Ordu and Ünye want their share of the tourism pie...

Ordu, one of the provinces that has recently increased its appeal in tourism, along with its districts, foremost among them Ünye, wants a greater share of tourism. TÜROB Board Member Ayhan Hacıbektaşoğlu noted that Ordu has very high potential for nature tourism. Hacıbektaşoğlu stated that the province also holds significant potential for accommodation sector investments.

Ordu, one of the Black Sea's most attention-grabbing destinations in tourism recently, along with its districts, foremost among them Ünye, is increasing its tourist appeal. Particularly with the increase in air travel options, Ordu has begun to attract demand mainly from domestic tourists seeking culture and nature. This demand has led to the destination being included in tour companies' programmes. Evaluating the tourism potential in Ordu and Ünye, Association of Turkish Hoteliers (TÜROB) Board Member Ayhan Hacıbektaşoğlu noted that the Black Sea region has shown rapid development in tourism in recent years. Hacıbektaşoğlu said: "The diversification of our country's destinations and tourism products and the spread of tourism across Anatolia are very important. As TÜROB, we have always supported the diversification of tourism and its spread across Anatolia. Ordu, one of the Black Sea region's most valuable areas in terms of geographical and cultural beauty, and especially Ünye, are tourism destinations that must be handled meticulously."

High investment potential

Coordinated by the Ünye Chamber of Commerce and Industry and in cooperation with the Ordu Governorship, the Ordu Metropolitan Municipality, and the Ünye District Governorship, a 'familiarisation tour' was organised for the development of Ordu's tourism, with the participation of numerous travel agency representatives, managers of tourism sector organisations, and guests. As part of the event, TÜROB Board Member Ayhan Hacıbektaşoğlu visited Ordu's districts of Fatsa, Perşembe, Aybastı, and Akkuş, foremost among them Ünye, and assessed their tourism potential. Stating that the province also holds significant potential for accommodation sector investments, Hacıbektaşoğlu said: "In recent years we see that Ordu has also received its share of the increasing hotel investments in the Black Sea region. While the new hotels coming into operation offer a significant advantage in terms of accommodation, the existing older hotels are also in need of renovation."

The natural environment must not be spoiled

Pointing out that Ordu, with its feature of harbouring every shade of green and blue, has very high potential for nature tourism, Hacıbektaşoğlu said: "Work continues on Uzunkum, a stretch of around 30 km with magnetic sand that is rarely found in the world, as well as on restoration efforts continuing in old mansions alongside the entirely natural highland pastures, and on the development of cycling and walking paths along the coast and quality food and beverage facilities. The route the Black Sea coastal road follows, especially in Ordu and Ünye, also makes it possible to use the coast much more productively. This potential needs to be effectively promoted, access and accommodation facilities developed, and supported by complementary services. Importance must be given to drawing up a sustainable tourism management plan in which the local population, the sector, and decision-makers are stakeholders. The infrastructure shortfalls of the highland pastures, which constitute significant potential, must be addressed in a manner compatible with natural conditions and in a sustainable way."

TÜROB is ready to support

Saying "It must not be forgotten that the natural and historical beauties of Ordu and Ünye carry a heritage value that must be passed on to future generations unspoiled," Hacıbektaşoğlu continued: "In the corridors of Ünye Castle, located in the district of Ünye and built between 200 and 250 BC by the Pontic King Mithridates VI, which have been inaccessible until now, work has been launched in cooperation with the Ordu Governorship Investment Monitoring and Coordination Department and the Ünye Municipality to clean the closed corridors of Ünye Castle and bring them into tourism use. With the cleaning work launched at the castle, which has two corridors, set to be completed in the near future, this place too will become a very important tourism attraction. Here, it is very important that the local population adopts a common form of governance together with local administrations and all stakeholders, and that a sustainable development environment is provided. The Association of Turkish Hoteliers, with its 50-year history, is among the most well-established tourism organisations in our country. TÜROB continues to work and provide support with all its strength towards protecting all of our country's tourism and cultural values. TÜROB is always ready to work on all projects that aim to develop the tourism of this region and to pass its tourism values on to future generations while preserving them."