The Promotion Meeting of the Tourism Century Project was Held in Burdur

The second promotional meeting of the Tourism Century Project, initiated by the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), was held at Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Lavanta Tepesi Hotel. The meeting was attended by Burdur Governor Tülay Baydar Bilgihan, DEİK President Nail Olpak, Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar, TÜRSAB President Firuz Bağlıkaya, BAKA Secretary General Volkan Güler, Yeşilova Mayor Okan Kurd, tourism experts, academicians, journalists, writers, and researchers.

The program, which will last for two days on October 2-3, started with folk songs from the Burdur region performed by local artists Fatih Burdurlu and Sümer Ezgü.

Firuz Bağlıkaya: “We Are Taking the First Step for a Breakthrough in Tourism from Burdur”

TÜRSAB President Firuz Bağlıkaya expressed his happiness to be in Burdur in his opening speech and said:

"Today, we have many members of the press among us. We aim to promote the beauties of Burdur and take an important step for the future of Burdur tourism. Instead of making a classic opening speech, I want to talk about the Turkish tourism we dream of with the Tourism Century Project and the potential of Burdur.

We need to evaluate undiscovered destinations like Burdur. Burdur, with its ancient cities of Sagalassos and Kibyra, Lake Salda, natural beauties, and gastronomy, has great potential. This richness of Burdur, which has not yet been fully discovered, offers a great opportunity for the development we aim for in tourism.”

Bağlıkaya also emphasized that Burdur should be protected from the destructive effects of mass tourism. He said they envision Burdur as a destination that values sustainable tourism with its cultural values and nature. He concluded his speech by saying, "I believe Burdur will find the value it deserves in tourism."

Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar: “As a University, We Undertake an Important Responsibility in Burdur’s Tourism”

Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar stated that the university undertakes an important responsibility in contributing to Burdur’s tourism. Dalgar said, "Our university plays a significant role in Burdur’s tourism with both our academic staff and facilities. With our Faculty of Tourism and Tourism Vocational School located in Yeşilova district and other units, we support both Burdur’s and the tourism potential around Lake Salda."

Providing information about the archaeological excavations conducted by the university, Dalgar said, "Excavations carried out by MAKÜ academicians in the ancient cities of Kibyra, Sagalassos, and Kremna contribute to Burdur’s archaeological tourism. We also offer added value to the city with our work in sports tourism and gastronomy as a university."

Governor Tülay Baydar Bilgihan: “Burdur Has Great Potential with Its Historical and Natural Richness”

Burdur Governor Tülay Baydar Bilgihan highlighted Burdur’s historical and natural richness in her speech. Governor Bilgihan said, "Burdur has a great cultural and historical heritage extending from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods to the present. I believe this city, which stands out with its nature, agricultural potential, and endemic plants, will achieve great success with the right steps in tourism."

The program continued with folk songs by local artist Music Teacher Arzu Gök. 

The First Day of the Program Completed

The first day of the meeting concluded with discussions on what can be done for Burdur, moderated by Investigative Journalist İhsan Aktaş, with the participation of DEİK President Nail Olpak, Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar, artist Sümer Ezgü, and TV presenter Güven İslamoğlu.

On the second day of the program, TÜRSAB members and the accompanying delegation will visit Lake Salda, Kibyra, and Sagalassos ancient cities to see Burdur’s cultural and historical values on-site.