The 24th National Tourism Congress, hosted by Kastamonu University Faculty of Tourism, brought together 102 papers prepared by academics from 36 different universities and 172 participants with current research focusing on nature tourism and related sub-themes. The opening ceremony of the congress was held on 19 September 2024 at Sezai Karakoç Hall of the Central Library of our University.
Organized with the main theme of ‘Nature Tourism’ this year, the congress brought together leading representatives of the tourism sector and academicians. In the congress, current issues such as nature conservation, sustainable tourism practices, and environmental impacts of tourism are discussed.
The opening ceremony was attended by our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, MP Serap Ekmekci, Kastamonu Deputy Governor Aydın Ergün, Kastamonu Deputy Mayor Hasan Fehmi Taş, Kayseri University Rector Prof. Dr. Kurtuluş Karamustafa, as well as academic staff and representatives of various public institutions and private sector.
In the sessions and panel discussions organized at the congress, sub-themes such as ‘Management and Sustainability in Nature Reserves’, ‘Wildlife Tourism and Biodiversity Conservation’, ‘Local Communities and Nature Tourism’, ‘The Role of Technology in Nature Tourism’ and ‘Climate Change and Nature Tourism’ are discussed. Participants can share the latest research and innovations on these topics.
The opening speech of the 24th National Tourism Congress was delivered by Prof. Dr. Osman Eralp Çolakoğlu, Chairman of the Congress. Speaking about the history of the congress, Çolakoğlu emphasized the development of academic studies in the field of tourism in Turkey and the contributions of this congress to these studies. Çolakoğlu thanked the participants and the organizers and concluded his speech by wishing them a successful congress.
Afterward, the Dean of the Faculty of Tourism Prof. Dr. Alptekin Sökmen took the floor and emphasized that nature tourism has great potential for Turkey and the importance of making use of this potential. Stating that Kastamonu is a concrete example of this potential with its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Sökmen noted that the natural resources of the region can contribute to both local development and sustainable tourism.
Stating that the congress provides an important platform for sharing innovations in the sector and combining academic knowledge with sectoral experiences, Sökmen also expressed that nature tourism and alternative tourism types should be supported, wished the congress to be held successfully, and thanked all participants who contributed.
Our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal addressed the participants in his opening speech. Stating that the main theme of the congress is ‘Nature Tourism’, our Rector emphasized that this subject focuses on important issues such as sustainable tourism practices and environmental protection.
Stating that Kastamonu has great potential for nature tourism with its natural richness and cultural heritage, our Rector stated that natural wonders such as Küre Mountains, Ilgaz Mountain, and Valla Canyon make the region an attractive destination for nature lovers. He also reminded that Kastamonu University was selected as a specialized university in the field of forestry and nature tourism by YÖK and emphasized that the congress hosted 102 different papers and 172 participants.
Stating that this congress, where sub-themes such as nature conservation, biodiversity, local communities, and climate change are discussed, will prepare the ground for new collaborations and projects, our Rector thanked all participants and wished them a successful congress.
In her speech, MP Serap Ekmekci emphasized the importance of such organizations for the evaluation of Kastamonu's natural and cultural richness at regional and national levels. Ekmekci stated that especially ecotourism and nature tourism will play a critical role in the development of the region.
Stating that the studies in this field should be supported, MP Ekmekci said that Kastamonu's tourism potential can be carried further with the right planning and cooperation. He stated that this congress is an important step towards achieving these goals.
After the speeches, plaques were presented to the participants who supported the congress.
