The Journal of Academic Social Science Studies International Journal of Social Science Doi number: http://dx.doi.org/10.9761/JASSS1666 Volume 6 Issue 7, p. 815-827, July 2013 TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN TURKEY: DEVELOPMENT PROCESS, CHALLANGES AND PATTERNS * TÜRKİYE’DE TURİZMİN GELİŞMESİ: GELİŞME SÜRECİ, SORUNLAR VE BEKLENTİLER Arş. Gör. Ayşe OKUYUCU Bilecik Şeyh Edebali Üniversitesi, Fen Edebiyat Fakültesi, Coğrafya Bölümü Abstrasct This article reviews some of the developments which, since 1980, have taken place in the tourism industry of Turkey. Also possible future state of Turkey tourism were discussed. The topics are placed in their political, economic and institutional context. The focus is on foreign visitors. Visitor characteristics, popular destinations and the problems facing the tourism industry are discussed. Tourism, particularly in developing countries, can provide important contributions to economic and social development. In Turkey, tourism has made a great contribution to economic and social development, since 1980s. However, in Turkey the development of tourism in the form of mass tourism has led to a variety of environmental problems. For this reason, recent times changes have occurred in the country's tourism policy and strategy. The future, for the increase social, economic and environmental positive aspects of the Turkey tourism, constituted to various attempts. Accordingly visitor profile of Turkey is likely to increase rather specialized interest groups. Such developments increases the tourism market of alternative destinations such as mountainous and cultural-heritage and pilgrimage areas. This is also encourage domestic tourism. Also various tourism policies are needed to improve tourism infrastructure, promote the integration of tourist services, maintain visitor numbers and encourage guests to stay longer, visit