Unsustainable Tourism Approaches in Touristic Destinations: A Case Study in Turkey

Abstract

Large investments made because of high tourism revenues in touristic destinations can threaten balanced growth, ecological sensitivity and sustainable tourism principles. To raise awareness of this situation and draw attention to unsustainable tourism approaches, this study is presented with the situation approach method. The main purpose of this research is to determine the negative effects of unsustainable tourism approaches in tourist destinations. In this context, case studies are frequently used and are the preferred qualitative research method. The Historical Peninsula of Istanbul, Bodrum, Uzungöl and Hasankeyf, which will be examined in line with the principles of sustainable tourism, are understood to be damaged in four basic categories: unplanned construction, sound pollution, exposure to environmental destruction and overtourism pressure. The results of unsustainable tourism approaches are seen in these regions, which are more and more negatively affected by the increasing number of tourists and unconscious tourism policies. Contrary to scientific studies that generally focus on sustainable tourism policies, this study reveals the mistakes made with case approach evidence and develops some ideas for the solution to the problem. It also has remarkable results in terms of showing the obstacles in front of sustainability.

1. Introduction

The economic multiplier effect that the tourism industry has developed has managed to attract the attention of many countries at a high level in recent years [1]. In addition to the increase in the number of tourist arrival visits, strong incentives for tourism policies are provided as a result of foreign exchange inflow, employment, the establishment of enterprises, strengthening of infrastructure, innovations in transportation and improvement of regional welfare level [2]. However, in this process, the unique beauty, natural structure, ecological richness, and intangible and tangible values of touristic destinations face the danger of being ignored [3] as countries compete to make their tourist destinations the most attractive internationally. In this situation, sustainable tourism principles are replaced by short-term solutions and high-profit investments, and the current capacity and future position of the relevant touristic destinations have started to become risky [4].

The big increases in the tourism sector make the situation even more different. As a matter of fact, in the WTTC 2019 report, tourism is an industry of 8.8 trillion dollars on a global scale and it is predicted that this figure will increase to 13 trillion dollars by 2029. The growth of tourism also has environmental consequences. For example, while it has been announced that the effect of tourism on global greenhouse gas emissions is around five percent, this rate is expected to increase to 5.3 percent in 2030. This estimated increase means that CO₂ emissions originating from tourism, which was 1.597 million tons in 2016, will reach 1.998 million tons in 2030 and grow by around 25 percent, revealing what unsustainable tourism approaches will mean in the future [5].

Although sustainability is accepted as one of the most basic criteria taken into consideration in tourism policies, similar approaches are not exhibited in practice. Sustainability policies that can hinder or, in other words, stabilize the competitive aspects of touristic destinations that are growing and developing are sometimes overlooked [6]. When the perception of success of touristic destinations is associated with high profits and the number of tourist visitors, responsibilities are not considered and tourism activities do not contribute to the environment, society and sustainable economy. In addition, despite all these negativities, governments continue their incentive packages and develop targets for increasing the number of tourists. This situation emerges as additional problems to the existing unsustainable tourism approaches and makes the complex situation even more difficult [7]. If we look at Turkey in particular, where this research was conducted, while investment incentives that facilitate legal regulations and certification of companies come to the fore in Turkey’s 2023 Tourism Strategy, sustainable policies are not mentioned much. In addition, while the 2023 Tourism Strategy aims to reach 63 million tourists, an 86 billion USD foreign tourism income and a 1350 USD expenditure capacity per tourist, balanced and environmentally friendly growth approaches have not been determined as main criteria [8]. It is thought that this situation does not occur only in Turkey. It is observed that countries such as Greece, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, which compete in similar tourism markets, experience the same problems. At this point, the unsustainability of human desires and government policies means that it cannot protect the existing tourism resources in the future.

Economic factors are at the forefront of the issues that will be most affected by unsustainable tourism approaches. Destinations aiming for high returns in short-term planning will likely encounter close to zero income over time. On the other hand, infrastructure problems brought by rapid growth will also be one of the problems of the touristic destination. In addition, the educated workforce capacity, which is called qualified employment, is a capacity that will be gained over time in the light of the sustainable principles [9]. Since tourism is one of the sectors that do not realize final consumption, it serves in a structure with intense environmental and social sensitivity. For example, accommodation establishments that offer room service, professional experts who serve as guides, and individuals working in all areas of the sector, from transportation to service, can serve people again and again. In this context, touristic destinations are not expected to plan for a limited period and ignore the future. On the contrary, tourism needs to keep local development, employment, production and inter-sectoral communication alive by making its current existence permanent [10].

