“The question is no longer how tourism can do less harm, but whether it can give back more than it takes,” Meltem Acar, Vice President of Brand & Strategic Marketing at Paloma Group, told Travel Tomorrow during the Europe Responsible Tourism Forum in Brussels last June. “Regeneration begins with respect for the place, its people and its natural rhythms.”

For Club Marvy, Paloma Hotels’ flagship resort overlooking Türkiye’s Aegean coast, that philosophy is more than an aspiration. Earlier this year, the property received the Gold Award in the Nature Positive category at the ICRT Europe Responsible Tourism Awards, recognising its work in biodiversity conservation, habitat protection and marine stewardship.

Beyond sustainability

Club Marvy forms part of Paloma Hotels, a family-owned Turkish hospitality group that has welcomed guests to the Mediterranean for more than four decades. While sustainability has become an increasingly common objective across the hotel industry, Club Marvy was conceived to explore a more regenerative model of hospitality, one that aims not simply to minimise environmental impacts but to create positive outcomes for nature and local communities.

The resort opened in 2017 following the transformation of the former Paloma Club Sultan Özdere. Rather than clearing the site and starting from scratch, the redevelopment sought to preserve the natural character of Kesre Bay, a 160,000-square-metre landscape of protected pine and palm trees overlooking the Aegean Sea. Buildings were integrated into the existing topography, allowing the surrounding forest and coastline to remain defining elements of the guest experience.

That philosophy is reflected in two of Club Marvy’s guiding principles: “A transformation, not a construction” and “Respect before sustainability”, emphasising that responsible tourism begins with understanding the character of a place before attempting to improve it. 

Nature as infrastructure

The judges of the 2026 ICRT Europe Responsible Tourism Awards recognised Club Marvy for embedding biodiversity into its day-to-day operations rather than treating conservation as a standalone initiative.

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Habitat restoration, marine conservation, species protection and biodiversity monitoring all contribute to the resort’s long-term environmental strategy. Rather than viewing forests, beaches and marine ecosystems simply as attractive scenery, Club Marvy considers them essential infrastructure supporting the destination’s future.

This approach also reflects wider changes taking place across Mediterranean tourism. As rising temperatures, water scarcity and biodiversity loss increasingly affect destinations, many hospitality businesses are recognising that healthy ecosystems are not only environmentally valuable but also economically essential.

Rooted in local food traditions

Food plays a central role in Club Marvy’s regenerative philosophy. Rather than relying primarily on imported products, the resort places strong emphasis on seasonal ingredients, regional recipes and local producers. Olive harvesting, pomegranate festivals and traditional culinary experiences invite guests to discover the rhythms of the Aegean landscape while supporting nearby farming communities. The objective is not simply to showcase local gastronomy but to strengthen regional supply chains and preserve agricultural traditions that have shaped the area for generations.

The hotel’s sustainability programme also prioritises local procurement wherever possible, alongside careful supplier selection, resource efficiency, waste reduction and environmental awareness throughout its operations.

Culture as part of the destination

Club Marvy’s regenerative approach extends beyond the environment. Local craftsmanship, regional architecture, music, traditions and gastronomy are woven into the guest experience, allowing visitors to engage more deeply with the identity of Türkiye’s Aegean coast.

Speaking to Travel Tomorrow, Meltem Acar said regeneration is also about preserving cultural identity and ensuring that tourism strengthens, rather than dilutes, local traditions. “Looking back to move forward” and “The rituals of our ancestors” are guiding principles that reflect the belief that cultural heritage should remain a living part of everyday life rather than becoming a performance for visitors.

Rather than presenting local culture as entertainment, Club Marvy seeks to create meaningful connections between guests and the communities that shape the destination, helping ensure traditions continue to generate social, cultural and economic value for future generations.

Measuring hospitality differently

Club Marvy’s Nature Positive award reflects a broader shift taking place across the hospitality industry.

For decades, luxury hotels have largely been measured by comfort, exclusivity and service. Today, an increasing number of travellers also expect destinations to demonstrate environmental responsibility, meaningful community engagement and transparent sustainability commitments.

