The country has surpassed 2,000 GSTC-certified properties — a global first in responsible hospitality.
When it comes to sustainability, destinations like Costa Rica and Iceland often dominate the conversation. But Türkiye has quietly achieved something unprecedented: it’s now home to more than 2,000 hotels certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) — the first country in the world to implement a nationwide sustainable tourism program recognized by the GSTC.
In 2022, Türkiye became the first nation to sign an official agreement with the GSTC, setting out to align its entire tourism industry — from boutique guesthouses to luxury resorts — with globally recognized environmental and social standards. Two years later, that vision is becoming reality.
“Sustainability isn’t just a trend — it’s a journey,” says Dr. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism. “We’re proud to lead a global movement that protects our natural and cultural heritage for generations to come.”
Unlike most voluntary certification programs, Türkiye’s Sustainable Tourism Program is mandatory. Every accommodation provider must meet clear benchmarks in energy use, waste reduction, community impact, and cultural preservation.
Certification happens in three phases:
Phase 1: baseline compliance
Phase 2: verified audits
Phase 3: full GSTC certification
More than 16,000 hotels have begun the process, with 2,000 already reaching the top level.
Across the country, the impact is tangible. Cappadocia’s cave hotels are switching to solar power, Antalya’s beach resorts are cutting single-use plastics, and properties like Six Senses Kaplankaya and Argos in Cappadocia are proving that luxury and low impact can coexist.
Meanwhile, the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) supports local businesses through training and awareness campaigns, helping make sustainability an everyday standard rather than an aspiration.
For travellers, this milestone means more than just green labels — it guarantees that every certified stay meets international sustainability criteria. The UN World Tourism Organization has already cited Türkiye’s model as an example for other nations looking to balance growth with responsibility.
From Aegean resorts to Istanbul boutique stays, Türkiye is showing how a destination can scale luxury and sustainability in equal measure.