The inflationary effect that arises in the areas where tourism activities take place is a factor that deeply affects all stakeholders, especially the people residing in the region. While the real estate market in the destination is increasing rapidly, food and beverage prices may also tend to increase. However, as the reason for the situation, it is possible to assume responsibility by exhibiting negative behaviors towards tourists. The cost of living caused by tourism is also mentioned in many studies [11,12].

Tourism can make significant contributions to the cultural development of people in the process of visiting different destinations. Especially in international travel, destinations with different cultural values can transfer their original heritage. However, tourism activities, which are a means of intercultural communication, can be perceived with discontent by the people of the region when tourism unconsciousness, price stability and cultural prejudice in tourism planning are not addressed. At this point, the sustainability approach, which is a balanced factor, can play an important role and help different cultures to communicate correctly. As a matter of fact, solution-oriented and sustainable approaches towards emerging problems are known. Due to the fact that tourism activities provide positive economic returns to other sectors, tourism maintains its attractiveness and prestige at the highest level, providing versatile services. However, as a result of this high sense of self-confidence and the rapid movement of tourism activities, its physical capacity is strained and the possible harms to biological diversity can be ignored. In this direction, environmental impact and the correct use of touristic resources may also result in failure [13].

The region begins to suffer economically, socially and culturally in cases of overtourism, which is the level that the destination cannot handle with the excess number of tourists. Cities such as Barcelona, Paris, Miami, Venice and Istanbul are exposed to overtourism pressure, having to host tourists far above their capacity every year [14]. On the other hand, destinations with unique beauties inhabited by local people are struggling with sound pollution due to entertainment venues. Touristic destinations such as Mumbai, New York, Belgrade and Bodrum stand out in noise pollution [15]. A destination needs a sufficient supply of infrastructure and superstructure to turn it into an area of tourism activities. However, when the destination capacity is exceeded for more tourist visits and the ecological balance is taken into consideration in the second plan, distorted construction emerges. Unconscious construction, which is not suitable for the cultural background of the destination and which negatively affects its nature as an image, can seriously damage the identity of the destination. However, due to the pressure of industries such as energy, mining and industry, there may be situations where areas with touristic value are in danger of being destroyed [16].

Although it is thought that there are many elements within the scope of unsustainable tourism approaches, unplanned urbanization, overtourism, exterminate and non-recyclable waste, and image and sound pollution have been collected by the researcher under four main headings.

Since there is no specific research on the touristic destinations where unsustainable tourism policies are applied, it was decided to conduct this research with the observations of the researcher and the secondary data obtained from the regions included in the research. As a result of this research, while it is seen that the authorized institutions or persons in tourism policies do not act consciously about sustainable tourism policies, the damages caused by the unsustainable tourism understanding to the destination are clearly reached.

2. Literature Review

2.1. Unplanned Urbanization

As a result of the irregular growth caused by the migration of people residing in rural areas to city centers more and more each year, housing shortages, excess labor force and socio-cultural integration problems may occur [17]. While this situation brings with it unplanned construction and uncontrolled growth in city planning, destination areas with touristic value in the city see the most damage. While creating new structures in line with the increasing needs of the city population, touristic destinations with intangible and tangible values can remain under pressure. In addition, the dense superstructure supply created to provide accommodation, food and beverage, transportation, recreation and entertainment services for tourists generally supports unplanned urbanization [18]. The construction of resort hotels fill the beaches and the sea from one end to the other, especially in regions with sea tourism potential, bringing with them important problems for the future of the local nature. Again, the capacity of the city can be challenged by establishing high-rise hotels in limited areas in city centers. In transportation services, exhaust fumes that harm the nature spread due to heavy vehicle use and the capacity of the destination can be exceeded by highway works, airports and train services. With the haphazard establishment of large entertainment centers, the attractiveness of the destination can be damaged. In recent years, in touristic destinations that are handled with an unsustainable approach, unplanned urbanization practices are encountered more frequently in resorts close to the sea and hotels that are not suitable for city architecture, as well as in surplus transportation infrastructure and large recreation areas [19].