To support these ambitions, Club Marvy has implemented environmental management systems covering energy, water, waste, procurement and biodiversity protection. The resort publishes regular sustainability reports, promotes local sourcing, monitors resource consumption and works with employees, suppliers and guests to improve environmental performance.

As destinations prepare for a future shaped by climate change and growing pressure on natural resources, regenerative tourism is gradually moving from a niche concept towards a mainstream business strategy. For Club Marvy, the benchmark is no longer simply reducing its footprint.

As Meltem Acar told Travel Tomorrow, “The question is no longer how tourism can do less harm, but whether it can give back more than it takes.” At Club Marvy, that principle has become more than a vision. It has become the benchmark against which the resort measures its future.

L’article How Club Marvy is turning responsible tourism into everyday practice est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Its official name is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, after the young Ottoman ruler who commissioned it, but its popular nickname comes from the dazzling blue Iznik tiles that decorate its vast interior. More than 20,000 handcrafted tiles, combined with hundreds of windows that fill the prayer hall with natural light, create the tranquil blue glow that has become synonymous with the mosque.

Standing on Istanbul’s historic peninsula opposite Hagia Sophia, the mosque occupies one of the city’s most significant locations. The surrounding area was once the political and ceremonial heart of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, home to the ancient Hippodrome and close to Topkapi Palace. Sultan Ahmed designed the mosque as the centrepiece of a much larger complex that included a theological school, charitable kitchens, shops, a hospital, and his own mausoleum.

What truly sets the Blue Mosque apart, however, are its six slender minarets.

When construction began in 1609, Sultan Ahmed I was 19 years old. The Ottoman Empire was still one of the world’s great powers, but the young ruler had not achieved the military victories that traditionally justified the construction of an imperial mosque on such a grand scale. Even before the building was completed in 1616, its ambitious design was attracting attention.

The greatest controversy was about the number of minarets. Ottoman imperial mosques typically featured up to four, but Sultan Ahmed ordered six, giving his new mosque a silhouette unlike any other in the empire.

The decision caused widespread criticism because the Great Mosque of Mecca, Islam’s holiest sanctuary, also had six minarets at the time. Many believed the new mosque appeared to place itself on the same level as the sacred site, and critics accused the young sultan of excessive ambition.

According to long-standing Ottoman tradition, the controversy was resolved when Sultan Ahmed financed the construction of a seventh minaret at the mosque in Mecca, restoring its unique status while allowing Istanbul’s new imperial mosque to retain its six distinctive towers.

Beyond the debate, the Blue Mosque represented the height of classical Ottoman architecture. Designed by Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa, a pupil of the legendary architect Mimar Sinan, it blended Byzantine engineering influences with Ottoman design, taking inspiration from nearby Hagia Sophia while creating an identity all its own. Its cascading domes, spacious courtyard, and harmonious proportions have defined Istanbul’s skyline for more than four centuries.

Following an extensive six-year restoration completed in 2023, the Blue Mosque continues to welcome worshippers and visitors alike, and is open to guests from 8am to 7pm, completely free. Tourist entry pauses five times daily though, for about 90 minutes for prayers. Silence should be maintained and men must cover shoulders and knees, while women, also require a head covering (scarves are supplied if needed).

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Inside, visitors can admire intricate floral motifs, stained-glass windows, and enormous chandeliers that were once illuminated by oil lamps. Some still display ostrich eggs, traditionally believed to discourage spiders from weaving webs around the lights.

Sultan Ahmed I died in 1617 at just 27 years of age, only a year after his great mosque was completed. Although his reign was brief, the monument he left behind has endured as one of the world’s finest examples of Ottoman architecture. The mosque’s six minarets, once the subject of fierce debate, are now among Istanbul’s most recognizable landmarks and a lasting symbol of the city’s rich religious, cultural and architectural heritage.

L’article Istanbul’s Blue Mosque: the story behind the six minarets that changed the city skyline est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The award was presented during the APEX Awards Ceremony held on 10 June in Dublin, Ireland, as part of the Future Travel Experience EMEA, Ancillary & Retailing Event. The accolade, awarded by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), is based on verified and anonymous passenger feedback collected through travel planning applications, TripIt® by Concur®.

