Hasan Eker calls for new vision in Turkey's tourism sector

Hasan Eker, Vice President of TÜRSAB and Chairman of BURKON Turizm, has called for a new vision for Turkey's tourism sector to remain competitive through 2026. Marking World Tourism Day, Eker emphasized that the industry's success should be measured by added value and spending per tourist rather than just visitor numbers.

Eker noted increasing competition from Mediterranean destinations like Egypt and various Gulf countries that are investing heavily in new tourism products. To counter this, he suggested that Turkey must leverage its diverse offerings—including gastronomy, health, sports, and culture—while accelerating digitalization and the use of big data to provide personalized experiences.

Additionally, Eker highlighted the need for increased support and incentives for the sector to address challenges regarding costs, employment, and financing, viewing such support as an investment in Turkey's future international competitiveness.