2.2. Image and Sound Pollution

In light of the industrial revolution and the developments in information technologies, it is seen that touristic destinations, especially city areas, are heavily crowded [20]. Especially destinations located in places of natural heritage may experience difficulties in increased housing and traffic complexity. On the other hand, authentic regions that reveal a more traditional lifestyle are damaged in their architectural culture due to the construction of modern buildings. Buildings that rise alongside the traditional architectural understanding built in a certain period and do not have any cultural heritage value do not reflect anything different from visual pollution. In addition, while playing a role in keeping the historical textures that combine the past and the future, buildings with similar techniques all over the world hide the mystery of the destination [21]. For example, the rise of buildings of the same type in the People’s Republic of China, which has bamboo and wood-dominated architecture; the slow abandonment of the European architecture of Gothic style, known for its rib vaults, pointed arches, and flying buttresses; the spread of skyscrapers in Anatolia and the Middle East instead of the stone architecture built in large vaults due to climate and geographical conditions draws attention to the most basic evidence of visual pollution [22,23,24].

One of the biggest problems experienced in touristic destinations is traffic density, loud music, construction works and noise pollution caused by irregular activities. In cases where touristic areas are located in the city center, more complex problems can be experienced. Museums, cultural buildings with architectural value and historical worship centers are the places most heavily exposed to sound pollution [25]. Moscow, Russia; Mumbai India and Bogota, Colombia stand out as the loudest tourist destinations [26]. Although the situation is not different in rural tourism centers, loud noises coming from entertainment centers negatively affect tourists and local people. Beach parties, horn sounds, loud music and the sounds of vehicles in traffic occur and are perceived as sound pollution. Entertainment activities aimed at increasing the diversity of tourism make it very difficult for the tourists who want to have a restful experience, especially the third age tourism participants. In this context, decibel rate and recreational activity hours of hotels play important roles in the purchasing behavior of tourists in recent years [27].

2.3. Exterminate and Non-Recyclable Waste

If waste management in the tourism industry harms the ecological cycle, the natural resources and environment of the touristic destination are adversely affected. Despite the recent announcement of regulations on solid and liquid waste management, it is observed that environmental practices are not carried out at the desired level [28]. It is suggested that the reason for this situation is the cost of the filtration devices used in the waste system [29]. On the other hand, the environmentally sensitive approach that is respectful to ecology, called green tourism, has not reached a sufficient level of awareness in terms of tourism enterprises [30].

In cases where the business objectives are concentrated in the material dimension and environmental sensitivity is not considered, irreversible wastes and their damage to the environment arise. There are intermediate consumption and final consumption opportunities provided by tourism service elements to tourists. In this context, as well as providing intermediary services, there are also results where final consumption takes place. Touristic businesses, which constantly act for profit and determine their mission in this direction, may not take action in recycling and sustainable policies [31]. As a result, natural habitats and consumed products in touristic areas do not come back. For example, in food and beverage businesses, by throwing away vegetable peels and excesses during the food preparation process, both the nature is harmed and the food components that could be reused are destroyed. On the other hand, while the region should be reforested after forest fires, issuing licenses for accommodation businesses brings environmental disasters. Chemical damages caused by wasted fuel in transportation services without full capacity cause erosion of the ozone layer and air pollution. The understanding that harmful components from the vehicles of countries with oil resources threaten nature to a great extent and that underground resources can be wasted with the thought that they are unlimited is one of the biggest obstacles to sustainability. Similarly, attempts made to bring tourism to uninhabited islands in South American resulted in the loss of their original nature [32].

2.4. Overtourism

Known as the highest number of tourists and the amount of tourism investment that touristic destinations can accept, overtourism is defined as the concept that most clearly reveals the limits of carrying capacity [33]. While a destination’s exposure to tourism activities that it can handle without taking into account its current conditions provides high benefits in the short term, it can cause great negative effects in the long term. Because, in addition to the economic, social and cultural benefits of tourism movements, negative effects such as inflationary, waste generation and deterioration of natural heritage are ignored [34]. In this respect, while creating infrastructure opportunities for a touristic destination, it is necessary to establish an optimum level of business and the number of tourists should not be exceeded. In addition, when the purchasing power of the local people residing in the touristic area is not planned, the cost of living begins to rise. This situation, as stated in the Goodwin [35] study, can turn negative tourism perceptions into hatred. As a result, conflicts may occur by displaying angry behaviors towards tourists.

