HORIZON-CL2-2027-01-HERITAGE-06: Future-proofing sustainable cultural tourism

I offer specialized academic expertise in sociology to contribute to the evaluation of sustainable cultural tourism amidst technological and social change. Grounded in research on digital transformation, identity construction, and cultural habitus, my work focuses on how emerging digital tools, changing communication patterns, and tourism dynamics impact local communities and cultural authenticity.

My profile offers a distinct practical advantage to a consortium: I live and work in the UNESCO-listed Cappadocia region of Türkiye, where my home university is located. Welcoming millions of international tourists from diverse countries every year, Cappadocia provides an exceptional and active field environment for sociological research, sample selection, and data collection. It serves as a stark example of a destination navigating the delicate balance between intense global visitor pressure, local community identity, and the preservation of traditional socio-economic structures (such as local crafts and hospitality).

My sociological background allows me to critically evaluate how digital transformation and automation affect cultural interpretation, aiming to prevent the over-commodification of local heritage while ensuring non-discriminatory and respectful visitor experiences (Focus 1). Furthermore, being embedded in this region enables me to conduct grounded research on community integration, investigating how local populations and small businesses can participate equitably in tourism governance (Focus 2).

I am equipped to contribute to a project through:

• On-Site Fieldwork & Sampling: Designing and executing empirical field research (including structured surveys, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups) targeting both international visitors and local community members in Cappadocia.

• Socio-Cultural Impact Assessment: Analyzing how the digital shift and tourism development influence local social structures, cultural identity formation, and the working conditions of the local workforce.

• Methodological Rigor: Applying advanced qualitative data analysis software (such as NVIVO/MAXQDA) and quantitative methods to process field data into robust, evidence-based insights.

• Policy Recommendations: Translating academic findings into actionable, context-appropriate recommendations for local authorities, civil society actors, and tourism stakeholders to foster social inclusion and sustainable development.