Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency has joined as a Member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
Türkiye Tourism, Promotion and Development Agency (Türkiye Turizm Tanıtım ve Geliştirme Ajansı – TGA) was founded in 2019 and is dedicated to delivering Turkey as a brand and a popular destination in both domestic and international tourism markets; discover, develop and promote tangible and intangible natural, cultural, biological and manmade heritage assets; boost the tourism capacity of Turkey, increase the rate of tourism investments in the national economy and raise the quality of service with short, medium and longterm communication and marketing activities.
Following the innovative and sustainable tourism strategies and policies of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Agency carries out all promotion, marketing and communication activities to serve the country’s tourism goals, and promote and market current tourism opportunities across the globe. The Agency also works to identify, improve, and determine tourism areas with potential. Its Board of Directors is chaired by the Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy expressed his pleasure about TGA’s GSTC membership and added: “Türkiye’s 2023 Tourism Strategy, which our Ministry prepared with our technology, quality, and sustainability approach, draws from the vision of elevating the position of Turkish tourism to stay ahead of global competition and setting targets that align with this aspiration. As we strive to achieve this vision, we will drive the Turkish tourism sector and industry forward with our constructive, inclusive, and sustainable tourism criteria, in line with United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and protect our people and the environment.”
GSTC Welcomes Turkey
“GSTC appreciates the genuine effort the TGA team has taken to apply a systematic approach to their national strategy for a more sustainable form of tourism, and we are pleased to support those efforts,” says Randy Durband, GSTC CEO.
“It is a great pleasure to welcome Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, creating a strong message on the importance of sustainable tourism in the region! In this new journey, we will have many opportunities to work on different levels and subjects in tourism, such as sustainable destinations and assessments, sustainable gastronomy, sustainable work with the cruise industry and initiating a more sustainable future of tourism, based on GSTC global experience and expertise. The next period will be a great one for the Mediterranean Basin” says Dr. Ioannis Pappas, GSTC Director for the Mediterranean.
GSTC encourages destinations pursuing sustainability practices in development and management of tourism, to join as GSTC members and apply the GSTC Destination Criteria (which eventually can lead to achieving certification by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body) and support local business to apply the GSTC Industry Criteria.
Turkey’s Sustainable Tourism Plans
Introducing Turkish tourism to a sustainable, innovative, and income-driven growth model, Türkiye’s Tourism Strategy for 2023 prioritizes diversification and sustainability in tourism activities, in line with the global tourism and development trends. In light of this strategic goal, Türkiye puts emphasis on generating employment and higher income for all segments of the society through increases in tourism revenues with a balanced use of strategic natural, cultural, and historical assets and conservation efforts. Moving towards a sustainable future, Türkiye works to enhance its numerous alternative tourism products and offerings. At the crossroads of zoogeographic and phytogeographic territories, Türkiye offers countless choices waiting to be discovered in every region by those interested in sustainable tourism activities such as hiking, cycling, hiking, paragliding, and rafting in majestic mountains and sparkling lakes, caves and national parks, and Blue Flag-awarded beaches and clean seas, all rich with biodiversity and high endemism. UNESCO-listed heritage sites, handcrafts and a wealth of local cuisines that draw from the ancient Anatolian cultures lend to Türkiye’s appeal as a multi-layered tourism destination. Many of Türkiye’s accommodation facilities hold international and national eco- labels. As part of sustainability efforts, Türkiye has also instituted the “Bicycle-Friendly Accommodation Facilities Certificate” program to promote bicycle tourism. A strong civil society, especially effective in sustainability and environmental advocacy supports these efforts.
