Can visual appeal truly make or break a tourist destination? This study investigates the impact of perceptual landscape parameters on the character of recreational and touristic landscapes. Focusing on Gölbaşı Pond and its surroundings in Bursa, Turkey, the research explores how visual quality influences the active use and potential of recreational areas by examining the area’s visual landscape quality. The study employs visual quality analysis to evaluate the landscape around Gölbaşı Pond. The data obtained are compared to determine the relationship between landscape features and recreational potential. The analysis identifies that the area’s natural beauty and landscape qualities, which are suitable for various recreational activities, significantly enhance its visual appeal and support its use. The findings confirm that the visual quality of a landscape is a crucial factor in attracting visitors and supporting recreational activities. The conclusion emphasizes that all landscape quality parameters support each other, creating a greater potential for recreational use and enhancing the overall appeal of the area. This study provides valuable insights for landscape planners and tourism developers aiming to maximize the potential of natural recreational areas.
Published in Environment, Development and Sustainability, this research aligns with the journal’s emphasis on the interplay between environmental quality and sustainable practices. By assessing the visual quality of a touristic landscape, the study contributes to discussions about balancing environmental conservation with recreational and economic development, a central theme within the journal’s scope.