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According to APEX, more than one million flights operated by over 600 airlines worldwide were evaluated during the 2026 awards period. Passengers rated their travel experiences using a five-star system across five categories: seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage, in-flight entertainment, and Wi-Fi.

The latest recognition underscores Turkish Airlines’ longstanding emphasis on enhancing the onboard experience through its culinary offerings. The carrier has developed a reputation for incorporating elements of Turkish hospitality and cuisine into its service model, supported by initiatives such as its Flying Chef program and regularly updated menu concepts.

Commenting on the achievement, Turkish Airlines Chief Executive Officer Ahmet Olmuştur said: “We are very glad to be recognized by APEX as the Best Food & Beverage airline in Europe for the fifth time. This award speaks to the passion and craftsmanship our teams pour into every meal we serve above the clouds, starting from menu design to the moment it reaches our guests. Our heartfelt thanks go to our guests for their continued confidence in us, and to every member of the Turkish Airlines family who brings this experience to life.”

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APEX Group CEO Dr Joe Leader said the award reflected the airline’s broader approach to passenger experience.

“Turkish Airlines receiving the 2026 APEX Best Food & Beverage in Europe award reflects far more than excellence on a tray. It celebrates an airline that has transformed inflight dining into a true expression of culture, hospitality, craftsmanship, and national pride,” Leader said.

“As an APEX World Class airline, Turkish Airlines continues to prove that airline scale and aviation soul can ascend together. From its acclaimed culinary program to the warmth of its service rituals, Turkish Airlines brings the richness of Türkiye to the world with every course, every presentation, and every deeply memorable guest interaction. Its food and beverage experience does not simply satisfy passengers, it tells a story of place, care, generosity, and aviation leadership.”

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Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Turkish Airlines has grown into one of the world’s largest international carriers. A member of Star Alliance, the airline currently operates a fleet of 545 passenger and cargo aircraft, serving 358 destinations worldwide, including 305 international and 53 domestic routes across 133 countries.

The latest APEX recognition further strengthens Turkish Airlines’ position among Europe’s leading carriers, highlighting its ongoing investment in in-flight dining as a core element of the passenger experience.

L’article Turkish Airlines named Best Food & Beverage airline in Europe at 2026 APEX awards est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The scent of freshly baked baklava drifts through centuries-old streets. Copper artisans shape intricate designs in historic bazaars, while the aroma of roasted pistachios and spices fills the air. In Gaziantep, one of Türkiye’s oldest and most vibrant cities, gastronomy is far more than a culinary experience. It is a living expression of history, identity and culture.

Located at the crossroads of civilisations for thousands of years, Gaziantep has long been a meeting point of trade, culture and innovation. Today, it stands as one of Türkiye’s most celebrated destinations, attracting visitors from around the world with its extraordinary cuisine, rich cultural heritage and renowned hospitality. As Türkiye’s first city to join UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network in the field of Gastronomy, Gaziantep has become a global symbol of how culinary traditions can preserve heritage while inspiring contemporary cultural exchange.

This rich legacy took centre stage in May 2026, when Gaziantep hosted the programme Türkiye’s Gastrodiplomacy Model: Table and Heritage. Organised under the leadership of the Presidency of Communications of the Republic of Türkiye as part of Turkish Cuisine Week, the event brought together academics, chefs, tourism professionals, communication experts and cultural stakeholders to explore the growing role of gastronomy in cultural diplomacy and destination branding.

While discussions focused on the future of Türkiye’s gastrodiplomacy strategy, the city itself became a powerful demonstration of the concepts being discussed. Participants experienced first-hand how food, heritage and storytelling come together to create a compelling destination narrative, one that extends far beyond the dining table.

A city built around the table

In Gaziantep, food is not merely prepared and served; it is celebrated. Culinary traditions have been passed down through generations, shaping a food culture that remains deeply connected to everyday life. Recipes perfected over centuries continue to be prepared with remarkable care, preserving techniques and flavours that reflect the city’s multicultural history.

