Lessons from Turkey in sustainable tourism
With robust institutional frameworks, trained professionals, and an engaged public, Turkey has managed to make tourism a continuously growing industry
With its mythology inspiring every field of art from the past to the present, and its Aegean, Black Sea, and countless other regions contributing to its rich cultural fabric, Turkey offers an extraordinary experience. To be worthy of this heritage, to live and sustain it with the awareness that it is part of the world’s heritage, certain fundamental pillars must always be in place.
In Turkey, the institutionalisation and regulation of cultural heritage preservation play a vital role in sustainable tourism growth. Laws such as the Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection Law have ensured that heritage sites, monuments, and archaeological remains are carefully preserved for future generations. This commitment to regulation ensures that tourism development does not compromise the integrity of historical landmarks. Through well-structured institutions, Turkey has been able to balance modernisation with preservation, allowing cultural tourism to thrive alongside urban development.
Another important step forward to illustrate the importance of institutional capacity, “Golden Age of Turkish Archaeology - Heritage for the Future” project has begun in 2023. All resources have been mobilised to ensure that in the next four years, our cultural heritage, particularly our ancient sites, will be excavated, restored and preserved. The number of ongoing archaeological excavations and projects in Turkey increased from 670 to 720 in the last couple of years. They are set to reach 750 in 2024, with a goal of 800 excavations and projects by 2026.
Moreover, the importance of a skilled workforce in restoration, archaeology, architecture, and museum studies cannot be overstated. Turkey has invested in the education and training of professionals who specialise in cultural heritage preservation. Restorers, architects, and museum curators are crucial in maintaining the authenticity and integrity of heritage sites while making them accessible and engaging for tourists. Their expertise ensures that restorations are carried out accurately, protecting the historical value of sites while preventing illegal activities like antiquities trafficking.
Furthermore, it is essential to instil an understanding of cultural heritage in the younger generations, making them responsible stewards of their cultural identity. Educational programmes that teach children and youth about the importance of their cultural heritage have proven successful in fostering a sense of pride and responsibility. These initiatives encourage the younger population to actively engage with their history, ensuring that cultural preservation becomes a part of the national consciousness.
When all these elements are in place — robust institutional frameworks, trained professionals, and an engaged public — tourism becomes a continuously growing industry.
Aside from disruptions such as the Covid pandemic, tourism has seen consistent expansion. Investment in cultural heritage preservation acts as a motivating factor for tourists, who are increasingly seeking destinations that offer authentic cultural experiences.
Turkey’s success in achieving 62.2 million visitors in 2024 is a testament to its efforts. But big numbers mean big challenges. Over-tourism would be a serious problem if not properly managed. To address the challenges of over-tourism, Turkey has implemented specific policies including the development of visitor management plans for each registered and Unesco World Heritage monument and site. This includes iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia and the Historic Peninsula. These plans focus on managing visitor flows, optimising the distribution of tourists, and ensuring that the carrying capacity of each site is not exceeded. Through careful planning, authorities aim to maintain the integrity and sustainability of these cultural treasures while enhancing visitor experience.
In recent years, there has been a shift in Turkey’s tourism strategy towards considering destinations as holistic attraction centres at every scale. This approach emphasises sustainability by integrating the needs, rights, and expectations of local communities into tourism development. Local governments have been actively involved in tourism supply, ensuring that the growth of the industry aligns with the principles of sustainable development. The focus is not solely on increasing tourist numbers but rather on fostering the economic and social sustainability of local populations.
Ultimately, Turkey’s sustainable cultural tourism model aims to balance the preservation of cultural heritage with the well-being of local communities. By diversifying tourism products, implementing strategic visitor management plans, and prioritising local community involvement, Turkey strives to create a resilient tourism sector.
India, with its rich cultural legacies, can benefit from Turkey’s experience in cultural tourism. Both countries are naturally aligned in their appreciation for heritage and cultural tourism. They have vast cultural landscapes that offer unique opportunities for creative industries to thrive, and it is through collaborative initiatives that we can strengthen the cultural ties between our nations.
Cultural diplomacy becomes a foundation for building trust, and as we continue to work together, it strengthens the bonds between Turkey and India, benefiting both our countries and our people.
Firat Sunel is Turkey’s ambassador to India. The views expressed are personal