?zmir Metropolitan Municipality ???? to begin its sustainable tourism certification journey with Green Destinations

The beginning of spring has signified a new vision of sustainable tourism for ?zmir, which signed an agreement with Green Destinations , one of the only three destination certification bodies worldwide accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

?zmir, Turkey's third-largest city, marks a significant achievement as it prepares to become the first entire metropolitan area in the country to apply for Sustainable Tourism Destination Certification. Under the coordination of the ?zmir Metropolitan Municipality Directorate of Tourism, the certification process will involve several stakeholders from regions around the province where tourism is already well established. For Green Destinations, working with ?zmir is a remarkable way to continue our efforts to work with destinations committed to more sustainable tourism.

?? Green Destinations Certification Programs for Destinations

“Türkiye’s Aegean Coast is ideal for creating sustainable tourism offerings that strengthen local communities, culture and cuisine while respecting history and nature,” said Albert Salman, President of Green Destinations. “We look forward to working with the exceptional team from ?zmir and introducing a greener model of tourism in this beautiful part of the country”.

?zmir’s journey with Green Destinations began in 2023 when the Efeler Yolu Culture Route made it into the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories Competition. The route connects the villages and plateaus in the mountains of ?zmir, carries the traces of many civilisations, and hosts a rich ecosystem. The efforts continue to hopefully recognise the entire Metropolitan Municipality of ?zmir as a sustainable tourism destination.

?? Read ?zmir’s 2023 Top 100 Story

About Green Destinations

Green Destinations is a Netherlands-based organisation working on the assessment, capacity building and certification of destinations and businesses committed to sustainable tourism. Green Destinations manages a number of global programmes through a core team of coordinators and programme managers. The organisation leads a global partnership of over 75 partners and representatives, consisting of sustainable tourism experts, consultancies and non-profit organisations; it works for the benefit of the Green Destinations community. To date, more than 500 destinations and 220 businesses from over 60 countries have participated in one of our programmes. Together with the Green Destinations Community and the association, the organisation aim to make tourism better and more sustainable.

About Sustainable Tourism in ?zmir

?zmir, the third most populated city in Türkiye, is an important tourist destination on the Aegean Coast due to its rich history, delicious cuisine, varied nature and beautiful beaches. It is one of the oldest occupied settlements in the Mediterranean, dating back to the Neolithic period. The city is home to numerous sites, ancient ruins and landmarks, including the Velvet Castle (Kadifekale), Old Port City, the ?zmir Agora, and two Unesco World Heritage sites: Ephesus and Pergamon. Outside the metropolitan area, ?zmir's diverse landscapes provide many opportunities for hiking and trekking, while its vineyards and wine routes are a delight for seekers of authenticity and nature. The city joined the Green City Action Plan (GCAP) in 2019 to address environmental challenges and joined Green Destinations in 2024.