The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has proudly announced the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB) as its newest Association Partner. This landmark collaboration marks a pivotal advancement in fostering stronger international cooperation within the global Travel & Tourism industry. It signals a renewed commitment to building bridges between regional tourism leaders and the worldwide sector, aimed at driving sustainable growth, innovation, and economic resilience.

TÜRSAB’s Legacy as a Pillar of Turkish Tourism

Founded in 1972 by law, TÜRSAB stands as one of the oldest and most influential professional tourism organizations not only in Türkiye but also across the global tourism landscape. Headquartered in Istanbul, the association represents a robust network of nearly sixteen thousand travel agencies spanning the entirety of the country. This vast membership base reflects TÜRSAB’s deep roots and critical role in shaping Türkiye’s dynamic tourism ecosystem over more than five decades.

The association’s mission revolves around empowering travel agencies by providing them with a strong collective voice. Through vigorous advocacy efforts, TÜRSAB actively champions policies that protect and advance the interests of its members. This includes lobbying government bodies on regulatory matters, ensuring fair business practices, and fostering an environment conducive to tourism growth and innovation.

Comprehensive Structure to Serve Diverse Industry Needs

TÜRSAB operates through an extensive and well-organized network consisting of thirty-four Regional Representative Boards strategically distributed across Türkiye’s provinces. These boards serve as the association’s local touchpoints, ensuring regional tourism sectors receive tailored support and representation. In addition to this geographic structure, TÜRSAB boasts fifteen specialized Expert Committees covering all major areas of the tourism industry, such as inbound tourism, outbound travel, cultural tourism, adventure tourism, and digital innovation.

This multilayered structure allows TÜRSAB to address a wide spectrum of sectoral challenges and opportunities. It also enables the association to coordinate industry-wide initiatives, ranging from professional training programs to research and development projects, thus fostering both operational excellence and strategic foresight among its members.

Elevating Professional Standards and Competitiveness

Central to TÜRSAB’s work is the commitment to raising professional standards throughout Türkiye’s travel agency network. The association delivers comprehensive educational programs designed to enhance skills, knowledge, and ethical practices within the industry. These initiatives are crucial in preparing agencies to meet the evolving demands of modern travelers, adapt to technological disruptions, and compete effectively in an increasingly interconnected global market.

By providing certifications, workshops, seminars, and digital learning platforms, TÜRSAB ensures its members remain at the forefront of tourism innovation and service quality. This continuous investment in human capital development ultimately benefits Türkiye’s tourism sector as a whole by delivering superior visitor experiences and reinforcing the country’s reputation as a top travel destination.

Advocacy for Rights and Business Protection

Protecting the rights of travel agencies forms a core pillar of TÜRSAB’s mandate. The association serves as a safeguard against unfair competition, fraudulent practices, and regulatory challenges that can hinder business operations. TÜRSAB works closely with governmental and international bodies to promote transparent policies that secure fair market conditions for its members.

This protection extends to intellectual property rights, consumer protection, and industry ethics, thereby fostering a trustworthy tourism environment. By championing these causes, TÜRSAB helps build confidence among travelers and business partners alike, which is essential for sustainable tourism development.

Strengthening Türkiye’s Global Tourism Profile

The partnership with WTTC amplifies TÜRSAB’s capacity to represent Turkish tourism on the world stage. Through this collaboration, TÜRSAB gains access to WTTC’s vast network of global leaders, research insights, and policy platforms. This integration empowers the association to contribute meaningfully to critical sector-wide conversations around economic impact, sustainability strategies, digital transformation, and crisis resilience.

Moreover, TÜRSAB’s involvement in WTTC initiatives supports Türkiye’s ambition to be recognized as a leader in sustainable tourism practices and innovative travel solutions. It aligns with national goals to diversify tourism offerings, attract high-value visitors, and enhance the socio-economic benefits of the industry across all regions.

Driving Innovation and Sustainability Together

Sustainability remains a top priority for both TÜRSAB and WTTC. The partnership aims to promote environmentally responsible tourism that balances economic growth with cultural preservation and natural resource protection. TÜRSAB is committed to advancing sustainable tourism policies, encouraging members to adopt green technologies, reduce carbon footprints, and engage in community-based tourism development.

Collaboration with WTTC provides TÜRSAB with a platform to exchange best practices, support global sustainability frameworks, and participate in pioneering projects that integrate technology and responsible tourism principles. This cooperation paves the way for long-term industry resilience amid growing climate challenges and changing traveler expectations.

Looking Ahead: A New Era for Turkish Travel Agencies

Joining the WTTC family marks an exciting new chapter for TÜRSAB and its members. This alliance enhances TÜRSAB’s influence and operational reach, enabling it to deliver even greater value to Turkish travel agencies and the wider tourism ecosystem. By engaging in global dialogues, shaping policy frameworks, and fostering innovation, TÜRSAB positions itself as a driving force behind Türkiye’s continuing rise as a premier global travel destination.

As international travel rebounds and adapts in a post-pandemic world, TÜRSAB’s partnership with WTTC will be instrumental in unlocking new opportunities, addressing emerging challenges, and ensuring that Türkiye’s vibrant travel industry thrives for decades to come.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “We are delighted to welcome TÜRSAB into our global network of leading Travel & Tourism voices. Türkiye is a vital part of the global tourism economy, and TÜRSAB’s expertise make them a valuable contributor to our shared vision.  

“As we work to shape a more sustainable and innovative future for the sector, TÜRSAB’s insights and collaboration will help ensure inclusive growth and long-term resilience. We look forward to their active participation and to strengthening ties with Türkiye’s dynamic tourism industry.” 

Firuz Bağlıkaya, President of TÜRSAB, commented: “As the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), which continues its way with determination as the world’s largest tourism professional organization, it is very important for us to participate in an important international organisation such as the World Travel and Tourism Council.” 

“We believe that WTTC will add value to TÜRSAB as an international organization, and likewise, TÜRSAB will make significant contributions to WTTC with its experience and knowledge of more than half a century. With the mutual synergy of WTTC and TÜRSAB, world tourism will greatly benefit.” 

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