THE SECONG DAY OF THE 3RD TÜRSAB TOURISM CONGRESS HOSTED THE "HISTORY, CULTURE, TOURISM" PANEL MODERATED BY JOURNALIST AND WRITER İHSAN AKTAŞ

On the second day of the 3rd TÜRSAB Tourism Congress, held at Antalya Gloria Golf Resort under the motto "Education, Communication, and Solidarity" the panel of "History, Culture, Tourism" was organized. The panel which is moderated by journalist and writer İhsan Aktaş, featured with historian Pelin Batu and journalist and writer Gaffar Yakınca, who shared valuable insights on tourism from a historical and cultural perspective.

İhsan Aktaş emphasized that Turkey possesses an unrivaled potential for cultural tourism, stressing the many historical and cultural assets that are yet to be discovered. Aktaş put forth that the high economic return of cultural tourism need for greater support in this field.

Pelin Batu pointed out the importance of integrating tourism with traditional crafts to offer more immersive gastronomic and cultural experiences. She noted that Turkey’s rich culinary heritage and artisanal traditions could generate significant added value if effectively incorporated into tourism. Batu also emphasized the need for cultural festivals to be organized in line with international standards.

Gaffar Yakınca stated that cultural tourism worldwide is shifting towards experience-based models, but Turkey has yet to fully adapt to this transformation. Highlighting the necessity of a holistic policy to ensure the sustainability of cultural heritage, Yakınca called for prioritizing projects that promote cultural tourism.