#Danger For Tourism

Climate Change and Sustainable Tourism Threats

The effects of climate change are increasing, posing a serious threat to the sustainability of the tourism sector. Tourism is one of the world's largest industries and employs approximately 1 in 10 people globally. Moreover, the gross domestic product of some countries is almost entirely dependent on tourism. Now, traveling with an environmentally friendly mindset is more important than ever. This is because tourism causes environmental pollution and can also harm the lives of plants and animals living in tourist areas. The tourism sector alone is responsible for 8 to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The tourism industry is based on the attractiveness of the natural environment and biodiversity. In many parts of the world, tourists travel to see rainforests, a myriad of plants, animals, birds, insects, and many other species. According to a survey conducted by Booking.com, 61% of respondents stated that the pandemic encouraged them to travel more sustainably. Participants mentioned that they especially felt a desire to make positive changes in their lives after the pandemic, such as reducing food waste and single-use plastics. Additionally, 79% of the respondents expressed a desire to move in a more eco-friendly manner while on holiday, for example by walking, cycling, or using public transportation instead of taxis and rental cars. Since tourist activities need to become more environmentally friendly, climate-adapted, and carbon-neutral, hotels must switch to renewable energy as soon as possible and reduce the pressure they exert on coastlines. However, with proper policies and practices, the tourism sector can adapt to climate change and move toward an environmentally sustainable future. Especially in cultural tourism, planning every activity together with locals is crucial for sustainability. As individuals, we should travel as explorers while protecting and staying connected to nature. Preserving Cultural Heritage In the context of World Tourism Day on September 27, the Foundation for the Protection and Promotion of the Environment and Cultural Heritage (ÇEKÜL) made a call for sustainable tourism to all stakeholders in the sector. ÇEKÜL used the following statements: Although tourism is an important sector for economic growth, when it is done in an uncontrolled and unplanned manner, it can cause serious damage to our natural and cultural heritage. Issues such as overcrowding in historical cities, the destruction of natural areas, and the loss of cultural identity once again highlight the importance of sustainable tourism. On World Tourism Day, we invite all stakeholders to take action for sustainable tourism. Tourism is not just an economic activity; it is also a social and environmental responsibility. Tourism directly impacts the social and cultural fabric. Therefore, populist approaches should be avoided, and the rich heritage of Anatolia should be preserved through long-term sustainable planning. Breathing Life into the Corals Turkey, the only country in the world with its own inland sea, has the Marmara Sea, which serves as a vital biological corridor between the Black Sea, Aegean Sea, and Mediterranean Sea. In this context, the "Denize +1 Nefes" project was launched in 2022 in collaboration with Anadolu Efes and the Marine Life Conservation Society (DYKD) to support biodiversity development in the Marmara Sea and raise awareness. The project aims to multiply and protect the corals, known as the “rainforests of the seas,” which are at risk of extinction, and enrich biodiversity along with the underwater life in the Marmara Sea. In the first phase of "Denize +1 Nefes," divers relocated corals, which had been detached from their natural habitat and damaged, to an area off Tavşan Island in the Marmara Sea, which has been declared a strictly protected area, and created new coral gardens. In the second phase of the project, a camera system was installed 30 meters below the sea to monitor and record the development of the relocated corals and their impact 24/7. In the third phase, the focus shifted to listening to the biodiversity of the Marmara Sea. Divers placed audio recording devices underwater to capture the sounds of marine life. Inspired by these recordings, the artist Mercan Dede created the composition "Symphony of the Corals." Anadolu Efes Beer Group President and Anadolu Efes CEO Onur Altürk said, "We are working to build a responsible, conscious, and sustainable future." Contactless Food Expenditures Increased According to data from the Interbank Card Center, domestic credit card expenditures related to tourism rose by 32.7% in the January-August period of 2024, approaching $17.2 billion. In the first eight months of 2023, expenditures amounted to $12.9 billion. During this period, domestic credit and debit card expenditures on hotel accommodations increased by 29% to $6.5 billion, while airline ticket expenditures also rose by 16% to $6.5 billion. "Contactless" food expenditures made with domestic cards, both within Turkey and abroad, increased by 48% during this period, reaching approximately $12.9 billion. Online tourism service purchases made with domestic and foreign cards in Turkey increased by 25.4%, reaching $10.9 billion. From the Sector PEGASUS Airlines added two more routes to its international flights. The company launched flights from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Seville, Spain, and from Antalya to Cairo, Egypt. DEDEMAN Hotels & Resorts International started welcoming guests at its new hotel Dedeman Güre - Nurhayat Thermal Resort & Spa, located in the Güre region, famous for its thermal springs in the Kazdağları mountains. GOOGLE and travel technology company Sabre collaborated to develop the "Travel Impact Model" to reduce the negative environmental impacts of business travel. The system allows for more accurate measurement of the carbon footprint of business travel. BARUT Hotels organized the "Cuisine Queens" event at Anda Barut Collection, with the participation of female chefs to support the role of women chefs in the tourism sector. WYNDHAM, which has approximately 120 hotels in Turkey and has opened significant new locations in coastal regions this year, inaugurated Ramada by Wyndham Dalaman.