Social Barriers Against Implementation of Tourism Planning: Case Study of Sapanca

Sapanca, a district in Sakarya, has emerged as a significant destination in recent years. Alongside, both the positive and negative impacts of tourism have become markedly noticeable in the region. This article focuses on the examination of social barriers hindering the implementation of tourism policies, specifically in Sapanca destination. It aims to elucidate why, in a collective context, tourism policies cannot be effectively executed to enhance the overall benefits and how social elements act as impediments. To achieve this, the study employs the technique of non-participatory observation. The researcher conducted long-term, objective observations in the field, drawing insights from existing literature without direct involvement with individuals and cases. In the case of Sapanca, it becomes apparent that the local community, businesses, and public authorities pose a social barrier to the implementation of tourism policies due to the lure of easy and substantial economic gains.