Didim Mayor outlines international tourism vision at global summit

Didim Mayor Hatice Gençay presented the municipality’s international tourism vision and goals for inter-city cooperation at the World Sister Cities and Tourism Summit. Organized by Hüseyin Baraner, the summit included participation from Thomas Feser, Mayor of Bingen am Rhein, Germany, and President of the World Sister Cities Tourism Forum.

During the event, Gençay emphasized that Didim’s tourism potential extends beyond sea, sand, and sun. She highlighted the importance of preserving the region’s historical and cultural heritage, including Miletus, Didyma, the Sacred Way, and the Temple of Apollo.

Gençay introduced the ‘3T model’—integrating History, Tourism, and Agriculture—to connect local production with gastronomy and historical heritage with contemporary urban life. She stressed that tourism development must occur alongside improvements in local quality of life, focusing on public spaces, cleanliness, transportation, and environmental services to ensure satisfaction for both residents and visitors.