In addition, Ersoy stated that the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference 2023 will become a valuable platform for the exchange of information and ideas that will generate significant benefits for sustainable tourism worldwide. He also pointed out that, in addition to Türkiye having been a pioneer in signing an agreement with the GSTC for a national sustainability programme at government level, the country had already established itself as a world leader in such practices.

Stating that Türkiye is a global example with this programme, Ersoy added that the country's sustainable travel and tourism activities are not limited to this. Noting that the number of Blue Flag beaches in Türkiye has increased to 531 and that the country ranks third in the world, Antalya is ranked as the number one city in the world. Furthermore, there are 19 heritage sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and Türkiye is among the top three countries with the most items on this list. It also has a Cyclist-Friendly Accommodation Facility Certificate.

The minister confirmed that they are aiming to add Turkish cuisine to the steps taken in terms of sustainability and added that the Rami Library, Izmir Culture and Art Factory and Adana Museum are Biosphere certified. In addition, he said that within the Türkiye National Sustainable Tourism Programme, all tourism facilities in the country will be Sustainable Tourism certified by 2030. Looking at the current figures, 1,382 companies received the first level Certificate while the number of companies that have received the third level Certificate is 202 and the total number of certificates reached 1,584. All facilities that have received certificates with 100% compliance within the scope of the programme are announced on the websites of the Ministry, TGA and the official tourism platform of Türkiye, GoTürkiye.

Speaking at the conference, GSTC President Luigi Cabrini shared his concerns about how the sector is facing global difficulties: "The challenges threatening the growth of tourism have not changed: the impact of climate change is increasingly visible, plastic pollutes oceans and rivers, water is scarce while droughts are multiplying, biodiversity continues to shrink. Tourism must do better in preventing exploitation, promoting decent work, increasing accessibility. We cannot and do not want to return to a form of tourism that is perceived as generating more harm than good in the communities where it is developed. He also expressed his gratitude to the Türkiye authorities not only for the invitation, but also for the "ambitious and forward-looking commitment taken to develop a national sustainable tourism plan based on the GSTC Destination Criteria".

"GSTC is honoured and delighted to host our annual 2023 global conference of sustainable tourism experts and professional members in Türkiye," says Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC. "The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism has taken a step forward with its national sustainable tourism programme. We are pleased to bring our global community to Antalya to foster the exchange of solutions to the challenges of making tourism more sustainable in this country and the world."

The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Conference closed with the participation of more than 300 people from 45 countries, including the public sector, hotels, tour operators, private companies, academics, development agencies, online travel agencies and non-governmental organisations. The four-day conference programme included numerous training activities, interactive workshops, meetings and social events. Within the conference programme, participants also had the opportunity to discover Antalya, the "tourism paradise" of Türkiye.

GSTC sets global standards in sustainable tourism

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council regulates and manages the global standards created to ensure sustainability in travel and tourism, known as the GSTC Criteria. With these guidelines, the independent non-profit organisation aims to create a common understanding of sustainable tourism.

This platform also organises conferences with world leaders to discuss the most critical issues of sustainable tourism. The Sustainable Tourism Conference aims to bring tourism stakeholders together to exchange ideas and increase the rigorousness of the standards set for sustainable tourism.

Türkiye is an example to the world in the field of sustainable tourism.

With the cooperation agreement signed with the GSTC in early 2022, Türkiye determined the country's sustainable tourism roadmap and accelerated its global sustainability practices. With this three-year protocol, the National Sustainable Tourism Programme was established to restructure the country's tourism industry, the first to agree on an agreement with the government.

The programme, which includes destinations and tour operators, especially accommodation facilities, aims at a sustainable transformation of Türkiye's tourism industry. The first phase will be completed this year, the second in 2025 and the third in 2030, thus meeting all international standards.

It should be noted that accommodation facilities must obtain a Sustainable Tourism Certificate within the scope of the Sustainable Tourism Programme which consists of 42 globally recognised criteria specifically designed for these facilities. Subject to independent assessment, they receive an annual certificate or certification.