# Sustainable tourism initiatives in Turkey > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sustainable-tourism-initiatives-in-turkey > Updated: 2026-10-31T05:09:00.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 2. Academic institutions from Turkey and Germany have launched a joint research project in Izmir titled “Ecotourism as an Alternative to Turkish Mass Tourism.” Supported by TÜBİTAK and the German Academic Exchange Service, the initiative focuses on promoting sustainable practices in the Bornova district, specifically targeting the protection of local flora and historical sites like the Homer Caves. Following these academic efforts, certain districts in Izmir, namely Menderes and Selçuk, received international recognition as part of the Green Destinations 2026 Top 100 Stories. This distinction highlights their use of women’s cooperatives and local production models to integrate cultural heritage with economic development. Additionally, tourism-related projects continue in Mersin through the Historical Kilikya Way walking project, which features archaeological sites such as the Olba Ancient City and Roman roads. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-31: Mersin and Izmir districts achieve international tourism recognition Izmir's Menderes and Selçuk districts earned spots in the Green Destinations 2026 Top 100 Stories, while Mersin's Kilikya Way project attracts hikers to ancient Roman routes. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/menderes-and-seluk-recognized-in-green-destinations-2026-top-100-stories ### 2026-10-21: Turkish and German universities launch ecotourism project in Izmir Turkish and German universities are collaborating on an ecotourism project in Izmir's Bornova district, focusing on the historical Homer Caves and Yeşilova Mound to promote sustainable tourism. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-and-german-universities-launch-ecotourism-project-in-izmir --- Cite as: Sustainable tourism initiatives in Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sustainable-tourism-initiatives-in-turkey