Statements of Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Ersoy
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Ersoy made important statements about tourism relations with Saudi Arabia at the Turkey-Saudi Arabia Tourism Cooperation Forum. Minister Ersoy stated that the number of visitors from Saudi Arabia is in an increasing trend and that Turkey will host 500 thousand Saudi Arabian tourists in 2022 and 800 thousand Saudi Arabian tourists in 2023, and that 1 million Saudi Arabian tourists are targeted this year.
Sustainable Tourism and Responsibility
Minister Ersoy emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism and stated that environmental awareness and protection of global resources are becoming more important day by day. He stated that a Sustainability Atlas was prepared for Turkey in 2020 and a certification program valid throughout Turkey was launched in 2021.
Sustainable Tourism Certification Program
Minister Ersoy gave detailed information about the Sustainable Tourism Certification Program and stated that the program has three stages and that the process, which started in 2023, will be completed in 2030. He said that there are more than 21 thousand hotels within the scope of the program and approximately 16 thousand hotels are included in the program.
Restoration and Archaeological Studies
Minister Ersoy announced that a new program for restoration and archaeological studies has been put into operation. He stated that the stay of archaeologists in the field has been extended and the number of archaeological excavation sites in Turkey has been increased, and emphasized that these studies are important for the sustainability of cultural heritage.
