Turkey plans to launch the world's first national green or eco-tourism program in 2023. It will consist of several stages and will last until 2030, the Milliyet newspaper reports.

The program will be implemented as part of a cooperation agreement with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and will provide for the implementation of global sustainable development practices in the local tourism industry and the reduction of environmental pollution based on the Paris Climate Agreement.

Following the introduction of “safe tourism” certificates in Turkish hotels during the pandemic, confirming that they comply with the necessary measures to ensure the safe and healthy rest of tourists, the Ministry of Tourism of the country began preparations to launch a “green tourism” program. It will also provide for the receipt of relevant certificates by hotels, writes Milliyet.

According to the publication, it is planned to start implementing the program in January 2023. In the first stage, criteria for the national program will be developed, and companies will be trained to monitor its implementation. In February, participants in the tourism industry are expected to be included in the project, ready to take part in it. In the second stage, or by 2025, a phased introduction of the certification system is planned, and by 2030, the implementation of all international standards for sustainable tourism and the Paris Climate Agreement, which Turkey signed last year.

The head of the Union of Tour Operators of Turkey, Firuz Baglıkaya, in an interview with Milliyet, drew attention to the importance of reducing emissions into the atmosphere as part of the program. This, according to him, will be facilitated by the spread of the practice of medium and short flights by airlines instead of many hours. “According to the World Tourism Organization, long-haul flights are six times higher in carbon dioxide emissions per passenger than short-haul flights. Turkey is included in the list of countries that can be reached in 3-4 hours, and this is its advantage,” the head of the union said.

He added that 87% of travel agencies involved in international travel want to implement their programs within the framework of sustainable tourism. “Two-thirds of tourists prefer to stay at sites where attention is paid to environmental protection,” Baglykaya said.