The conference of the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC), hosted for the first time in Turkey, started in Antalya with the participation of guests from 45 countries.
300 guests from 45 countries attended the conference, which was held at Kundu Tourism Center and the Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy also attended.
At the GSTC Global Sustainable Tourism Conference, representatives of the public and tourism sector and non-governmental organizations, as well as academicians, will participate in training, workshops, meetings and social events.
Participants will have the opportunity to benefit from the practical experience of experts in the development and promotion of sustainable tourism through the conference program.
GSTC Chairman of the Board Luigi Cabrini, in his speech at the opening, thanked Turkey for hosting and explained the importance of sustainability in tourism.
Stating that the tourism industry is struggling with global challenges, Cabrini said:
"The challenges that threaten the growth of tourism have not changed. The effects of climate change are becoming more and more visible. Plastic is polluting the oceans and rivers, water scarcity continues to increase, while biodiversity continues to decline. Increasing destinations and sustainability in tourism are very important. Sustainability provides significant benefits to tourism. I believe it will be a successful conference. Turkey has demonstrated ambitious and forward-thinking commitment to develop its national sustainable tourism plan. We thank you for that."
Turkish Hoteliers Federation President Erkan Yağcı and Turkish Hoteliers Association President Müberra Eresin also spoke at the opening.
The conference, which continues with sessions, will end on May 12.