Turkey Sustainable Tourism Program and Certification Obligation
The Turkey Sustainable Tourism Program, implemented by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), aims to ensure sustainable development of the tourism sector in environmental, social and governance areas. The TR-I Criteria established for this purpose have made a three-stage certification system mandatory for tourism enterprises.

Stages and Obligation Calendar

Phase 1 Document
It aims to ensure that tourism facilities comply with basic sustainability criteria (environmental management, energy-water efficiency, waste management, etc.).

  • Mandatory Facilities: All accommodation facilities
  • Deadline: December 31, 2023

Stage 2 Certificate
It includes more advanced sustainability practices such as social responsibility, employee rights, contribution to local development.

  • Mandatory Facilities: All accommodation facilities
  • Deadline: December 31, 2025
  • Exemption: Facilities holding a Stage 3 Certificate are exempt from this stage.

Phase 3 Certificate
It covers the full integration of sustainability efforts into the corporate structure and continuous improvement processes.

  • Mandatory Period:
    • Transition period from January 1, 2028 to December 31, 2030
    • By December 31, 2030, all hotels must have this certificate.

Document Obligation by Circular
According to the circular dated April 25, 2023:

  • Four and five star hotels, holiday villages, boutique hotels and private accommodation facilities must submit a Stage 3 Certificate in their applications for a tourism management certificate.
  • For other accommodation facilities, it is mandatory to obtain a Stage 2 Certificate until 31.12.2025.

Sanctions and Inspections
Facilities that fail to obtain the necessary documents within the specified time periods will be subject to sanctions such as fines and license revocation under the Tourism Incentive Law No. 2634. At the end of each phase, the facilities will be evaluated by independent auditors and go through the approval process.

Certification Process and Renewal
All certification procedures are carried out through authorized bodies in line with the criteria set by the TGA and GSTC. It is mandatory to renew the received documents before the validity period expires.

Sustainability is a Competitive Advantage Beyond Legal Obligation

These certificates are not only a legal obligation, but also a quality indicator that provides a competitive advantage in the international market. Especially for facilities operating in the European market, sustainability certificates directly increase the rate of preference. Environmentally conscious domestic and foreign tourists tend to prefer certified facilities, which in turn strengthens brand reputation.

Step into the Tourism of the Future

In line with increasing environmental awareness and sustainability criteria on a global scale, in the tourism sector Sustainable Tourism Certificate is gaining more and more importance. This certificate is given to businesses that implement sustainable practices in environmental, social and economic terms. In addition, the Sustainable Tourism Certificate is a mandatory document and is one of the documents required for Tourism Business Certificate applications. If not obtained, penal sanctions are imposed.

Start Your Green Transformation with Globalis

This process is not limited to obtaining a certificate. You need to take the right steps to align your business operations with sustainability principles, respond to future tourist expectations and gain competitiveness in the international market.

Services We Offer:

  • Existing business analysis and sustainability consultancy
  • Preparation of implementation plans
  • Certification process application and follow-up
  • Audit preparations and harmonization
  • Training and consulting for continuity