The city’s most famous culinary ambassador is undoubtedly Antep Baklava, whose delicate layers of pastry and locally grown pistachios have earned international recognition. Yet Gaziantep’s gastronomic identity extends far beyond a single dish. From kebabs and seasonal vegetable specialities to traditional desserts and artisan products, the city offers one of the richest culinary repertoires in the region.

Dining in Gaziantep is an immersive cultural experience. Meals unfold slowly, often accompanied by stories of family traditions, local ingredients and culinary craftsmanship. Visitors quickly discover that every dish carries a narrative, connecting the present to generations of cooks, artisans and farmers who have shaped the region’s identity.

Walking through living history

Beyond its celebrated cuisine, Gaziantep offers an extraordinary journey through history.

Visitors can begin at the world renowned Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to some of the finest Roman mosaics ever discovered. Among its treasures is the iconic “Gypsy Girl”, whose captivating gaze has become one of Türkiye’s most recognisable cultural symbols.

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The Panorama 25 Aralık Museum offers another remarkable experience, immersing visitors in Gaziantep’s role during Türkiye’s War of Independence through innovative storytelling and visual technology. Nearby, the Emine Göğüş Culinary Museum provides a deeper understanding of the city’s food culture, documenting traditions that continue to define Gaziantep today.

The historic city centre reveals yet another layer of the destination’s charm. Traditional bazaars, caravanserais, stone courtyards and bustling markets transport visitors through centuries of commercial and cultural exchange. In Bakırcılar Bazaar, master craftsmen continue to practise copper working techniques that have been handed down through generations, while historic inns such as Gümrük Hanı offer spaces where locals and visitors gather over tea and conversation.

Gastronomy as a bridge between cultures

The Table and Heritage programme highlighted a growing international recognition: food has become one of the most powerful tools of cultural diplomacy.

As travellers increasingly seek authentic and meaningful experiences, gastronomy offers a unique way to understand a destination’s history, values and identity. Through shared meals and culinary storytelling, visitors gain insights that transcend language and geography.

Throughout the programme, experts discussed how gastronomy can strengthen international understanding, support sustainable tourism and contribute to national branding efforts. Gaziantep emerged as a compelling example of how a city can successfully transform culinary heritage into a global cultural asset.

Its geographical indication products, UNESCO recognition, strong culinary memory and vibrant tourism ecosystem position the city as a leading model for heritage-based destination development.

The human side of hospitality

What truly distinguishes Gaziantep, however, is not only its food or monuments. It is its people.

Hospitality remains one of the city’s defining characteristics. Guests are welcomed not as tourists, but as friends invited to share a table. Whether enjoying a traditional breakfast in a historic courtyard, discovering local delicacies in a neighbourhood market or listening to stories shared by artisans and chefs, visitors experience a genuine warmth that leaves a lasting impression.

This spirit of hospitality reflects a broader cultural value deeply rooted in Turkish tradition: the belief that sharing food creates connection. It is this human dimension that transforms a visit to Gaziantep from a journey into an experience.

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A global destination with a timeless story

The Presidency of Communications’ initiative underscored a broader vision of strengthening Türkiye’s international cultural presence through heritage, storytelling and public diplomacy. By bringing together gastronomy, tourism and culture in one of the country’s most celebrated destinations, the programme demonstrated how local traditions can become global narratives.

For Gaziantep, the event reinforced its growing reputation as a city where history is lived, culture is celebrated, and gastronomy serves as a bridge between people and places.

As global travellers continue to search for authentic experiences, Gaziantep offers something increasingly rare: a destination where heritage remains alive, where every meal carries centuries of memory and where every visitor is welcomed with genuine warmth.

In Gaziantep, every flavour tells a story, and every story invites you to return.

L’article Why Gaziantep is Türkiye’s gastronomic capital est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The 36-room venue combines natural volcanic formations with human ingenuity, showcasing Cappadocia’s vernacular architecture at a site alongside Ortahisar Castle – one of the region’s most iconic natural landmarks. The individually-designed rooms and suites are shaped by the original cave structures and hand-finished with local craftsmanship. Materials include stone, textiles, and ceramics, while facilities include private pools, traditional hammam spas, and hot tubs, set among winding pathways and offering panoramic vistas of the neighbouring valleys.

