On November 20, 2024, at a summit organized by the United Nations (UN), more than 50 countries signed the Declaration on Sustainable Tourism. This document aims to balance the economic, environmental, and social impacts of tourism and transform the tourism sector in line with sustainable development goals. Considering the role of tourism in economic growth, job creation, and cultural change around the world, the importance of this initiative is better understood.[1] In analyzing the foreign policy implications of the Declaration, it is useful to focus on the economic benefits, environmental impacts, and opportunities for countries like Turkey in international relations.
The tourism sector is one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors of the global economy. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the tourism sector generated $1.5 trillion in worldwide revenues in 2023. However, this economic contribution, combined with an uncontrolled tourism approach, leads to negative consequences such as environmental destruction, cultural erosion, and social inequalities. For example, it is estimated that about 8% of carbon emissions come from tourism activities. Sustainable tourism is seen as a tool for solving these problems. In the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), tourism has a critical role, especially under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Production and Consumption) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). In this context, the UN Declaration on Sustainable Tourism promotes the structuring of tourism on a global scale in line with these goals.[2]
Turkey is one of the world’s most important tourism destinations with its geographical location, rich cultural heritage and natural beauties. In 2023, Turkey welcomed 51.5 million foreign tourists and generated USD 46.5 billion in tourism revenues. However, this success also poses challenges in terms of environmental sustainability and resource management. Turkey is taking important steps to support sustainable tourism policies. The Sustainable Tourism Certification Program, run by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, forms the basis of efforts in this area. This certification aims to ensure that hotels and other accommodation facilities meet sustainability standards and provides international recognition. As of 2023, 7,805 properties have received this certification and this number is expected to reach 25,000 by 2030. In addition, Turkey’s promotion of sustainable tourism policies on international platforms is an important strategy that strengthens the country’s image. For example, Turkey’s active participation in the UN shows that it places sustainable tourism at the center of its international relations.[3]
The UN Declaration on Sustainable Tourism presents many opportunities and challenges for signatory countries. Turkey’s potential foreign policy gains from this initiative can be evaluated as follows:[4]
- Sustainable tourism sends a strong message about a country’s environmental awareness and social responsibility. Turkey’s active participation in this declaration can strengthen the country’s international image. For example, increasing the number of hotels that promote the use of green energy can reinforce Turkey’s identity as a “green destination” and become an effective tool in cultural diplomacy.
- Sustainable tourism policies can make Turkey a more attractive destination for international investors and tourists. In particular, increasing incentives for environmentally sensitive and sustainability-oriented investments can increase foreign direct investments.
- Turkey can assume a leadership role by sharing its know-how in sustainable tourism at the regional level. Developing cooperation mechanisms with countries in the Mediterranean basin can both revitalize regional tourism and create a collective action plan for environmental protection.
- The environmental impacts of the tourism sector directly affect Turkey’s response to climate change. For example, coastal erosion or forest fires pose a risk to the sustainability of tourism. Policies developed under the Declaration can offer long-term solutions to these problems.
The following strategies can be suggested to further strengthen Turkey’s sustainable tourism policies and increase their impact on foreign policy:[5]
- Further cooperation with international organizations such as the UN, UNWTO and the European Union, and increase funding and technical support opportunities.
- Training programs and technical support mechanisms can be established for businesses in the tourism sector to comply with sustainability standards.
- The success of sustainable tourism policies requires the active participation of local communities. In particular, it is important to support local communities to directly benefit from tourism revenues.
- To reduce carbon emissions in the tourism sector, it would be beneficial to promote the use of renewable energy and increase environmentally friendly transportation options.
The UN Declaration on Sustainable Tourism is not only an environmental or economic initiative, but also a powerful foreign policy tool. By seizing the opportunities offered by this Declaration, Turkey can both sustain its success in the tourism sector and increase its influence in the international arena. In order for Turkey to maintain its leading role in this field, it is critical that it continues to implement sustainability policies with determination at both national and international levels.
[1] Strohecker Karin, “More than 50 countries sign UN sustainable tourism decleration”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/more-than-50-countries-sign-un-sustainable-tourism-declaration-2024-11-20/, (Accessed: 29.11.2024).
[2] “Tourism and Sustainable Development”, UNWTO, https://www.unwto.org/, (Accessed: 29.11.2024).
[3] “Sustainable Tourism Certificate”, TGA, goturkiye.com, (Accessed: 29.11.2024).
[4] “Work on Türkiye’s Sustainable Developemnt Gooals”, UN Türkiye, https://turkiye.un.org/tr/sdgs?utm_source=chatgpt.com, (Accessed: 29.11.2024).
[5] Ibid.
