The Role of The Master Plan in Tourism Development: A Case Study of The Kuvasoy City Center and Riverside Area

Abstract

This study investigates the role of the master plan in promoting regional and sustainable tourism development through the case study of the development master plan for the Kuvasoy city center and riverside area. The research demonstrates the significance of the master plan in functional zoning, the phased development of tourism infrastructure, the coordination of public and private investments, the regeneration of public spaces, and the diversification of the urban economy. Based on the planning indicators presented in the project documentation, the implementation strategy for the period 2026–2035, the functional structure of an 850-ha planning area, an investment portfolio valued at USD 98.7 million, and the expected socio-economic outcomes were comprehensively analyzed. The implementation of the master plan is projected to generate approximately 4,550 permanent jobs and between 960 and 1,630 temporary construction jobs. In addition, the project is expected to contribute approximately USD 48 million directly to the city's gross product and up to USD 94 million to the regional gross product through indirect and induced economic effects. The findings demonstrate that a master plan should not be regarded merely as a spatial scheme for locating tourism facilities but rather as an integrated planning instrument that combines spatial development, investment management, environmental sustainability, and the interests of the local community within a unified strategic framework. Tourism market positioning scenarios further indicate that the annual number of visitors could increase from approximately 18,000 to 70,170 following the successful implementation of the proposed development strategy.