The event brought together major stakeholders from across the tourism sector and served as a valuable platform for dialogue on shaping the future of tourism in Turkiye.  Over the course of the three days, the event facilitated the exchange of insights with key industry actors to advance a tourism model that respects culture, nature, people, and the climate, while creating meaningful value for destinations.

Green Destinations also contributed to the forum program as a speaker. The opening panel, “Sustainable Tourism Destinations: The Leadership of Local Governments,” featured Iyad Kayali, Filiz Ceritoğlu Sengel, and Selçuk Balkan, and was moderated by Seyhan Müşerref Kuralı.

Following the panel, a special recognition ceremony took place. During the ceremony, Izmir Metropolitan Mayor Cemil Tugay received the Good Travel Frontrunner Award  from Iyad Kayali in recognition of the city’s leadership in advancing sustainable tourism.

The ceremony also celebrated local stories that highlight community-driven sustainability efforts. The inspiring women of the Menderes Turuncu Eller Cooperative (From Mandarins to Miracles — Powered by Women, Rooted in Nature), Filiz Ceritoğlu Sengel (Ephesus Field Life Village – Where Rural Life Sprouts), and Selçuk Balkan (Gastro Farm Urla – The Seeds of a Dream) took the stage to receive certificates for their achievements, which were selected among the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories of 2025

Together, these stories reflect the growing momentum for responsible, community-driven tourism across Izmir and Turkiye, and Green Destinations is proud to support this ongoing transformation.