David Kelly, senior vice president, Continental Europe, Hilton, pointed out how long Hilton has been investing in Türkiye. “For 70 years, Hilton has been welcoming guests across Türkiye,” he said, adding that: “The opening of Elika Cave Suites Cappadocia, Curio Collection by Hilton, builds on that commitment and reflects the strong momentum behind our lifestyle growth.”

In Türkiye, one in five Hilton hotels is a lifestyle property that, like the latest Elika venture, leans heavily into destination-rooted stays that appeal to today’s travel consumer through a sense of authenticity and heritage. The hotel’s culinary approach is similar, inspired by time-honoured Cappadocian and Anatolian cuisine, seasonality, and local sourcing.

Ortahisar itself is recognised as a “Cittaslow town” or “slow city,” embracing a philosophy that prizes a “quieter, more grounded perspective of the region … defined by character and a true sense of place.” This approach, Hilton says, “allows guests to move beyond observation and into curated moments that connect them with the broader narrative of Cappadocia, its daily rhythms, craftsmanship and living heritage.”

Nilüfer Durukan, general manager, Elika Cave Suites Cappadocia, Curio Collection by Hilton, said, “We are pleased to welcome our guests to Elika Cave Suites Cappadocia, Curio Collection by Hilton – an individually remarkable hotel designed to tell a bespoke story rooted in the spirit of Cappadocia. Our objective was to preserve the region’s heritage while offering contemporary comfort and one-of-a-kind moments formed by local identity and a global perspective. Here, history is not only seen but experienced, becoming part of each guest’s journey.”

L’article Hilton opens first “cave hotel” in fairytale landscape of Cappadocia est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Türkiye recorded an all-time high of 63.94 million tourists overall in 2025, and 52.78 million of them were international visitors. Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) figures show tourism revenues increased 6.8% to $65.23 billion, exceeding the official Medium-Term Program (OVP) target of $64 billion.

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But those successes could be under threat if traveller sentiment turns against the Anatolian republic, especially in Russia, Germany and the UK, which are the country’s top source markets. The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) updated its advice on 1 March 2026 to note that “regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.” It also added information about entering Türkiye across the land border from Iran.

The border remains open visa-free for people travelling on UK or Iranian passports (for stays of up to 90 days). British nationals intending to cross the land border from Iran into Türkiye, “must request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara by contacting the FCDO before travelling to the border.” These travellers must state which border point they intend to use and provide personal details (name, date of birth, details of travel document used to enter Türkiye). They should also indicate whether they are contacting from Iran or from the UK on behalf of a relative.

#Turkey New information about entering Turkey across the land border from Iran https://t.co/P8KRF01Kao pic.twitter.com/mJuG82rJVk

— FCDO Travel Advice (@FCDOtravelGovUK) March 1, 2026

Turkish authorities have also advised that Iranian authorities have closed the crossing point at Esendere-Serow on the Iranian side to daily traders entering and exiting over the course of a day. Still, the usual entry requirements will apply, including the fact that British nationals can enter without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Anyone intending to leave Iran overland does so at their own risk, the alert says, pointing out that “In Iran, holding a British passport or having perceived connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.”

The FCDO warning also advises against all travel to “within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism.” However, this is not new guidance, with similar warnings about southeastern parts of the country bordering Syria and Iran, as well as terrorism risks elsewhere, dating back over 20 years.

Due to regional events, we advise U.S. citizens to:
•Avoid travel to southeastern Türkiye, including areas bordering Iran, Iraq, and Syria.
•Stay alert to demonstrations
•Check with travel providers – regional military activity may disrupt flights
•Monitor local media &… pic.twitter.com/AR180jYyhn

— U.S. Embassy Türkiye (@USEmbTurkiye) February 28, 2026

Despite those warnings, central and western coastal regions have remained popular destinations—and continue to function untouched amid the current security situation hitting southern and Gulf neighbours, PA Turkey reports.

