Aegean Leaders Discussed the Future of Tourism

Aegean Leaders Discuss the Future of Tourism

As part of TTI Izmir – the 19th International Tourism Trade Expo & Congress, the Metropolitan Mayors Session brought together the metropolitan mayors of Izmir, Manisa, Muğla, and Balıkesir. During the meeting, tourism policies of the Aegean Region and surrounding provinces were discussed, while Izmir Metropolitan Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay emphasized the importance of cooperation by presenting the region’s 2026–2030 Joint Aegean Vision for tourism development.

One of the most significant gatherings of the tourism sector, TTI Izmir – 19th International Tourism Trade Expo & Congress, has opened its doors. Organized by İZFAŞ and TÜRSAB, the expo will continue at Fuar Izmir until December 5. Within the scope of TTI Izmir, the “Metropolitan Mayors Session” was held, moderated by Izmir Metropolitan Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay.

Balıkesir Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Akın, Muğla Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Aras, and Manisa Metropolitan Mayor Besim Dutlulu participated in the session. The mayors discussed tourism policies and opportunities for joint action across Aegean provinces.

Tugay: Tourism Thrives on Nature and Culture

Speaking at the opening of the session held at the TTI Stage, Izmir Metropolitan Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay highlighted the contributions of local governments to the tourism industry. He underlined that the Aegean Region is one of the main arteries of Turkish tourism and said:

“We have a significant responsibility in developing tourism. We would like to share our 2026–2030 Joint Aegean Vision with you. Amid the global climate crisis, the policies, decisions, and practices of local administrations are becoming increasingly important for sustainable tourism. Tourism rises on two main pillars: nature and culture. To protect both, sustainability must become an indispensable component of our approach. Preserving ecological balance in the face of climate crisis and ensuring effective cultural heritage management are vital.”

Emphasizing the strategic importance of the region’s airports for tourism mobility, Tugay added:

“Tourists arriving by air do not only travel to Izmir and Muğla but also to other provinces in the region. These airports also serve as gateways for international travel for Aegean residents. The combined hinterland of Izmir, Milas-Bodrum, and Dalaman airports exceeds 20 million people. With this perspective, local governments must establish a shared tourism vision. To enhance existing tourism activity with higher-quality offerings, we need to unite our strengths.”

He noted that despite the region’s rich tourism assets, many visitors still stay in all-inclusive resorts, pointing to shortcomings in national tourism policies.

Aras: The Key to Success Is Unity and Collaboration

Muğla Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Aras, who previously worked in the tourism industry, highlighted the critical role of local governments:

“Local administrations play a major role in tourism. A city’s infrastructure, aesthetics, traffic, landscape, and overall order depend heavily on municipalities. However, governors, district governors, and tourism authorities must cooperate effectively. Professional chambers, tourism associations, and TÜRSAB must also act together. The key to success is unity and collaboration. Municipalities cannot achieve lasting success on their own.”

Dutlulu: New Alternatives Are Needed

Manisa Metropolitan Mayor Besim Dutlulu shared that caravan tourism has risen since the pandemic, noting that they established a caravan park in Akhisar:

“Tourists’ expectations are changing. People seek new and varied experiences. In Manisa, we are highlighting gastronomy and history. We must work together to create new tourism alternatives and attract people to our cities.”

Akın: The Goal Is to Extend Tourism Throughout the Year

Balıkesir Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Akın stated that they are working on multiple routes that could be integrated throughout the Aegean Region:

“There is great power in unity. By bringing all these elements together, we can create new destinations. We can implement joint projects along our coastal regions, and thereby extend tourism across all 12 months of the year.”