Barriers to stakeholder involvement in the planning of sustainable tourism: the case of the Thrace region in Turkey.

Abstract This study aims to identify the barriers to stakeholder involvement during the planning process of sustainable tourism development of the Thrace region in Turkey. The dimensions analyzed to assess these barriers included stakeholder awareness of critical issues and the current state of tourism, their knowledge of sustainable tourism principles, and their vision of the planning process and effective governance models for their region. The research is based on quantitative and qualitative data obtained from leading stakeholders through workshops. The integration of respondents' individual opinions and group consensus results indicates that lack of institutional structures for effective collaboration and leadership hinders stakeholders' participation in the planning process. Additionally, stakeholders' narrow vision, lack of strategic orientation and financial focus based on self-interest may impede the realization of sustainable tourism despite the local community's involvement in the planning process.