The affected territories are thousands of kilometres away, tourism officials, operators and stakeholders emphasise. Meanwhile, the daily activity of those living and vacationing in Türkiye’s capital, Istanbul, and the country’s Mediterranean and Aegean “riviera” resorts such as Antalya, Bodrum, Fethiye, and Marmaris, “remains largely unaffected,” the news platform reports.

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In terms of aviation, flights from European hubs to Turkish airports and with Turkish Airlines are still operating normally. As is the case for carriers internationally, the only cancelled flights are those to destinations in the Middle East and the Gulf, such as Dubai, Doha, and Bahrain, closed because of the threat to airspace posed by the Israel, US, and Iran conflict.

L’article Is it safe to travel to Türkiye? est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Previously, the company would ask travellers to provide a doctor’s report issued within ten days before the flight. The document had to state whether the passenger could travel ‘accompanied or unaccompanied’, and it had to include not only the doctor’s name and signature, but also his diploma number. In addition, it had to confirm that ‘there is no harm in travelling by plane’.

This rule created unnecessary costs and administrative hurdles for passengers with Parkinson’s disease. 

Turkish Airlines is the only carrier with such a rule.

Turkish Airlines ensures the safety of each of its passengers. For this reason, passengers with Parkinson's disease can board flights with a doctor's report stating that there is "There is no risk of travel." It must also state whether the passenger can travel with or without a…

— TK HelpDesk (@TK_HelpDesk) October 28, 2025

Parkinson’s disease can affect movement and cause tremors, stiffness, and balance issues. The main risk posed by flying, however, is dehydration, which can easily be managed by the crew.

The policy came under intense scrutiny after Mark Mardell, a former BBC journalist with Parkinson’s disease, was prevented from boarding a Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to London last October. Mardell had flown to Turkey without difficulty on another airline and said he was unaware of any special certification requirement when he arrived at the airport for his return flight. 

He said he felt humiliated when staff allegedly pointed to his shaking hands and refused to let him board without a doctor’s note. He spent the night in Istanbul and eventually bought a new ticket with Wizz Air to return to the UK. Turkish Airlines later refunded his original ticket, but, according to Mardell, they have not apologised.  

Following a complaint to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and subsequent media coverage, the airline has removed the explicit reference to Parkinson’s disease from the English version of its website. It now states that ‘sick passengers’ may be required to provide a doctor’s report, issued within ten days of travel, confirming that they are fit to fly. The other languages, however, still list Parkinson as one of the conditions requiring a certificate, fuelling concerns about how uniformly the new policy is being applied.

The CAA has stated that there is no justification for singling out Parkinson’s disease, or any other disability, for special medical clearance unless there is a clear clinical risk. Parkinson’s UK also criticised the original policy as ‘ill-informed’, emphasising that most people with the condition can travel independently. Furthermore, both disability advocates and travel organisations have highlighted that the policy creates unjustified obstacles and perpetuates stigma for people with Parkinson’s.

Following an incident involving Mark Mardell, our CEO has written to Turkish Airlines.

We urge them to change their unnecessary policies so people with Parkinson’s can travel freely. We’d be happy to offer training so they understand Parkinson’s better. pic.twitter.com/pHndMR3BTt

— Parkinson's UK (@ParkinsonsUK) November 27, 2025

While the revised wording seems to align with standard international practices, Mardell and disability advocates are concerned that the term is too vague and could extend uncertainty to a broader group of travellers with long-term conditions. ‘What does “sick” mean? What illnesses count?’ asked Mardell.

The former UK Home Secretary, Lord Blunkett, welcomed the decision to remove the explicit requirement for people with Parkinson’s, and described Turkish Airlines’ original behaviour as ‘totally unacceptable’, urging the carrier to clarify the new policy and properly train staff.

The issue of accessibility in air travel is growing in importance worldwide. Airlines are increasingly expected to adopt policies that accommodate passengers with disabilities or medical conditions. 

L’article Turkish Airlines drops Parkinson’s certificate rule but new wording raises questions est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

What is Erzincan Tulum and what does GI status mean?

