Happy World Tourism Day, 27 September!

This year, we are celebrating World Tourism Day under the theme “Tourism and Peace,” in the hope of an end to the wars and conflicts that are taking place on a global scale and that deeply affect us all.

It is not possible to speak of tourism without an environment of peace. Yet tourism, with its structure that strengthens empathy, tolerance and cultural understanding, has been not only an economic activity but also the common language of peace and humanity. This powerful sector, which brings the world and societies together, transcends borders and prejudices to nurture friendships, togetherness and mutual respect.

Today, the tourism sector is the world’s third-largest export sector, after the chemical and energy sectors. In addition to its direct contribution to economies, it is an important development tool that raises the prosperity levels of countries through its power to create employment. The scale of global tourism and its impact on other sectors are felt more strongly with each passing day.

Türkiye holds an important place in world tourism with its unique historical heritage, natural beauties, geographical location uniting two continents, and strong human resources. Today, the tourism sector plays a locomotive role in our country’s economy with its structure that directly contributes to 54 different sectors; by meeting 95% of its annual purchasing exceeding 30 billion dollars from domestic and national sources, it creates a broad economic ecosystem. 

Upholding a travel culture that offers the opportunity to discover the world and develops cross-cultural understanding by moving away from prejudices, and acting with an awareness of sustainability and responsibility, is the shared duty of us all. With a tourism model that strengthens the local community and culture, manages resources effectively and is sensitive to the environment, we aim to contribute to a more inclusive and resilient future. 

With these feelings and thoughts, I wish for a world tourism founded on human life and a sustainable environment, based on ethical values and shaped by conscientious principles; and on behalf of myself and the Board of the Association of Turkish Hoteliers, I sincerely congratulate all the laborers, investors, business partners and guests who have devoted themselves to the tourism sector on World Tourism Day, 27 September.

Respectfully,

Müberra ERESİN

TÜROB – President of the Association of Turkish Hoteliers