How to Develop Tourism in the Least Developed Regions? Notes from Travel Agencies

Tourism, a rapidly growing sector around the world, is perceived as panacea for socio-economic problems in many regions. Study aims to compile the opinions of the travel agencies for tourism development in the Eastern Anatolia in Turkey. Qualitative research method has been utilized to get in-depth views on the planning and implementation issues. Findings indicate that tourism can be used as a development tool provided that correct steps are taken after planning with the participation of all stakeholders. The study is important not only because it contributes to the literature by determining the remarks of travel agencies, but also offers valuable information to tourism planners and decision makers