Erzincan Tulum cheese, made with ewe’s milk and barrel-matured for at least four months in casings made of sheepskin or goatskin, is now officially described by the EU as having an off-white colour, crumbly texture and rich, salty flavour. Those characteristics are influenced, the EU agrees, by a range of local conditions, including the region’s climate, geography, and flora, as well as the know-how of locals who make it.

The GI designation gives the cheese legal protection across all EU member states, meaning only cheese made in specified areas using the right methods as per the registration documents and specifications can be called Erzincan Tulum.

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A wealth of unique Turkish products

Erzincan Tulum cheese is not the only Turkish product to have achieved GI status. A range of other goods, from baklava, honey, apricots, peaches and olives, to garlic, nuts, yoghurt, and coffee, all benefit from EU protections too.

“We congratulate Türkiye on the registration of Erzincan Tulum Cheese as the 32^nd Turkish product to receive Geographical Indication (GI) protection in the European Union,” the EU Delegation to Türkiye said on social media platform, X. “This recognition highlights the richness of Türkiye’s local and traditional products and strengthens the cultural and economic ties. We commend the efforts of all institutions and individuals involved in this achievement, including the Erzincan Chamber of Commerce and Industry,” the statement added.

Often served at breakfast, alongside olives, tomatoes, and fresh bread, Erzincan Tulum also pairs well with beetroot or grilled vegetables, such as peppers, and is also used in savoury Turkish pastries, like börek and pides.

Erzincan Tulum Cheese receives EU Geographical Indication!

We congratulate Türkiye on the registration of Erzincan Tulum Cheese as the 32nd Turkish product to receive Geographical Indication (GI) protection in the European Union.
pic.twitter.com/okZtZhCn8V

— AB Türkiye DelegasyonuEU Delegation to Türkiye (@EUDelegationTur) May 27, 2025

The benefits of GI status

The EU began looking at product protections like geographical indication back in 1992. The status is generally considered a positive for consumers and producers alike. It is powerful for brand-building and marketing and, although it can increase prices, buyers are often willing to pay more for the authenticity and quality associated with GI products. The label is also claimed to help preserve local cultural heritage and traditional production methods associated with the region concerned.

Famous GI products include champagne, which can only legally carry that name if it is produced in the Champagne region of northeast France. Other countries around the world, including China and India, also have their own systems for recognising the uniqueness of particular products from certain areas.

L’article Türkiye’s Erzincan Tulum cheese awarded EU geographical indication est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The aim of the new policy, according to the authority is intended to reduce the need for cabin crew to repeat safety instructions, often ignored, and to improve both passenger safety and the orderliness of disembarkation. In other words, passengers will now have to wait not only for the seatbelt sign to be switched off, but also for their row to be called before they can disembark.

The new rule, based on Article 143 of the Turkish Civil Aviation Law No. 2920, applies to all airlines operating flights into Türkiye.

As per the Turkish CAA: ‘According to the regulation, airlines are obliged to remind passengers to fasten their seatbelts during and after landing until they reach the parking position and to explicitly point out that any infringement will be reported to the aviation authority, and a fine will be imposed.’

Travellers can broadly be divided in two groups, those who leap up as soon as the plane touches the ground and those who remain seated until the seatbelt sign is turned off.

If you are part of the latter group, you may finally be spared the aggravation of fellow passengers jostling for their bags in the overhead compartments, blocking the aisles, leaning on your armrest, or looming over you, tense and folded in two if tall, as they attempt to jump the queue.

If, on the other hand, you are part of the other group – whether because you need to stretch your legs, are naturally impatient, want to be the first out, or are rushing to catch a connecting flight – you now risk being fined $70 fine (€62).

The classic landing announcement – ‘our aircraft has not yet reached its parking position. Please do not unfasten your seatbelt, stand up, or open the overhead compartments until the seatbelt sign has been switched off’ – has already been upgraded with a firmer warning on Turkish Airlines.

The national carrier is the first to implement the new rule and its landing announcement now includes that ‘passengers who do not comply with the rules will be reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation through a Disruptive Passenger Report, and an administrative fine will be imposed in accordance with the applicable legal regulations’.

