Sustainable Adventure in the Heart of the World

Sustainable Adventure in the Heart of the World

ALLIE MURRAY

Whether you’re craving time in nature away from the crowds or seeking an immersion in traditional heritage, Türkiye calls to green-minded adventurers from all over the world.

Late last year, Türkiye’s President Tayyip Erdogan changed the country’s internationally recognized name from Turkey to Türkiye, which is the way the country is pronounced in Turkish. Regarding the change, President Erdogan said, “The word Türkiye represents and expresses the culture, civilization, and values of the Turkish nation in the best way.”

Türkiye’s culture and values surrounding tourism focus on sustainability, making the country the ultimate destination for travellers seeking an adventure that is both unforgettable and environmentally conscious. The country is working to ensure the travellers focus on ecotourism and leave behind nothing but footprints.

Across Türkiye, travellers can explore majestic mountains, sparkling lakes, caves, and national parks. Türkiye is also home to an abundance of UNESCO cultural and natural heritage locations focusing on historical landmarks and sustainable travel. Türkiye has 18 locations recognized by UNESCO, including the Karain Cave, The Mausoleum of Hecatomnus, Cappadocia, and more.

© PHOTOS COURTESY OF GOTÜRKIYE

CHOOSE ECO-FRIENDLY TRAVEL FOR A BETTER, HEALTHY WORLD

Get off the main trails and take in the natural beauty of Türkiye while keeping your carbon footprint small. There are so many ways to explore Türkiye using eco-friendly transportation, from scenic bike trails suitable for all skill levels to low-impact train travel with magical views along the way.

Türkiye is driven to make the country a more sustainable global tourist destination by prioritizing the protection of the planet in everything they do. To do so, they have implemented international environmental conventions and have focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development goals as the foundation for their tourism strategy.

Discover the beautiful wildlife and natural areas in the region, like Caretta Carettas (Loggerhead sea turtles) hatching on Turkish beaches. Nature lovers will be enchanted by the floral richness of Türkiye’s vast fields of flowers—the country is home to nearly 12,000 species of plants and over 2,300 species of mushrooms. Even more magical are the many colourful butterflies native to Türkiye, most notably in the provinces of Van, Hakkari, and Artvin.

Feel the full force of Türkiye’s natural charm by packing a tent and embarking on a camping adventure. Spend the day hiking through numerous national parks and mountains and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the waters. The bravest of adventurers will enjoy outdoor adventures like rock climbing, caving, and horseback riding.

SUSTAINABLE DELICACIES

Experience Türkiye like the locals do by indulging in gastronomic experiences from local small businesses and artisans. Each region of Türkiye is home to various age-old cuisines, including traditional agriculture and food practices that connect the past, present, and future in each plate. Immerse yourself in centuries of Turkish cuisine, from wild Aegean herbs to unique street foods, world-renowned kebabs, and desserts that will keep you coming back for more. Through each dish, you’ll be supporting the protection of biodiversity and regional culture, ensuring that generations for years to come will be able to experience the same.