The diploma thesis analyses the current state of the tourism both in France and Corsica and other more it deals with the importance of the landscape and the natural environment for tourism in Corsica. The theoretical part defines tourism and presents different kinds of tourism (hiking). In the practical part there is analysed specifically the tourism in France, especially one French region -- Corsica is analysed more detailed. The aim of the diploma thesis is to point out the importance of the tourism both for France and for Corsica, to describe the current state of tourism and to analyse the possibilities of its development. More attention is given to the hiking and trekking and possibilities of its development on the Mediterranean island of Corsica.

The main subject of the thesis is planning &ldquo / cultural routes&rdquo / as a method for conservation of cultural and natural heritage areas at regional scale. Defining a framework of conceptual principles which should be considered in spatial planning of cultural routes and regional networks constitutes the major aim of the thesis. Within the scope of the study, a new developing concept recently, cultural routes are discussed as a tool for sustaining historic and local values of rural and archaeological landscapes. In this respect, the study is structured in two main parts. Firstly, conceptual background on the issue is discussed as the development of cultural route concept, definitions declared by international organizations working on the issue and principles of route planning. Secondly, based on the conceptual research, basic concepts and principles for route planning process is discussed through a case study. The case study for the thesis is selected as the Kas- Kekova region in Antalya, known as the Central Lycia in antiquity. Depending on the assessment of region&rsquo / s cultural landscape, the study is resulted by description of a spatial and conceptual framework for planning of a cultural route network in the region. Through areas rich in cultural and natural heritage, planning routes and networks at regional scale could be used as an effective tool for presenting and sustaining multivalent character of the place, and leading economic sectors which have effect on heritage.

Planner, conservationist, forester, and geographer Emile Benton MacKaye envisioned a revolutionary, extensive foot trail that would promote the interaction between communities throughout the United States' distinctive eastern region. His 1921 plan for the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) focused on balancing the basic requirements for life in and out of the urban context by developing an ‘indigenous’ environment and developmental mold (Bower 1962, 372). However, almost a century has passed, and MacKaye's approach to the planning process, organization, environmental development, and the rural economy remains hidden beneath the mountain forest canopy extending from Maine to Georgia. Four of the forty-nine designated communities in the A.T. CommunityTM program today were analyzed to determine if and which aspects of Benton MacKaye's original vision of regional planning were achieved 100 years later. On-the-ground observations were collected through informal interactions with A.T. CommunityTM Supporters, unaffiliated businesses and organizations, and locals while traveling to each of the four A.T. regions, defined by the A.T. Conservancy (ATC). It was essential to understand if the designations transformed trailside neighborhoods into outdoor recreational and social hubs and shifted community perspectives toward the Trail and the ATC. Although most people think of the A.T. purely in terms of the opportunities it provides for outdoor and wilderness experiences, it is also perceived as a critical focus for communities' economic growth and vitality. The research reveals that the program and its complimentary ‘Supporter’ system for local businesses are ineffective. The ATC branded these trail towns. Yet, no elements of MacKaye’s vision or community improvements have truly been recognized following A.T. CommunityTM designations within the last decade. Regardless of geographic, temporal, internal, and physical aspects, this outcome was consistent in all four case study communities (Monson-ME, Harpers Ferry-Bolivar-WV, Damascus-VA, and Hot Springs-NC).