Aim

This research aims to determine the apitourism potential of Düzce destination and to develop guiding suggestions for future studies within the scope of apitourism. Because apitourism has the potential to be used as a driving force of rural development for destinations with regionally specific bee products and suitable natural and climatic conditions.

Method

Apitourism is not actively practiced in Düzce. For this reason, in order to reveal the apitourism potential in Düzce destination, a literature review was conducted, statistical and technical data were obtained by examining the official websites of relevant official institutions and organizations, and finally, officials of the institutions who had knowledge and authority about apitourism in the destination were interviewed. Criterion sampling method, one of the purposeful sampling methods, was used to determine the sample.

Findings

It has been revealed that beekeeping activities in Düzce destination have sufficient potential for the implementation of apitourism with the registered Yığılca bee, produced bee products and rich nature.

Results And Suggestions

A road map needs to be determined by relevant stakeholders in order to realize apitourism activities in the destination. In the light of the research results, the apitourism potential of the region was evaluated and various suggestions were presented to destination managers and sector representatives in order to contribute to this road map.

Originality

Apitourism is a candidate to be one of the arguments for realizing rural development. This research is important in terms of filling the possible gap in the literature regarding apitourism and contributing to being a guide for destinations that want to engage in apitourism. In addition, it has been shown that the apitourism potential of the Düzce destination examined can be used in rural development.