Tourexpi
SENTRUM was initiated by the United Nations
Development Program (UNDP), Turkiye's Sabanci University and energy company
Enerjisa in Turkiye's Ayvalik / Kucukkoy district to transform small villages
into sustainable green destinations. The main objectives of the SENTRUM Project
are to protect cultural and natural values, contribute substantially to
community-based tourism with energy efficiency and renewable energy practices,
and meet international sustainable destination criteria in every place where this
project is implemented.
Birgi, which has been awarded "Best Rural
Tourism Destination" by UNWTO in 2021, will undergo a series of
projects of SENTRUM teams, where capacity development studies, renewable energy
applications, and sustainable tourism strategy studies will be carried out, and
training will be organised for local people and stakeholders. In this regard, a
designated public building will be transformed into a green building by
renewing its energy infrastructure, destination-oriented routes will be prepared,
and an e-charging station will be established.
The project will pioneer a destination
transformation in Birgi that aligns with the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism
Council) destination criteria. It will conduct a climate risk assessment to
determine the risks and adaptation measures affecting the current and future
tourism destination. In addition, it will also analyse visitors' carrying
capacity to avoid putting pressure on its social, natural and cultural heritage
and create a branding and marketing strategy for Birgi. Moreover, the SENTRUM
project will conduct current situation analyses, develop action plans, and
carry out capacity development activities on issues such as gender equality,
the employability of women and youth, and internship opportunities for tourism
vocational high schools and university students. Besides creating walking and
cycling routes, it is planned to encourage environmentally friendly
transportation and conduct energy audits in accommodation facilities and public
buildings.
About Birgi
With more than five thousand years of history and
its classical Seljuk and Ottoman houses, Birgi has
been listed among the 'Best Tourism Villages of 2022' by the United Nations
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Located in the middle of the most fertile
basins in Turkiye's western Aegean region, Birgi features tree-shaded
cobblestone streets and traditional houses and structures dating to the 12th century.
The village is seven kilometres from the town of Odemis in the Izmir province.
It attracts local and foreign tourists due to its proximity to Ephesus, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as to Sirince, famous for its fruit wines,
and holiday resorts such as Cesme, Alacatı and Seferihisar.
Image
Credit: © Go Türkiye
The most interesting news
Qatar Airways Extends Principal Partnership with Paris Saint-Germain until 2028
Renewed collaboration highlights shared values of excellence, blending the world of aviation, sports, fashion and lifestyle
Hamad International Airport Reports Record-Breaking Year in 2024
52.7 Million Passengers Served – A 15% Increase Over 2023, Highest-Ranked Middle Eastern Airport for Connectivity
Condor expands its network with two strong partnerships
New connections from Panama and Dubai
Türkiye Reports 16.6 Percent Growth in UK Visitors in 2024
In 2024, Türkiye welcomed 4,433,782 visitors from the United Kingdom
Split has been named Europe’s ultimate dopamine destination
Split Ranks as Europe’s #1 Dopamine Destination – Hotel Ambasador Awaits
Lufthansa extends A380 service to Bangkok
Due to significant demand, Lufthansa extends A380 service from Munich to Bangkok to April 25, 2025
Amazing Thailand Shines at OTM 2025 in Mumbai
TAT’s participation underscores its commitment to strengthening the Indian market and further solidifying Thailand’s status as a top destination for Indian travellers in 2025.
Yas Island and Saadiyat Island Achieve Record-Breaking Success
The two islands hit a new milestone in 2024 compared to 2023, with over 190 regional and international awards across their attractions
NEOM secures USD 3 billion SACE guaranteed financing under a multicurrency untied facility from nine international banks
The agreement marks NEOM’s first successful export credit agency financing and leverages Italian businesses to support in key sectors of the project’s development.
FIBO meets Riyadh
‘FIBO meets Riyadh’ pop-up bridges the gap between hospitality and fitness industrie
RYANAIR OPENS 7 NEW LONDON ROUTES FOR SUMMER 2025
Ryanair, the UK’s No.1 low fares airline, has announced its London Summer 2025 schedule
Haute Retreats Expands Luxury Villa Portfolio in the French Riviera and Mallorca
Haute Retreats, the award-winning leader in luxury villa rentals, has announced an exciting expansion into two of Europe’s most coveted summer destinations—the French Riviera and Mallorca.
Emirates teams up with the NBA to lead youth clinic in Paris
Children from local organisation, Sport dans la Ville, in Paris honed their skills and techniques, coached by two-time NBA All-Star Joakim Noah
IHG Hotels & Resorts debuts its first Vignette Collection hotel in South America
Vignette Collection, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, welcomes SOUMA Hotel Lima in Peru as its first destination in South America.
Lufthansa Group airlines use Apple AirTag location feature for baggage processes
Lufthansa Group airlines are introducing a new service for their passengers with immediate effect
Discover Qatar Stopover Programme Achieves Record-Breaking Growth
The remarkable growth demonstrates the exceptional success of Qatar Stopover Programme
JW Marriott Expands in the Maldives with the Unveiling of JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort
The brand’s newest resort offers a refined escape through a blend of modern luxury, breathtaking design, and serene spaces, creating the perfect setting for rejuvenation and discovery
Basketball Greats Stephen Curry and Zaza Pachulia Unveiled as UN Tourism Special Ambassadors
UN Tourism is proud to announce the appointment of basketball legends Stephen Curry and Zaza Pachulia as Special Ambassadors for Sports Tourism
