Turkey Wins Award at TTG Travel Industry Awards in the UK
Turkey was presented with the Destination for Change award at the ceremony in London for its work in sustainable and accessible tourism.
Turkey won the Destination for Change award, presented for the first time this year at the TTG Travel Industry Awards 2026 held in the UK, thanks to its pioneering work in sustainable and accessible tourism.
Ceremony in London and Purpose of the Award
The awards found their owners at a ceremony held at The Roundhouse in London by Travel Trade Gazette, a long-established publication of the UK travel industry.
The Destination for Change award, given for the first time this year, aims to highlight environmentally conscious destinations that consider local communities and visitors.
Statement from Minister Ersoy
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced on his social media account that a new international award has been brought to Turkey.
Jury Evaluation and Practices
In the jury's evaluation, Turkey's implementation of its tourism strategy on a broad scale and achieving measurable results drew attention.
Particularly, the sustainability certification of accommodation facilities and efforts to increase accessibility in tourism played a significant role in this success.
GSTC Cooperation and Certification Process
Turkey launched a national program in 2022 by signing a government-level agreement with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
With the implemented program, sustainability standards became widespread, while over two thousand five hundred facilities became entitled to receive international GSTC certification.
Accessibility and Public Beach Works
TGA's award application also detailed practices supporting the equal participation of visitors with different needs in tourism activities.
In the accessibility section of the application, inclusive efforts carried out especially at public beaches won the appreciation of the jury.