Turkey, world leader in sustainable hotels

28-09-25

Turkey has reached an unprecedented milestone in responsible tourism by certifying more than 2,000 hotels under the standards of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), earning it the title of the country with the highest number of sustainable accommodations in the world. This transformation has not been accidental but the result of a deliberate strategy that, since 2022, has elevated sustainability from a voluntary choice to a legal requirement within its hotel industry.

The scale of this achievement is even more striking when considering the proportion: today, Turkey accounts for over 80 % of all GSTC-certified hotels worldwide. So far in 2025, the country has recorded a 37 % increase in new certifications compared with the previous year. This progress reflects not only a decisive public policy but also effective collaboration among government, private investors, and local communities.

The National Sustainable Tourism Program of Turkey, developed in partnership with the GSTC, has been key to making this structural transformation possible. In just three years, a large part of the country’s hotel sector has been reconfigured, meeting rigorous standards in environmental management, energy efficiency, waste reduction, cultural heritage preservation, and social benefits for surrounding communities. This shift has turned sustainability into a legal pillar rather than an optional practice.

Turkey’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, underscored the symbolic and practical significance of this achievement: “Surpassing 2,000 certified hotels is clear proof of our commitment and leadership in sustainable tourism. Our goal is to have the entire hotel sector certified by 2030, positioning Turkey as a world reference in tourism transformation.”

For his part, Randy Durband, Chief Executive Officer of the GSTC, described this progress as an exemplary global model. He noted that Turkey’s initiative shows how harmonious cooperation between government and the private sector can raise sustainability standards and create a framework that other destinations can replicate. The visibility of this model is growing: it has already been showcased in Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, Thailand, and South Korea, attracting strong interest as an inspiration for similar frameworks.

For environmentally conscious travelers, Turkey now offers not only the largest number of sustainable hotel choices but also a guarantee of quality and consistency. Properties certified by the GSTC ensure responsible practices in energy use, water management, waste control, biodiversity protection, and community engagement—elements increasingly valued in the global market for conscious travel.

This strategic push also strengthens Turkey’s competitiveness as a destination. By raising its sustainability standards, the country projects an image that appeals to travelers seeking experiences respectful of nature and local communities. Such a strategy not only attracts new market segments but also fortifies Turkey’s position against competing destinations that have yet to embrace such ambitious standards.

Yet the challenge is far from over. Certifying hotels is only the first step: the real test lies in maintaining these practices over time, ensuring independent audits, adapting to evolving green innovations, and guaranteeing that the economic, social, and environmental benefits truly reach host communities. The 2030 goal set by Turkey will require perseverance, close monitoring, and participatory governance to keep sustainability at the core of tourism development.

Turkey’s achievement demonstrates that profound change in the tourism industry is possible when driven by political will, strong regulatory incentives, and broad social commitment. Its progress provides a valuable reference for countries aiming to redefine their tourism models toward one that not only attracts visitors but also conserves and regenerates natural and cultural heritage. In this new era of responsible tourism, Turkey has positioned itself not just as a pioneer but as a guiding light for destinations that aspire to make the planet a viable and respectful place to explore.

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