CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE
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Dear Colleagues, With the end of the summer season and the start of the school year, we are leaving behind the high season in terms of tourism. Although it is referred to as the "high season," we must sadly express that the summer period did not fully meet our industry's expectations. Indeed, the tourism revenue target of 68 billion dollars announced for the end of 2026 was revised to 65 billion dollars in the Medium-Term Program. Of course, the ongoing tensions and conflicts in our nearby region have a significant impact on this situation. We do not ignore this reality. However, as a country aiming for growth in tourism, we must be prepared for every scenario. We must keep pace with the increasing global competition and changing conditions, and develop the right strategies against our rival countries. As the current tourism data also reveals, practices that do not yield the expected results should be set aside; a new understanding that makes greater use of the power of travel agencies that grow and develop tourism should be implemented. Dear Colleagues, Tourism is one of the most strategic sectors for our country. The targets set in the Medium-Term Program covering the 2027-2029 period clearly show the magnitude of the responsibility placed on our sector. The target of 70 billion dollars in tourism revenue set for next year stands before us as a new and significant threshold. At the same time, we are entering an important period where tourism promotion and marketing efforts for the year 2027 are beginning to take shape. Our travel agencies are also creating their new season programs; they are continuing their preparations to enter new markets and increase our share in existing markets. Therefore, the way to reach the 2027 goals is through proper planning and effective marketing efforts starting from today. In this process, it is of great importance to make greater use of the knowledge, experience, and market expertise of travel agencies that establish a direct connection between tourists and our country. As travel agencies that have brought our country's tourism to its current point, we will continue to do our part to achieve this goal, increase the demand for tourism in Turkey, promote our tourism products to the world, and work to elevate our country's position in global tourism to even higher levels. As TÜRSAB, we will continue our efforts with determination to create a sector structure where our travel agencies can be stronger, more competitive, and look to the future with greater confidence.
Firuz B. Bağlıkaya
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