant role in Türkiye’s coastal economy and has strong growth potential supported by the country’s natural assets. However, the sustainable development of the sector necessitates integrated coastal zone management approaches based on the three core pillars of economic, environmental, and social development. This study examines the relationship between yacht tourism and the coastal zone of Kuşadası in Türkiye, evaluates the sector’s current situation, and discusses sustainable management practices required to protect fragile coastal ecosystems. Although 2017 recorded a notable increase in transit log yachts, this was followed by a marked decline and a sustained downward trend in the post pandemic period and reached a notably low level in 2023, highlighting the urgency of addressing underlying economic and environmental challenges. Additionally, the relatively poor bathing water quality observed at the beach closest to marina entrance suggests that marina activities may contribute to microbial contamination in the surrounding waters, despite a decline in yacht statistics in recent years. Identifying the sources of microbial contamination is essential for providing policymakers with accurate information, implementing more effective coastal zone management strategies, and safeguarding both public health and coastal ecosystems.