Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

The United Nations World Tourism Organization City Tourism Global Summit was hosted by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) and the Culture and Tourism Ministry at the İstanbul Haliç Congress Hall with the attendance of over a thousand guests. The opening speeches were delivered by TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, the Culture and Tourism Minister Ertuğrul Günay and UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai.

Attending the summit were representatives from over 40 countries, ranging from China to South Africa; from Greece to Mexico.

TOBB President and UNWTO Board President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that representatives from 55 countries, over 300 internationals, a total of approximately 1,200 guests, representing about 91% of all the world’s tourism (approximately 890 million tourists and 900 billion dollars’ tourism volume) were in attendance at the hall.

Providing information regarding the historical importance of İstanbul, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “I am of the opinion that you have made the right decision in choosing İstanbul to host the world tourism summit. İstanbul is one of the most ancient cities of the world.”

Underlining the fact that the tourism sector has both financial and human aspects, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “In its financial aspect, tourism is an outlet against global economic stagnation. Tourism activity has increased by 50% during last year.

It is expected that the total international tourist figure of 1 billion will increase to 1.3 billion by 2020. This means that in the next 7 years there will be an opportunity for an additional 300 billion dollar in tourism.

The human aspect is that tourism facilitates world peace. People are afraid of what they do not know. They will feel closer to things they are familiar with.

The great Turkish poet and thinker Yunus Emre said: Let us be met; let matters be simple. Let us love and be loved; this world is beholden to none.”

- TOBB’s structure and importance

Providing information regarding TOBB’s structure and its place in the business world, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that just as there are domestic umbrella organizations, so are there similar organizations which operate internationally.

Stating that the UNWTO is holding the summit for the first time with TOBB, Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that they put great importance on the tourism sector at TOBB. Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that tourism contributes to the economy in 2 ways; employment and foreign currency.

Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “For us, tourism is a golden sector not just for its financial aspect but for restoring historical works, preserving the environment – in short making Turkey more beautiful, sociable and habitable as well as promoting Turkey.

The tourism sector has been a global success for Turkey. We plan to reach 50 million tourists and 50 billion dollars in tourism by 2023. This may seem ambitious but I believe we will achieve it. Turkey is sitting on a treasure hoard which has no like in the world. It’s not just sea, sun and sand. There is history and culture; the birthplace of civilization… on Anatolian shores… where was the first money printed? Where did glass working originate from? Where was the first exchange set up?

Ancient civilizations are to be found here… Rome and Byzantine; Seljuks and the Ottomans. What other country houses so many culture? Our goal in 2023 is to draw 1 million health tourists and gain 20 billion dollar foreign currency input through health tourism.”

- Private sector focused on the goal

We have focused on this goal as the Turkish private sector. We are not alone in our efforts. With the Culture and Tourism Minister Ertuğrul Günay, we have achieved a strong synergy to between the public administration and the private sector. The Minister has broken records with us all throughout recent years.”

- Anatolia’s tourism potential must be actualized

We believe that this ambitious goal can be achieved by actualizing Anatolia’s tourism potential.

85% of our total bed capacity of 1 million is still to be found in just 12 provinces and this needs to change.

Tourism is a key factor in urban transformation and we are gratified that this matter will be brought up during the summit.

For more beautiful and habitable cities, local authorities must take tourism more seriously and keep it within their decision making processes.

Tourism lends speed to the branding of cities. Brand cities become prominent in terms of both finances and social criteria.

Today, the all-inclusive system is one of the most talked about subjects in tourism in Turkey. Local tradesmen and entrepreneurs are hurt by this method.

However this system, unfortunately, came about as a result of the poor habitability of our cities and resorts. It does not seem likely it will go away any time before the problems which prompted its implementation are resolved.

-Hisarcıklıoğlu requested support for İzmir’s EXPO candidacy

We put great importance on the ideas and results which will emerge from this summit. We want to use them in our policies.

Before I end my speech with these words, I have a request oh this select, global community. One of Turkey’s most beautiful and modern cities, İzmir, is a candidate for EXPO 2020.

I heartily believe that İzmir has fully capable of shouldering the duty of hosting this great organization and I request that you support İzmir’s candidacy in the vote which will be held next year.

- The Culture and Tourism Minister Ertuğrul Günay
The Culture and Tourism Minister Ertuğrul Günay stated that the development of cities one of the most unalienable goals of tourism, “In this regard we are working to provide new areas of development for the world to see in many cities.”
Günay said that the fact that İstanbul has been chosen to host the summit is indicative of the acknowledgment of Turkey’s progress in tourism.
Günay, drawing attention to İstanbul’s importance, stated that they are preparing to host various important sports acitivities in İstanbul in 2020.
Stating that they are working to embrace İstanbul with all of its history and make it a more habitable city, Minister Günay said that the work they’ve undertaken regarding cities is not limited to İstanbul.
Minister Günay provided information regarding the work on museums throughout Turkey, stating that Turkey is one of the world’s exceptional, special and noteworthy land with not just its burgeoning economy, but also its history.
- İstanbul Municipality Director Kadir Topbaş
İstanbul Municipality Director Kadir Topbaş stated that a global world is intrinsic to the process of transformation for cities and that those who are aware of this can contribute to their city’s development.
Stating that Turkey’s progress and goals are clear in this process, Topbaş said that İstanbul is a part of these goals.
Relating how İstanbul is the cradle of many civilizations, Topbaş drew attention to the city’s importance in the field of tourism.
Director Topbaş also provided information regarding the work in tourism and developments therein during his term as municipality director.
- UN Habitat General Director Joan Clos
United Nations Habitat General Director Joan Clos stated that tourism is one of the most lucrative sectors of our day and said, “The tourism sector is a part of today’s and the future’s economy. Tourism will take off in the 21st century,” and went on to report that worldwide, tourist numbers has reached 1 billion.
Stating that there are great developments in tourism, urbanization and urbanism in İstanbul, Clos said that Topbaş will be remembered reverently in the future.
Also touching on the situation in Syria, Clos said, “Hopefully our Syrian brothers will resolve this conflict soon. If this goes on nobody will visit Damascus or Aleppo. Rights granted to women are also important in regards to tourism and urbanization. For instance, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk gave women the right to vote and to be elected many years before we did. He integrated women into social and economic life.”
- UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai
UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai expressed his happiness for being in İstanbul and said that it was a city of tolerance.
Stating that despite all economic hardships, tourism has continued to develop, Rifai reported that as of the end of August, 705 million tourists have crossed international borders and that this number is expected to reach 1 billion by the end of the year.
Taleb Rifai stated that the work done to facilitate in tourism in cities are actually conducted for the benefit of the habitats of those cities.
Mentioning the substantial contribution of tourism to employment, Rifai said, “Tourism is a great power. Let us use it to good ends.”
Rifai stated that the summit will be held in Moscow next year.
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