Examining cultural tourism attractions for foreign visitors: The case of camel wrestling in Selçuk Ephesus

The Camel Wrestling Festival in Selçuk, Ephesus, stands out as a culturally authentic and non-commercialized attraction that significantly draws foreign visitors seeking unique cultural experiences. A survey of 56 international attendees on January 18, 2009, revealed their fascination with this traditional event, underscoring its potential as a sustainable tourism product. While the festival remains vulnerable to the impacts of mass tourism, its cultural integrity can be preserved through strategic policies that balance heritage conservation with visitor engagement. This study provides actionable insights for developing a sustainable tourism framework to safeguard the festival's authenticity and ensure its longevity as a globally recognized cultural asset.

Çalışkan, V. (2010). Examining cultural tourism attractions for foreign visitors: The case of camel wrestling in Selçuk Ephesus. Turizam, 14(1), 22–40. https://doi.org/10.5937/turizam1001022c