Due to the high number of tourists in Barcelona, which is one of the touristic destinations that attracts the most tourists in the European continent, the dissatisfaction with the tourists is increasing day by day. Especially the architectural works made by the famous artist Gaudi carry the risk of being damaged by being visited by too many people. In this context, the structures that are taken into maintenance periodically try to reduce the effects of overtourism [36]. On the other hand, although destinations such as the Greek Islands, Venice and Amsterdam have made serious improvements in their infrastructure due to intense tourism structuring, they have difficulties in tourism growth activity. Destinations that begin to suffer under conditions where the carrying capacity is exceeded in touristic destinations are exposed to erosion in their ecological structures and socio-cultural values, contrary to sustainable development [37].

In short, touristic destinations can become the center of activity that degrades natural habitats instead of bringing benefits. At this point, it is imperative to determine the maturity level of touristic destinations well and to manage them with a sustainable policy in order to protect their existing resources in the future. In addition, in the context of promotion and marketing strategies, it is necessary to adopt realistic approaches beyond popular trends by acting within the limits of the tourism carrying capacity. The sub-questions prepared in accordance with the purpose of the research are as follows.

• What is unplanned urbanization in the context of unsustainable tourism policies?
• What are image and sound pollution in the context of unsustainable tourism policies?
• What is exterminate and non-recyclable waste in the context of unsustainable tourism policies?
• What is overtourism in the context of unsustainable tourism policies?

3. Methodology

3.1. Study Area

Within the scope of this research, four regions related to the subject in Turkey’s leading touristic areas were discussed (Figure 1).

Urbanization planning, which is one of the factors that determine the sustainable future of touristic destinations, can show a distorted development in cases where it is not done with the right policies. As seen in Figure 2, Uzungöl (40°37′9″ N–40°17′41″ E/Figure 2a), which is one of the study areas, is included in the study because the effects of unplanned construction are observed. The Bodrum region, which stands out as an entertainment center and has unique beaches, is struggling with sound and visual pollution due to intense tourism activities and the increase in the number of tourists. Loud music events that last until late at night can create displeasure for tourists visiting the area. In addition, different architectural constructions for Bodrum (37°1′44.00″ N–27°25′38.00″ E/Figure 2b), which is a unique touristic destination with its white houses and magnificent nature, result in visual pollution. The fact that touristic attractions are in danger of extinction due to different reasons can be explained by many reasons. Touristic destinations are subject to extinction or irreversible destruction due to many reasons, including natural disasters, political reasons, management of consciousness and different industrial initiatives. Hasankeyf region (37°42′46.1052″ N–41°24′54.7452″ E/Figure 2c), which is located in the east of Turkey and has historical value, is no longer expected to be used in tourism services due to energy investments. Finally, Istanbul (41°0′36″ N–28°58′12″ E/Figure 2d), which is one of the oldest and most historical destinations in the world by being the capital of two empires and various nations, has difficulties in raising the number of tourists by exceeding its tourism carrying capacity from time to time and is considered within the scope of an unsustainable structure in the historical peninsula [39].

When the studies on unsustainable tourism policies are examined by the researcher, the lack of a specific scientific study on the subject has been noticed. Moreover, for the determination of unsustainable tourism approaches, qualitative research was used, believing that it would provide more in-depth information on the subject with case studies rather than numerical data. The findings obtained as a result of secondary sources and frequent observations of the selected touristic destinations by the researcher were compared with the results of the related literature. The effects of unsustainable tourism policies were explained to institutions and authorized persons, taking into account the results of the scientific study and the situation of touristic destinations. In addition, some suggestions were made regarding the identified problems.

