GIS-Based Eco-Cultural Focus Route Planning for Sustainable Ecotourism

The Case of the Virgin Mary House-Pamucak Beach Corridor

Abstract

In this study, the Ecological Object-Based Route Planning approach was applied to the Selçuk–Ephesus region, and an ecotourism route of approximately 27 km with an average slope of 5.9% was identified from the House of the Virgin Mary to Pamucak Beach. The method integrates Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and Least-Cost Path techniques with field verification and local stakeholder consultations. The route connects eight ecological and cultural objects—House of the Virgin Mary, Ephesus Ancient City, the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, the Basilica of St. John, the Temple of Artemis, the Ephesus Museum, and Şirince Village—within a thematic sequence. Analyses show that 68% of the route passes through natural and semi-natural areas, maintaining an average distance of 228 m from 1st- and 3rd-degree protected zones and 220 m from Caretta caretta nesting sites at Pamucak Beach. The use of 82% of existing paths reduced land disturbance, while slope values mostly below 10% ensured high physical accessibility for diverse age groups. Field verification and semi-structured interviews with 12 participants in Şirince indicated strong local support for the route due to its perceived economic benefits.