Türkiye
Türkiye is a culturally rich country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, shaped by thousands of years of history and many civilizations. It offers a remarkable diversity of landscapes, vibrant cities, traditional towns, renowned cuisine, and unique natural and cultural heritage.
Tourism plays a key role in Türkiye’s economy and social life, supported by a strong culture of hospitality and increasingly guided by responsible and sustainable practices. In 2024, Türkiye ranked fourth among the world’s most visited countries, welcoming over 56–62 million international visitors, reflecting its global appeal as a leading travel destination.
GOOD TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Good Travel Experiences are developed by the Good Travel Institute, together with partners of the Good Travel Alliance. A Good Travel Experience is an activity or tour that creates real benefits for local people and communities, while avoiding negative impact on nature, culture, and the climate.
Begin your holiday planning with these experiences, then check the local accommodation and service providers in the country and destination pages. You can all book them directly, avoiding commission!
GOOD PLACES TO VISIT
Explore destinations that were recognized for their sustainability efforts
Experience Türkiye
The map below features Good Travel Experiences (GTEs) numbered in blue in Bursa and Izmir. To explore Good Travel Experiences in Istanbul, please access the Istanbul destination page. The map also highlights destinations recognized for their sustainability efforts in green.
GOOD TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN BURSA AND IZMIR
A Good Travel Experience is a tourism activity that creates real benefits for local people and communities, while keeping its impact on nature, culture, and the climate lower than similar activities.
GOOD BUSINESSES
Discover accommodations, restaurants, shops and attractions that are commited to responsible development
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Sustainability
Over the last few years, Istanbul, Bursa and Izmir have emerged as frontrunners in tourism with positive impact for their local communities. Especially Istanbul allows you to visit and experience the city (and its surroundings!) through a Good Travel Experience Guide that is available in this webpage. Bursa developed the program Green Bursa supporting women cooperatives in strengthening their sustainability. Finally, four districts of Izmir have successfully participated in the Green Destinations Awards Program for sustainable destination management.
GOOD PRACTICE STORIES
Get inspired with stories from places and people that are acting for a fair and responsible tourism
Izmir
The Urla region in Izmir , known for its amazing beaches is facing a big challenge to diversify the tourism offer , in order to extend the season and benefit more local businesses and enhance economic growth. The Urla vineyard route was established by seven local organizations, aiming to unite wineries, revive Urla’s ancient wine making heritage, promote sustainable development and put Urla on the wine map globally.
Tourism & People
Türkiye’s tourism sector is deeply connected to its people, culture, and traditions. Shaped by thousands of years of history and multiple civilizations, Turkish society is known for its strong sense of hospitality, community, and cultural pride. Welcoming guests is deeply rooted in everyday life, and visitors often experience genuine warmth, generosity, and personal interaction when engaging with local people.
Tourism is a major source of employment across the country, supporting millions of people directly and indirectly through accommodation, food and beverage services, guiding, transport, agriculture, handicrafts, and creative industries. Local communities play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage, traditional crafts, gastronomy, music, and customs that form the foundation of authentic visitor experiences.
Travel tips from our editors
Getting around
Türkiye is an easy and welcoming destination, well connected by direct international flights from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas.
Getting around Türkiye is convenient, with extensive intercity bus and rail networks offering lower-carbon alternatives to domestic flights. In major cities, public transport such as metros, trams, ferries, and buses is widely used.
Language
Turkish is the official language. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic Turkish phrases is appreciated and helps create positive local interactions.
Visa Requirements
Visa requirements vary by nationality. Many travelers can enter Türkiye visa-free or obtain an e-visa online prior to arrival. It is recommended to check visa requirements in advance through official channels.
Nature & Wildlife
Türkiye hosts over 12,000 plant species, including more than 3,700 endemics, and supports diverse wildlife such as brown bears, wolves, lynx, wild goats, deer, dolphins, monk seals, and endangered sea turtles. Located on major migratory routes between Europe, Africa, and Asia, Türkiye’s wetlands and deltas provide vital habitats for hundreds of bird species. To safeguard this natural heritage, the country has established an extensive network of national parks, nature reserves, wildlife protection areas, and marine conservation zones, with conservation efforts increasingly focused on habitat protection, species monitoring, sustainable tourism, and community involvement.
Sustainability Recognitions
Brazil has 9 destinations featured in the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations 2021.
Other sustainability certifications can be seen here (English) and here (Portuguese).
Fernanda Rodak | Page Editor
“Brazil is a worldwide known hotspot for biodiversity as well as home to a multitude of cultural expressions. The natural and cultural heritage and immense variety of tourism experiences in the country are valuable assets for its competitiveness. Yet, as we envision a post Covid-19 era, sustainability in tourism becomes crucial to build resilience and guarantee the long-lasting health of Brazil’s ecosystems and well-being of the hosting communities. This would also ensure an active contribution of the country’s tourism sector to the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Visit other destinations nearby?
Important Notice: Awards, seals, recognitions, and competition results presented on this website do not constitute certification unless explicitly stated as “GSTC-certified against Green Destinations Standard” following independent third-party conformity assessment.
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