Türkiye has set a global benchmark in sustainable tourism, becoming the first country to exceed Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)-certified accommodations. This achievement means Türkiye alone represents 80% of all GSTC certifications worldwide, highlighting its leadership in responsible travel and eco-friendly hospitality.
Türkiye’s National Sustainable Tourism Program
In 2022, Türkiye signed a landmark cooperation agreement with the GSTC, making it the first nation to launch a National Sustainable Tourism Program. In just three years, this initiative has transformed the country’s tourism sector, setting internationally recognized sustainability standards that are now inspiring other destinations around the world.
The program requires accommodation providers to progress through three stages of certification, culminating in GSTC Stage 3 Certification. By the end of 2024, 1,466 hotels had achieved this milestone. As of September 1, 2025, that number surged to 2,005 properties—a 37% increase in just nine months.
Sustainable Tourism Growth Across Türkiye
Stage 3 certification rates are particularly high in key destinations:
- Antalya, Kırşehir, and Kilis: Over 50% of room and bed capacity certified
- İstanbul, Konya, Şırnak, Gaziantep, Kayseri, and Aydın: More than 30% certified
This demonstrates that both established tourism hubs and emerging destinations are fully committed to sustainable travel practices.
Leadership and Vision
Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, emphasized the importance of this milestone:
“Surpassing 2,000 GSTC-Certified hotels underscores our leadership in sustainable tourism. Our ultimate goal is to achieve full compliance with global standards by 2030 and position Türkiye as a global leader shaping the future of sustainable travel.”
The Minister also confirmed that Türkiye is now extending sustainability certification into the gastronomy sector, ensuring that food and beverage services meet the same rigorous environmental and social responsibility standards.
GSTC’s Endorsement of Türkiye’s Model
Randy Durband, CEO of the GSTC, praised Türkiye’s achievement:
“Türkiye’s National Sustainable Tourism Program is setting a global example of how governments and the private sector can work together to raise the bar in sustainability. We hope it inspires other destinations worldwide to follow this remarkable path.”
Global Recognition and Inspiration
Türkiye’s program is more than a domestic achievement—it is being promoted globally at leading travel events, including the GSTC Global Sustainable Tourism Conference in Antalya (2023), as well as international conferences in Sweden, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, the U.S., the U.K., the Netherlands, and Azerbaijan.
As the program becomes mandatory nationwide, Türkiye is on track to ensure all facilities complete GSTC certification by 2030. This transformation marks Türkiye as a pioneer in sustainable tourism, turning eco-conscious practices into an industry-wide standard that benefits travelers, local communities, and the planet.