3.2. Method and Analysis

Case study, which is the most frequently used qualitative research method, has been preferred in order to convey unsustainable tourism approaches clearly and in-depth. A case study is a methodological approach that involves an in-depth examination of a limited system using multiple data collection to gather systematic information about how it works [41]. The case study can also reveal a qualitative research approach in which the researcher examines one or more limited cases over time with data collection tools (observations, interviews, audio-visuals, documents, reports) that includes multiple sources, and defines situations and themes related to the situation [42]. In this research, a case study was determined as the most accurate method in order to convey the problems experienced by the touristic destinations related to the subject in detail. As a matter of fact, according to Gerring [43], it is sufficient to conduct an in-depth case study in order to explain the data obtained for the research.

The data obtained from the case study are interpreted with time series analysis, and the changes that the touristic destination has experienced before and after are presented with evidence. These evidences are accepted as scientific results that reveal the impact of unsustainable tourism approaches. The time series analyzes the data of that stage by determining in which situation the researcher will work [44]. It closely aligns with the objectives of this research as it allows you to identify specific indicators to be followed within the time series.

All studies are expected to provide a certain level of validity and reliability. In the case study, it was tried to ensure the construct validity of this research by having the data checked by the data source (member checks). For reliability, the researcher examines the study in detail within a certain system [45]. In this research, the stages that the touristic destinations go through in the process were made by adhering to the validity and reliability stages. The research process diagram is as follows (Figure 3).

4. Findings and Results

4.1. Data on Unplanned Urbanization

Uzungol destination, which was declared a Nature Park on 3 October 1989, covers an area of 1000 m in length, 500 m in width and 500,000 hectares of area. Uzungöl is a landslide-set lake and is considered a destination with unique natural beauty [46]. However, in recent years, the destination has experienced irreversible damage to its natural structure due to unplanned urbanization. Since the last period of the 20th century, with the start of tourism activities in Uzungöl, changes have started to occur in land use. Until 2004, when it was declared a special protected area, the number of facilities and houses built in the destination increased rapidly and illegal constructions also occurred. Accordingly, the construction around the lake basin increased by 125% and environmental destruction reached its highest level [47]. Such practices have brought the Uzungol region face to face with unplanned urbanization. However, the state of Uzungöl before the unplanned urbanization fits much better with its nature park identity. The pictures taken in 1980 and 2022 of the unplanned urbanization process that Uzungöl was exposed to are presented as follows, proving the negativity caused by unsustainable tourism approaches (Figure 4).

Uzungöl Special Environmental Protection Area has a rich biodiversity in terms of flora and fauna species. By classifying the existing species and habitats in the region, 658 plant taxa were identified, 41 of which are endemic. In addition, 59 wild mammals and 250 bird species were identified in the area. In this context, Uzungöl Protection Purpose action targets have been determined in line with the destination and more sustainable policies. Since the decision by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization (General Directorate of Conservation of Natural Assets) dated 1 November 2019 and numbered 256692, construction is limited in this region [49]. However, the effects of unplanned urbanization continue and the problem of unplanned urbanization cannot be completely eliminated (Figure 5).

Considering the number of tourists in Uzungöl, it is seen that the number of tourists, which was 51,464 in 1996, reached 346,554 in 2000. In 2019, this number exceeded 625,000. This increase in the number of tourists triggers unplanned urbanization and in order to meet the need for accommodation, concretization occurs that the region cannot afford. However, the level of concreting, which has been increasing for the last ten years, has decreased in 2022 and a trend towards sustainable tourism policies has started (Figure 6).

4.2. Data on Image and Sound Pollution

Visual and sound pollution is one of the main issues that touristic destinations should protect in terms of image and sustainability. In recent years, the constructions carried out without considering the cultural architecture of the destination and the resulting sound pollution negatively affect the touristic experience. The Bodrum region, which is the subject of praise from well-known artists for its beauty, is struggling with sound pollution as it is an entertainment center with dense construction due to its unique beaches. It is clearly seen that visual pollution is experienced as a result of hotel constructions unaccompanying the white color garden house architecture. While the aerial view of Bodrum in 2005 had few touristic structures, as seen in Figure 7a, in 2021, tourism increased very intensely, as seen in Figure 7b.

Touristic destinations lose more and more attractiveness every year due to sound pollution [53]. The two main determinants of sound are frequency and intensity. The intensity of sound is directly related to the mechanical pressure reaching the eardrum and is measured in decibels (dB). Our ears detect sounds between 0–140 dB. 140 dB causes general pain in the ear and ruptures in the eardrum (

Table 1. Sound pollution levels.

