Risk & Crisis Management in Tourism Sector:
Recovery from Crisis
in the OIC Member Countries
85
4.2.6. Conclusion
Tourism in Turkey has grown steadily since the 1980s. The sector is mainly focused on mass
tourism, with bed capacity of around one million supported by cultural attractions and other
activities. In recent years, the authorities have recognised the need to diversify its offer,
expanding health and spa tourism, marine activities, golfing and MICE tourism. The 'Tourism
Strategy of Turkey-2023' emphasises diversification of products and the sustainability of
tourism, focusing on different regions with a new approach away from the traditional ‘Sun, Sea
and Sand’ mass tourism. The strategy also attempts to increase the resilience of the sector by
involving a wider range of stakeholders from local communities and civil society in the planning
and implementation of tourism in order to minimise environmental and socio-economic impacts
(recommendations made by Cetinel and Medet, 2009).
UNDP and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey have a longstanding partnership since
2007, focusing on various segments of tourism for local economic development. “Future is in
Tourism” Project which is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and
Tourism, UNDP and one of the leading entrepreneurial Turkish group sets a good example and
an ideal model for the private and, public sectors, as well as improving NGO partnerships as they
play a great role in developing community based tourism implementations.
“Future is in Tourism” is designed to provide local tourism actors and NGOs with necessary
guidance, tools and resources to strengthen their capacities in order to contribute to the
sustainable tourism development through partnerships with public and private institutions.
Although tourism grew rapidly until 2015, since then the country has been hard hit by a series
of terrorism attacks, leading to an abrupt decline in international tourist arrivals. In January
2016, the government of Turkey announced an Action Plan to counter the impacts of the crisis
on tourism, and currently the authorities are intensifying their marketing efforts to restore the
image of the country. Meanwhile they are expanding their marketing efforts to Asia and the
Middle East.