In the wake of a pressing need for climate action strategies, Türkiye has developed a national sustainable tourism programme in partnership with GSTC to certify accomodations. The two will also jointly hold an event at Climate Change Summit in Dubai to highlight Türkiye’s achievements in sustainable tourism.

Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has joined hands with Turkiye to jointly organise a seminar on sustainable tourism at the ongoing COP28, Climate Change Summit in Dubai on December 10.

According to a press statement, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) will be represented by its Vice Chair CB Ramkumar, along with senior officials of the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) to present Türkiye’s national sustainable tourism programme.

In a press statement, GSTC says that Türkiye has become the first country to develop the national sustainable tourism programme in collaboration with GSTC. Within the scope of the programme, accommodations facilities started to be verified and certified according to the standard recognised by GSTC as well as in parallel with the GSTC Assurance Panel.

The statement adds that the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2023 is a significant global event where world leaders, environmental experts, NGOs, and stakeholders come together to discuss and negotiate actions against climate change.

It adds that in ‘Sustainability in Tourism Panel’ seminar, to be held on December 10 in Türkiye Pavillion, will be moderated by Hasan Ali Karasar, Rector of Cappadocia University, Türkiye. Speakers include Elif Balci Fisunoglu, Acting General Manager, TGA, Kaan Kasif Kavaloglu, TGA Board Member, CB Ram Ramkumar, Vice Chair, GSTC and Erkan Yagci, President, Türkiye Hotelier’s Federation (Türofed).

GSTC says the panel will discuss the latest developments in sustainable tourism, focusing on Türkiye’s innovative and visionary national programme. The statement adds that attendees can delve into recent data, share knowledge and exchange ideas on advancing sustainable practices in tourism.

As of 2030, Türkiye aims to meet global sustainable tourism standards with all tourism stakeholders including accommodation which aims to have their certifications through a GSTC-Accredited Certification Bodies.

This conference represents a critical platform for assessing the progress of international climate goals, setting new commitments, and addressing the challenges of global warming and environmental degradation. COP28 serves as a vital opportunity to advance global efforts in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development.