Reactions online have been mixed. In response to a post by Behind the Wing, some Facebook users questioned who would be responsible for issuing fines, while others supported the policy. Some remained unconvinced it would have any impact.

Flying to 131 countries, Turkish Airlines currently holds the record for serving the highest number of countries of any airline worldwide.

Two questions remain: Will other airlines follow suit and impose fines on unruly passengers when landing in Türkiye? And will other countries be inspired to introduce similar rules of their own? Much will likely depend on how effective the measure proves to be.

Last year, American Airlines introduced a similar rule, but targeting pre-boarding behaviour, with fines aimed at so-called ‘gate lice’, or passengers who crowd around the gate hoping to board first.

L’article Türkiye to fine passengers who stand up too early after landing est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The optimism comes despite a 5% drop in international visitor spending in 2024, despite foreign visitor numbers increasing by 6.95%, But despite that drop, tourism revenues overall rocketed by 8.3% year-over-year, belying conventional wisdom that foreign guests spend more,  according to statistics from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat). The performance of ₺2.19 trillion (around €50.2 billion) still surpassed previous records and the medium-term national economic target.

€4.5 billion surge predicted

Now estimates for 2025 project that Travel and Tourism could account for ₺5.2TN (€119 billion) of Turkish receipts, or 12% of the country’s GDP over the period. That’s a surge of ₺200BN  (€4.5 billion) year-on-year.

Visitor spending, both by domestic and foreign guests, is anticipated to increase to ₺2.6TN overall, the report says, with spending by intra- Türkiye travellers expected to comprise over half of that (₺1.4 BN). What’s more, in 2025, 3.3 million people across the territory will be employed in the segment, roughly stable compared to 2024, at around 10% of all jobs.

Sector resilient and “world class”

The positive numbers are in line with longer-term industry forecasts for growth. International visitor spending and domestic tourism are set to continue their upward trajectory, to reach ₺3.4TN and ₺1.7TN respectively by 2035. Travel & Tourism’s economic contribution is expected to hit a total of ₺7TN by then, almost 13% of GDP, helping to generate over half a million new posts over the decade to represent 3.8 million jobs.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, highlighted the sector’s resilience and fit with current travel consumer trends. “As travellers seek authentic, enriching experiences, Türkiye is delivering with open arms, offering travellers a world-class experience,” she said in a statement.

TURKISH DELIGHT — Türkiye's #tourism sector can't seem to stop breaking records with $9.45 billion in Q1 '25 revenue! The inspiring #Muslim country is currently the world's 5th MOST VISITED and is on track to overtake Italy to claim #4 by 2030. pic.twitter.com/W8XqxgiMeC

— Turkish Century (@TurkishCentury) April 30, 2025

Growth not guaranteed

But she issued a reminder that growth is never a given. To avoid further falls in spending like those seen in 2024, Türkiye will have to adapt and invest. Speaking to Andalou Agency (AA), she explained: “Türkiye’s vision has been important in driving its growth in tourism, and it’s been very important that Türkiye has put itself on the map as a tourist destination. Turkish Airlines flies to more destinations than any other airline in the world, and it means that Türkiye is very well connected. And connectivity is very important.”

Türkiye’s Tourism Boom Is Breaking Records

₺2.6TN from international visitors
₺1.4TN from domestic travel
3.3M+ jobs supported

New WTTC data shows the sector will hit ₺5.2TN in 2025, making up 12% of GDP https://t.co/fUm4pXmAm1#Türkiye #Tourism #WTTC pic.twitter.com/Mt667ZxLxF

— WTTC (@WTTC) April 29, 2025

Simpson also attributed the sectors success to the fact it is perceived “a safe country; the travellers need to feel very safe, and Türkiye is a good and safe country to visit,” she went on. “Then you have natural beauty – Türkiye is very beautiful. The Antalya coast is especially really spectacular. And the history, and all the antiquities. It really is where the west meets the east.” In a post on X meanwhile, WTTC described Türkiye’s progress as a “ boom” that is “breaking records.”

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