1. degree	30–60 dB	Discomfort, anger, sleep and concentration disorders
2. degree	65–90 dB	Physiological reactions such as acceleration in blood pressure and respiration
3. degree	90–120 dB	Increased physiological reactions, headache
4. degree	120–140 dB	Permanent damage to the inner ear, impaired balance
5. degree	140 dB and above	Possibility of complete hearing loss

Source [55].

). According to international standards, the noise level that damages the hearing system is 100–10,000 Mhz and 85 dB. Sound pollution can occur with the following effects on tourists [54].

The Bodrum region hosts millions of tourists in terms of domestic and foreign tourism activities. Although Bodrum is a district, it is one of the brand destinations, and it is one of the touristic destinations where noise pollution is felt the most due to intense tourist visits. The region has been examined by many researchers due to sound pollution and negative effects on the destination have been revealed [56,57]. In a study on Bodrum, it is reported that tourists perceive the sound of the destination as noise and are negatively affected [58].

4.3. Data on Exterminate and Non-Recyclable Waste

If the touristic destination is tried to be consumed irreversibly and is in danger of extinction, the worst sustainability scenario is faced. Especially for economic reasons, touristic destinations can be destroyed by prioritizing other sectors (energy, mining, agriculture, etc.) in terms of opportunity cost [59]. Hasankeyf region is losing its natural appearance and historical heritage due to energy investments (Figure 8). HasanKeyf’s appearance had a structure covering the touristic living area as it was in Figure 8a, while in after 2019 there was no touristic structure as seen in Figure 8b.

In addition to the Hasankeyf destination region, many touristic works in the world cannot maintain their current existence. Demolitions and burnings, which were carried out in order to punish the states that were defeated as a result of wars in the past years, were mostly applied on cultural heritages. As a matter of fact, there are signs in historical sources that many artifacts destroyed from the past to the present were realized by wars and natural disasters (

Table 2. Destroyed tourist destinations.

	Destination	Year	Country	Sebebi
1	Buddhas of Bamiyan	2001	Afghanistan	Giant statues of the 6th century were declared idols by the Taliban in 2001 and exploded with dynamite.
2	Sheikh Mohammed al-Barbaghi Mosque	2011	Bahrain	Sectarian differences of opinion
3	Jonah Tomb	2014	Iraq	Destruction after the occupation of the region by the ISIS terrorist organization
4	Tibetan Temples and Cultural Items	1960	Chinese	More than 6000 statues, manuscripts and other cultural items inside the Tibetan Temple were destroyed after the Chinese revolution.
5	Timbuktu	2012	Mali	Business post-war destruction
6	Allianoi	2005	Turkey	Inundated due to Dam Construction

). However, in addition to these reasons, many touristic destinations are disappearing due to economic factors or the adoption of an unsustainable approach. Due to this situation, some destinations that have been deleted from world cultural heritage list in recent years are as follows [61].

4.4. Data on Overtourism

As in all areas of the industrial sector, providing products and services above the carrying capacity in the tourism sector also brings negative results. Tourists who purchase the service, labor, infrastructure and environmental factors experience difficulties when the tourism carrying capacity, which is called overtourism, is exceeded [62]. Similarly, touristic destinations, like all other service elements, are harmed by the responsibilities that they cannot bear and naturally consume themselves [63]. The effects of overtourism are seen in the historical peninsula region, which has the highest tourist density in Istanbul, which is covered within the scope of this research. Touristic areas and traffic density are shown in Figure 9; while it is understood that the historical peninsula is excessively exposed to the tourist population, it is revealed in the red area of Figure 9a where all the construction around it is designed for touristic consumption. In Figure 9b, while it is observed that the main connection roads are generally open, it is seen that the traffic density recorded in a time of tourist density occurs slowly, which is expressed as red (slow) stripes around the historical peninsula.

Overtourism emerges as a concept that causes the destruction of the ecological environment along with bringing a complexity that disrupts human psychology. As a matter of fact, the environmental damages that occur in the historical peninsula region cause the following problems, both internal and external (Figure 10). According to Figure 10a, although some parts of the historical peninsula are measured as slightly air polluted, the areas on the transit route of the tourist flow are measured as air polluted. On the other hand, as can be seen in Figure 10b, it is understood that the seas can become polluted due to the intense tourist visits of the historical peninsula.

