Sustainable Tourism

Turkey Sustainable Tourism Program

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey and the Tourism Promotion and Development Agency of Turkey (TGA) have taken an important step to raise sustainability standards in global tourism. With the cooperation agreement signed in January 2022, it was decided to work together with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and the Turkey Sustainable Tourism Program was implemented within the framework of this cooperation. This program has been approved according to GSTC’s international certification criteria and has earned the “Acknowledged” status.

What is Turkey Sustainable Tourism Program?

Turkey Sustainable Tourism Program (TR-I) is an initiative that aims to create a sustainable tourism system in the tourism sector of our country and to operate in accordance with the principles of ecological, economic and socio-cultural sustainability. The program has been developed within the framework of international criteria set by GSTC and the verification processes are also carried out based on the same criteria.

Role of Control Union

According to TGA’s announcement, inspections on the Turkey Sustainable Tourism Program are carried out by inspection bodies accredited by GSTC. Control Union is the first certification body in the world that was accredited by ASI for the GSTC program in 2016, and then continues to operate under GSTC accreditation, and in this regard, to carry out inspection and certification processes within the framework of the Turkey Sustainable Tourism Program by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey authorized to.

Criteria Required for Sustainable Tourism Certification

By completing the 42 criteria included in GSTC’s international certification criteria, accommodation facilities will be eligible to receive a “Sustainable Tourism Certificate”. The Turkey Sustainable Tourism Program offers businesses the opportunity to apply for certification in stages. 14 criteria were defined for the first stage document and 29 criteria for the second stage document. In this way, facilities will be able to move step by step towards sustainability and obtain their official certificates with GSTC logo when they fulfill all the necessary criteria.

How to Get a Sustainable Tourism Certificate?

Businesses that want to get a sustainable tourism certificate must go through a certain process. This process is planned towards sustainable tourism goals and sustainable tourism practices and includes the following steps:

Application: The enterprise applies to the Control Union for a sustainable tourism certificate and submits the necessary documents.
Evaluation: Control Union experts evaluate and analyze the enterprise's sustainable tourism practices.
Verification: Independent auditors verify compliance with GSTC criteria by conducting on-site inspection.
Reporting: Inspection results are reported based on a checklist provided by Control Union.
Certification: Businesses that are found to be compliant with the sustainable tourism system are awarded a GSTC approved sustainable tourism certificate.

Official Status and Significance of Turkey's Sustainable Tourism Program

Turkey Sustainable Tourism Program has official program status by GSTC. This ensures international recognition and acceptance of the program. Businesses that receive certification under the program will have confirmed that they comply with GSTC’s global sustainability standards, thereby gaining a competitive advantage in the international tourism market.

Benefits of Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism not only protects the environment, but also provides economic and social benefits. This program helps businesses reduce their environmental impact, collaborate with local communities and achieve cost savings through more efficient use of resources. In addition, sustainability certification has become a preferred factor for conscious tourists and contributes to the increase of customer satisfaction of businesses.

Sustainable Tourism in Turkey

Turkey Sustainable Tourism Program is an important step to raise sustainability standards in the tourism sector of our country. T.C. The cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and TGA with GSTC will help Turkey adapt to international sustainable tourism standards and increase its competitiveness in the global market. Control Union’s authoritative role in this process increases the reliability and efficiency of the program.

Sustainable Tourism Planning and Projects

You can contact Control Union to get more information about the Turkey Sustainable Tourism Program and to join this process and prepare your enterprise for a green future. Sustainable tourism types and projects continue to be developed in Turkey in the direction of sustainable tourism planning and goals. You can contact Control Union for details such as Turkey sustainable tourism industry criteria and sustainable tourism certificate payment.

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