{"id":1290,"date":"2026-11-01T00:19:16","date_gmt":"2026-11-01T00:19:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tourismsiam.com\/?p=1290"},"modified":"2026-11-01T00:19:16","modified_gmt":"2026-11-01T00:19:16","slug":"historic-tokat-to-showcase-anatolian-heritage-as-host-of-the-16th-international-ecotourism-and-sustainable-tourism-conference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourismsiam.com\/?p=1290","title":{"rendered":"Historic Tokat to Showcase Anatolian Heritage as Host of the 16th International Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The distinguished city of Tokat, Turkey\u2014an archaeologically significant municipality deeply rooted in history, culture, and natural beauty\u2014is preparing to welcome global leaders, researchers, and practitioners as the host of the 16th Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC). Organized by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), the prestigious international gathering is scheduled to take place from July 27 to July 31, 2021. Following the official announcement naming Tokat as this year\u2019s host city, a conversation was held with Tokat\u2019s esteemed mayor, Attorney Ey\u00fcp Ero\u011flu. Recognized as one of Turkey\u2019s youngest mayors, Mayor Ero\u011flu has garnered widespread acclaim for his dynamic leadership and successful initiatives aimed at uplifting the geographically diverse and culturally rich region.<\/p>\n<p>During the discussion, Mayor Ero\u011flu elaborated on the numerous factors that make Tokat an exemplary choice for the ESTC ecotourism conference. He emphasized that even though the city boasts an ancient heritage spanning 1,500 years with historical roots stretching back to the 5th century, Tokat has simultaneously evolved into one of the most accessible and forward-thinking destinations for ecological and sustainable tourism within Turkey. Reflecting on the municipality&#8217;s vision for the future, Mayor Ero\u011flu shared his perspective on local hospitality and international representation. <\/p>\n<p>&quot;Along with Tokat\u2019s friendly local people and their welcoming outlook, Tokat Municipality will make every effort to develop our city\u2019s tourism to be represented in the international arena, and we will accomplish this in a sustainable way,&quot; Mayor Ero\u011flu stated.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"article-inline-figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ecotourism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/mayortokatdesk1.jpeg\" alt=\"TOKAT MAKES A MOVE FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND GASTRONOMY TOURISM IN 2021 - The International Ecotourism Society\" class=\"article-inline-img\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Situated at a fascinating geographical crossroads between the Black Sea region and Central Anatolia, Tokat\u2019s variegated, elevated natural landscape and transitional climate have historically served as a fertile foundation for human settlement. Over the centuries, this unique topography and strategic location have allowed fourteen distinct civilizations to thrive, prosper, and leave behind enduring architectural and cultural footprints. Today, this rich layering of history provides visitors with an exceptionally diverse and immersive touristic experience, seamlessly blending ancient archaeological wonders with vibrant living traditions.<\/p>\n<p>The region\u2019s ecological diversity directly supports an abundant agricultural sector, with Tokat boasting eighty-two thriving varieties of cereals, vegetables, and fruit crops. This extensive agricultural output forms the backbone of the region&#8217;s celebrated culinary heritage, culminating in memorable gastronomic creations such as the famous Tokat Kebab. Beyond its signature kebab, the city is resplendent with a wide array of local and original flavors, including specialized grape leaves, traditional molasses, walnuts, and aromatic fenugreek. These culinary treasures are enjoyed against the magnificent backdrop of the historic Tokat Castle, a formidable fortification that has endured for centuries and remains one of the city&#8217;s premier tourist attractions.<\/p>\n<p>As the chief host of the upcoming conference, Mayor Ero\u011flu offered heartfelt assurances that attendees will find both professional enrichment and personal enjoyment during their time in Tokat. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"article-inline-figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ecotourism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/mayortokatcherries1-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"TOKAT MAKES A MOVE FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND GASTRONOMY TOURISM IN 2021 - The International Ecotourism Society\" class=\"article-inline-img\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>&quot;Tokat Municipality welcomes The International Ecotourism Society and its valuable guests to our city and looks forward to focusing international attention on our thriving, unique destination,&quot; the Mayor noted. &quot;We hope to have the opportunity to show the world our cultural legacy and conference hospitality. We are sure that ecotourists and travelers will collect many unforgettable memories in Tokat, and witness our true Anatolian heritage.&quot;<\/p>\n<p>Addressing logistical considerations and health measures for the high-profile event, Mayor Ero\u011flu praised the meticulous planning behind the scenes. When asked about conference safety, the Mayor acknowledged the careful attention to detail and strict protocols established by the organizing bodies. &quot;I am impressed with the care TIES has taken to ensure the safety of ecotravelers and the community of Tokat,&quot; he remarked.<\/p>\n<p>With preparations well underway, TIES is encouraging all prospective ESTC attendees and interested delegates to complete their registration as soon as possible to secure their place at the conference. Organizers emphasize that the event offers a rare opportunity to experience an exceptional city defined by its unique natural wonders and cultural depth, proving to the global ecotourism community why Tokat remains one of the most important destinations for sustainable travel.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The distinguished city of Tokat, Turkey\u2014an archaeologically significant municipality deeply rooted in history, culture, and natural beauty\u2014is preparing to welcome global leaders, researchers, and practitioners as the host of the 16th Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC). Organized by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), the prestigious international gathering is scheduled to take place from July<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":1289,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[521],"tags":[1098,1100,523,522,389,984,1099,532,525,1097,524,553,734,68],"class_list":["post-1290","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ecotourism-nature","tag-anatolian","tag-conference","tag-eco-travel","tag-ecotourism","tag-heritage","tag-historic","tag-host","tag-international","tag-nature","tag-showcase","tag-sustainability","tag-sustainable","tag-tokat","tag-tourism"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tourismsiam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1290","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tourismsiam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tourismsiam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tourismsiam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tourismsiam.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1290"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/tourismsiam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1290\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tourismsiam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1289"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tourismsiam.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1290"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tourismsiam.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1290"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tourismsiam.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1290"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}