Due to the overtourism experienced in touristic destinations, there may be delays in visits to the centers on the tour route. Especially at the entrances of museums and ruins located in closed areas, long queues negatively affect the perception of touristic experience [66].

5. Discussion

Tourism, if planned and implemented correctly and effectively, is one of the most influential sectors that play an important role in the structuring, employment, socialization, acculturation and economic development of the destination and can be one of the pioneers of sustainable development. However, high economic returns and short-term solutions for environmental problems and sustainable principles may not be used at the desired level. It is observed that countries operating in similar markets can act by giving importance to statistical figures rather than a sustainability approach to remain competitive and attract more tourists. Although this situation does not return to the touristic destination as much negativity at first, it may even cause tourism activity to not be experienced in the long term [67]. Because even the smallest amount of garbage polluting the sea can cause huge pollution over time, and every wrong decision taken in touristic destinations prevents a sustainable tourism activity. In the context of this research, although the problems experienced by the touristic destinations in certain points of Turkey are handled with specific results, it has limitations in the general framework. In addition, it is expected that scientific studies will be carried out that compare different countries, revealing different ideas. Turkey does not yet have long-term solution-oriented plans for the problem of the regions where the destinations described in this research are located.

It is seen that the increasing concretization and construction in Uzungöl destination, which is considered within the scope of unplanned construction, is increasing. This region, which has the Black Sea climate as its natural vegetation, has a magnificent ambiance with trees and streams, attracting the attention of tourists. The fact that the region is far from central locations due to its natural formation causes difficulties in accommodation and transportation but reduces the pressure on it in terms of preserving its current value. The fact that the steps that will cause the unsustainable tourism policies of the region, which is one of the reasons for the unsustainable tourism policies, have been taken in recent years, making Uzungöl one of the centers of unplanned construction and disrupting its natural structure. Similarly, Adveni et al. [68] that reveal the damages caused by the concretization in ecotourism areas. In another study, Yazıcıoğlu and Alkan [69] state that if there are buildings that need to be built, they should be made of wood suitable for the architecture of the region and their borders should be determined. It is known that accommodation infrastructure is needed because destinations with touristic value are generally located near the sea, in areas with snowfall, in natural areas and in archaeological hereditary areas. The infrastructure development required for the execution of tourism activities in these destinations in line with sustainable policies is closely related to the future situation of the destination. In addition, the compatibility of the buildings with the architecture of the region is important in terms of the sustainability of the cultural heritage, as well as the image mismatch (pollution) that may arise can be prevented [70]. On the other hand, the noise pollution that may occur in the destination can be perceived as another problem that disturbs the tourists. Bodrum region, which is included in this research, is one of the destinations that struggle with sound pollution. In addition, the destination, which hosts many well-known poets and artists, may experience negativities in its cultural architecture and original nature under the name of modern construction. While Jahan [71] reveals that noise pollution will cause a loss of attraction for the destination, Russo and Van Der Borg [72] draw attention to the situation by stating that the architectural construction that distorts the image will cause great damage to the characteristic structure of the touristic region in the future. However, researchers such as Baggio and Cooper [73] point out the benefits of large enterprises that provide multidimensional services by revealing results stating that original architecture will not be sufficient for touristic destination development. Again, Hammer et al. [74] present a different approach by emphasizing that the prevention of recreational activities due to noise pollution will not be a democratic solution and that touristic demands should be met more independently.

Although the existence of touristic destinations is the most valuable element in terms of regional tourism, measures to be taken against the danger of extinction are also the main task of sustainable policies. It is understood that the destination (Hasankeyf), which has a history of approximately 12 thousand years, has not been able to maintain its current existence after it was flooded due to the construction of the dam. The historical and touristic values that have been erased from the earth are considered a loss of cultural heritage richness as well as a great loss of regional development. Shirvani Dastgerdi et al. [75] share the results that the damaged and destroyed cultural heritage areas cannot be returned and artificial tourism supplies do not meet the expected effect. However, Kim and Lee [76] state that in accordance with the opportunity cost principle, society should focus on priority issues in the field of energy and mining and say that in some cases touristic supplies can be abandoned.

