Green Destinations’ Strategic Engagement in Izmir, Turkiye ????

From 5-8 December 2024, Green Destinations had the privilege of being hosted by the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality to experience and advance the region’s commitment to sustainable tourism. This visit provided an invaluable opportunity to engage with local stakeholders, evaluate ongoing projects, and discuss future collaborations aimed at achieving sustainability certification for various destinations within Izmir.

Day 1: Engagement at the TTI Izmir Tourism Trade International Expo

The journey commenced with participation in the TTI Izmir Tourism Trade International Expo. Iyad Kayali, Regional Director - Southern Europe, Middle East, North Africa at Green Destinations, took the stage as a panelist in a discussion entitled “Sustainable Destinations and Izmir.” The focal points of his address included the intricacies of the Green Destinations Certification Programs for Destinations, challenges in the certification processes, and the burgeoning collaborations with the Izmir Metropolitan area. Throughout the expo, extensive discussions with various officials facilitated a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in both business and destination certifications.

?? Glimpses from the expo

Day 2: Field Visits and Engagements in Urla

The following day was dedicated to exploring Urla, a region within Izmir noted for its transition from traditional sea tourism to a burgeoning hub for cultural tourism, wine production, and gourmet experiences. The delegation was received by the Izmir Metropolitan Deputy Mayor, Mr. Levent Y?ld?r and the Head of Culture Department of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, Mr. Sedat Kirt, who were presented with an overview of Green Destinations’ efforts in three key regions of Izmir. The day was filled with site visits including the historically significant Quarantine Island, the ancient olive oil workshop at Klazomenai, and several top-tier vineyards and businesses part of the Top 100 Stories list. The day culminated in an award ceremony at the Urla Ba? Yolu, followed by a dinner hosted by the Urla Mayor, Mr. Sel?uk Balkan at OD Urla, a paragon of sustainable gastronomy.

?? Watch the Urla Ba? Yolu ceremony video

Day 3: Discovering Sel?uk’s Heritage and Sustainability Practices

The excursion continued in Sel?uk, another place under our Certification Programs for Destinations. Renowned for its historical significance with landmarks like Ephesus Ancient City, the region is also a pivotal area for agriculture. Visits included the Ephesus Agricultural Field Living Village, Ephesus itself, and the culturally vibrant Kültürpark in Izmir city, where the delegation participated in the New Year’s Festival.

Day 4: Prospective Sustainability Projects in Menderes

The final day involved a strategic visit to Menderes, identified as a potential candidate for future sustainability projects. Menderes is acclaimed for its pristine Blue Flag beaches and cultural tourism initiatives. The delegation toured Boncuk Village, Gümüldür Gümoz Mandarin and Women Entrepreneurs Cooperative—a UN-recognised zero-waste initiative—and Klaros, enriching their understanding of the region’s commitment to sustainable practices.

?? Dive into the local essence of Menderes

To wrap up,

The four-day visit to Izmir was more than a mere assessment tour; it was a profound learning and collaborative experience highlighting the city’s potential and readiness to embed sustainability into its tourism strategy. This endeavour by Green Destinations showcases the commitment of Izmir to sustainable practices while setting a benchmark for other regions aspiring towards similar goals.