Tourism Oscar Award Goes to İzmir Metropolitan Municipality

İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, which supports tourism activities by preserving the historical and cultural values of İzmir, was awarded in the international arena. The International Federation of Tourism Journalists and Writers presented the 2022 Golden Apple award, which is considered the Oscar of the tourism world, to the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality for its work in the field of tourism.

"A great pride"

Speaking at the ceremony at the Historic Coal Gas Factory, Tunç Soyer, Mayor of İzmir said it was a great honor. Expressing that each award actually increases the responsibility on the shoulders of the recipient, Tunç Soyer said: "Especially if this award is given by one of the most respected institutions in the world...But there is a way to alleviate this burden. Collaborating with industry leaders. Bringing their guidance to the city."

"We will introduce İzmir to the world much more"

Addressing those present in the program, Soyer said: "I ask you, who are the doyens of tourism? Do not leave us alone in bringing the extraordinary potentials of İzmir to light, in bringing the extraordinary beauties of İzmir to light and making it more noticeable to humanity. If you lead us, know that we will come running after you. And we will promote this beautiful jewel, İzmir, to the whole world much more together," he said.

"Five out of 70 awards go to Turkey"

Delal Atamdede, President of the Association of Tourism Writers and Journalists of Turkey (Aturjet), stated that 70 awards have been given so far and said: "The most proud thing is that five of them were given to Turkey. While presenting the Golden Apple to the people of beautiful İzmir, I wish them to achieve successes in tourism in the coming days...I congratulate Mr. Tunç Soyer and his team."

Praise to Soyer from the President of the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation

President of the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation, Tony Zahra, stated that "now is the time for İzmir". "I met very successful people here. You have a visionary mayor. Nearly one million tourists visit this place. The stay of tourists is one and a half nights. Increasing this to three and a half nights is very important for the economy."

"Tourism is much more than an economic factor"

Tijani Haddad, President of the World Federation of Tourism Journalists and Writers, stated that tourism is a very strong factor for the economy of many tourism destinations in the world and said: "It contributes to 10 percent of the world's income and provides employment opportunities for more than 10 percent of the world's population. Tourism is much more than an economic factor. It is also a cultural message to strengthen friendship and solidarity among people. It should be a factor for the preservation of international cultural heritage and better transfer to future generations."