The positive perception of the increase in the number of tourists and the expectation of continuous growth results in overtourism, which is considered as a problem of tourism carrying capacity. The intense tourist flow, especially in certain periods and seasons, can adversely affect the infrastructure facilities, especially the local people residing in the region, triggering transportation problems, cultural conflicts and a higher cost of living. Overtourism, which was perceived as a minor problem in the first period, can turn into a physical conflict between the tourist and the local people over time [77]. Similar situations can be experienced around the historical peninsula of Istanbul, and the domestic and foreign tourism pressure experienced in the spring seasons (spring-autumn) negatively affects cultural heritage sites and local people. Crowded tourist groups can sometimes form long queues around the historical peninsula and there may be problems even among tourists. On the other hand, Istanbul, which is one of the cities with the highest traffic density, can cause delays in the process of visiting the destination [78]. It is known that many cities, especially the famous cities of Italy, Venice, Rome and Milan, are exposed to intense tourist flows. The Italian government, which is trying to take measures to reduce the number of tourists, aims to make the transition to the Venice region paid [79]. Similarly, destinations such as Barcelona, New York, Paris, Bangkok and Dubai are adversely affected by this situation. In addition to the number of tourists, excessive accommodation, transportation and other recreational initiatives seriously damage the carrying capacity of the destination [80]. At this point, Cracolici and Nijkamp [81] support this study by presenting results indicating that destinations that do not pay attention to their tourism carrying capacity will lose their attractiveness over time. In similar studies, a consensus on overtourism is revealed and attention is drawn to the tourism carrying capacity of destinations [82,83,84].

6. Conclusions

Nowadays, when consumption and non-recyclable usage habits are widespread, it is seen that people’s sensitivity towards nature and their external environment is gradually decreasing. In addition, the purchase of products or services that are not needed is nothing but wasteful consumption, even though it is presented as an indicator of purchasing power and wealth. Similarly, in situations where populist culture is accepted by society, approaches that harm the universe we live in continue. In this context, the concept of sustainability tries to minimize the harm that consumption will cause to the environment. Especially in recent years, depending on the increasing tourism activities, it is seen that touristic destinations have difficulties due to unconscious consumption, and some of them are discussed in detail within the scope of this research. In the light of the data obtained from the research, it is understood that touristic destinations are negatively affected due to unsustainable tourism approaches, while it is understood that touristic destinations with similar characteristics face the same problems according to the relevant literature.

Studies on the life cycle of touristic destinations are generally concerned with the extent to which they are carried out in line with sustainable principles. However, due to the limited number of studies dealing with policies that harm destinations and unsustainable tourism approaches, this research makes significant contributions to the relevant literature. In addition, with the case approach, the problems that touristic destinations are exposed to are clearly revealed and attention is drawn to the root of the problem. In this context, ideas are presented to the relevant tourism stakeholders and scientists working on the subject by expressing what should be done for touristic destinations as well as what should not be done with the results of this research.

Although it is known that touristic destinations face many problems due to unsustainable tourism approaches within the scope of the research, it has been concluded that overtourism, unplanned urbanization, destruction-non-recycled waste, sound and visual pollution are the main problems. The concretization in the lush nature of the Black Sea caused unplanned urbanization in the Uzungol region. In Bodrum, which is one of the destinations that attract the most tourists, the noise and visual pollution is increasing day by day. The Hasankeyf region, which has hosted many civilizations due to energy and other investments, has been irreversibly damaged, and the results of overtourism pressure in the historical peninsula of Istanbul, which is one of the most visited destinations in the world, are revealed as remarkable issues from the research. The fact that these four touristic destinations can be examined by the researcher in the light of scientific data beforehand is considered as a research limitation. Moreover, the study of international comparative unsustainable tourism approaches is recommended to relevant researchers. With the different studies to be carried out on this subject, the importance and awareness level of the sustainability approach will increase even more. Although every touristic destination on earth is associated with that country by being within the borders of a country, it is actually a cultural richness belonging to all living things. In this context, in order for touristic destinations to maintain their existence in the future, unsustainable tourism approaches should be realized and measures should be implemented as soon as possible. Although some of the touristic destinations under threat are emphasized with this research, the researcher attempts to convey the importance of every touristic destination in the world.