Turkey stands out among the world's eco-friendly travel spots
In a notable achievement, Turkey has been recognized as a leading eco-friendly travel destination by Wanderlust, a renowned UK-based travel magazine, in their annual "Travel Green List."
The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism noted that the country was featured due to its commitment to sustainable tourism development, a practice shared by other destinations that prioritize environmental preservation, responsible travel, and community-based tourism.
The "Travel Green List" highlights destinations, cities, and organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability. This year, Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, received a full-page feature in the list, symbolizing Turkey's environmental vision.
The article praised Turkey's increasing emphasis on eco-friendly destination management and the integration of environmental protection into tourism strategies. Besides, the country's collaboration with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and efforts to support local development through sustainable tourism models were emphasized.
Turkey's inclusion in Wanderlust's list signifies the nation's growing prominence in the global sustainable tourism movement and further recognition of Turkey's dual appeal as a country rich in natural and cultural heritage while being a prime example of balancing environmental preservation and visitor appeal.
In addition to green destinations, the list showcases environmentally responsible hotels, zero-waste initiatives, nature-respecting guided tours, and best practices in ecotourism.
Tourism in Turkey has experienced steady growth. From January to April 2025, Turkey welcomed 10.59 million foreign visitors, with a total of 12.74 million visitors when including Turkish nationals residing abroad. This represents an 8% increase in April alone and a rebound following earlier declines. Istanbul attracted the largest share of visitors, followed by Antalya and Edirne.
The city of Istanbul's recognition stems from several interconnected factors, including the integration of eco-friendly policies and infrastructure, sustainable and accessible transportation, community engagement and education, and the promotion of cultural and natural heritage.
These factors contribute to positioning Istanbul and Turkey as leaders in sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism, garnering global recognition for their green travel efforts.
- Turkey's recognition as a leading eco-friendly travel destination by Wanderlust extends to their commitment in environmental-science, demonstrated through the integration of sustainable practices in travel lifestyle.
- As Istanbul promotes sustainable transportation and integrates eco-friendly policies, it aligns itself with leading destinations in environmental-science, further solidifying its position as a prime location for travel and lifestyle that prioritizes the environment.
