Antalya Tourism Fair 2025
THEME MANIFEST
#Sustainability Hospitality
The Cultural Treasure Of Turkish Tourism: Sustainable Hospitality
Hospitality may vary across cultures, but at its core, it embodies values such as respect, tolerance, and sharing. In Turkish culture, hospitality is a deeply rooted tradition shaped by the belief that a guest is a “guest of God.”
Today, this ancient understanding lives on in the tourism sector through high service quality, guest satisfaction, and memorable experiences. However, integrating this heritage with sustainability principles enables a tourism model that preserves our cultural legacy and protects future generations.
What is Sustainable Hospitality?
Sustainable hospitality is an approach that respects nature, culture, and communities, while offering high-quality service. It maintains long-term balance by considering environmental, social, and economic impacts.
Roots of Hospitality in Turkish Culture
In ancient Turkish societies, hospitality was closely linked with mythology, epics, and the nomadic lifestyle. Guests were considered sacred; they were not questioned, not left hungry, and always treated with honor.
Examples from Turkish mythology and literature include:
- Belief that guests are sent by God.
- In Dede Korkut stories and Ergenekon legends, generosity and respect toward guests are frequently highlighted.
- Shamans believed treating guests well brought spiritual blessings.
- Traditional customs dictated that the best food be served and the guest be housed for up to three days.
The Connection Between Hospitality and Sustainability
- Cultural and Social Sustainability
- Preserves traditions and promotes local identity.
- Strengthens community engagement and provides authentic tourism experiences.- Economic Sustainability
- Supports local producers and supply chains.
- Promotes year-round tourism and supports regional economies.- Environmental Sustainability
- Emphasizes waste reduction, efficient use of energy and water.
- Encourages eco-friendly operations like green hotels and local sourcing.- Social Solidarity
- Hospitality builds long-term social bonds.
- Fosters collective support during crises, reinforcing social sustainability.
Practical Applications of Sustainable Hospitality
Environmental Practices
- Use of solar energy, waste management, and reduced plastic consumption.
- Promotion of ecosystem-friendly tourism activities.Social Practices
- Collaborations with local communities and preserving cultural heritage.
- Ensuring fair labor practices and positive working conditions.Economic Practices
- Supporting local suppliers and ensuring economic stability through long-term strategies.
- Creating off-season tourism programs like local gastronomy tours.
Conclusion: A Journey from Past to Future
Sustainable hospitality is the bridge between preserving nature, empowering society, and honoring culture. By uniting Turkish hospitality traditions with modern sustainability values, we present a model that both sets a global example and ensures the soul of tourism—human connection—lives on.
