Promoting Responsible Travel in a City of Heritage & Harmony
Our Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
At Visit Istanbul, we believe that tourism should protect and celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant communities, and breathtaking natural beauty. We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that ensure Istanbul remains a thriving destination for generations to come.
Our Sustainability Goals
1. Protecting Cultural Heritage
- Support the preservation of Istanbul’s historic sites (Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar).
- Promote low-impact tourism in sensitive areas.
- Partner with local historians and conservationists to educate visitors.
2. Reducing Environmental Impact
- Encourage eco-friendly transportation (trams, ferries, walking tours).
- Advocate for waste reduction (plastic-free initiatives, recycling programs).
- Highlight green hotels & restaurants with sustainable practices.
3. Empowering Local Communities
- Promote locally owned businesses (markets, artisans, family-run eateries).
- Support fair-trade tourism to ensure economic benefits reach residents.
- Feature community-based tourism experiences (homestays, cultural workshops).
4. Promoting Responsible Traveler Behavior
- Educate visitors on respectful tourism (mosque etiquette, haggling tips, waste disposal).
- Encourage off-season travel to reduce overcrowding.
- Share slow travel itineraries that deepen cultural connections.
Our Initiatives
🌿 Green Istanbul Certification
We recognize businesses (hotels, tours, restaurants) that meet sustainability standards in:
✔ Energy & water efficiency
✔ Waste reduction & recycling
✔ Support for local culture & economy
Apply for certification or see certified partners.
♻️ Plastic-Free Tourism Campaign
- Partnering with vendors to eliminate single-use plastics.
- Promoting refillable water stations near major attractions.
🌍 Carbon-Neutral Experiences
- Curated eco-friendly tours (walking, biking, electric boat rides).
- Partnerships with carbon offset programs for travelers.
How You Can Travel Sustainably in Istanbul
✅ Choose Eco-Conscious Stays – Look for Green Istanbul-certified hotels.
✅ Respect Cultural Sites – Dress modestly in religious spaces, avoid touching artifacts.
✅ Shop Local – Buy from artisans in the Grand Bazaar instead of mass-produced souvenirs.
✅ Use Public Transport – Istanbul’s ferries, trams, and metro reduce traffic pollution.
✅ Reduce Waste – Carry a reusable water bottle and bag.
Partners & Collaborations
We work with:
- Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (urban sustainability projects).
- UNESCO (heritage preservation).
- Local NGOs (clean-up drives, community tourism).
Interested in partnering? Email: sustainability @ visitistanbul.com
Join the Movement
📌 Follow #SustainableIstanbul on social media for tips and updates.
📌 Download our Responsible Travel Guide here.
Together, we can protect Istanbul’s magic while sharing it with the world.