Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Osman Aşkın Bak stated that they are working to increase the attractiveness of Turkey as a sports tourism destination and said, “Rize has suitable conditions for many sports branches, especially nature sports and extreme sports. Rize is a sports tourism destination waiting to be discovered, with our investments in transportation, accommodation and sports facilities increasing every year. "There is no obstacle for Rize to take its place among the brand cities in sports tourism." said.
Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Osman Aşkın Bak emphasized that Rize is a sports tourism destination waiting to be discovered with its transportation, accommodation and sports facility investments that continue to increase every year, and said that there is no obstacle for the city to take its place among the brand cities in sports tourism.
Minister Bak, in his speech at the opening of the "Rize Sports Tourism Workshop" held in a hotel in Rize, said that the workshop is a very important program that will contribute to the sports brand of Turkey and Rize on the 100th anniversary of the Republic.
Stating that sports tourism is one of the fastest growing types of tourism in recent years, Minister Bak said, “Thanks to its features, it can make serious contributions to the country's economy by providing opportunities such as diversifying tourism activities and extending the tourism season. As we all know, Turkey is a sports tourism country where four seasons are experienced at the same time, with its nature suitable for winter and summer sports, and with its high-level facility infrastructure. “Our Ministry is also carrying out very serious work in the field of sports tourism.” he said.
Minister Bak emphasized that sports tourism was included in the plan as a strategic area for the first time in the 11th Development Plan with the contributions of the Ministry and made the following evaluation:
"12. As stated in the Development Plan, we continue to work together with all our stakeholders to achieve goals such as increasing Turkey's attractiveness as a sports tourism destination, strengthening the country's sports brand image, and developing new marketing and promotion strategies. This work we carried out in Rize is one of the strong steps we have taken towards achieving these goals. “Rize, with its forests, majestic mountains and the peaceful sound of the Black Sea, is not just a city, but a sports tourism destination waiting to be discovered.”
“Our city has a great sports potential due to its geographical features”
Pointing out that efforts to develop sports tourism are progressing with a commitment to sustainable practices, Minister Bak continued as follows:
“Thanks to responsible tourism initiatives, we aim to ensure that future generations can benefit from the magnificence of Rize in both sports and tourism. Rize has suitable conditions for many sports branches, especially nature sports and extreme sports. Due to its geographical features, our city has a great sports potential. Its long permanent snow period allows for winter sports, its sea and high-flow streams allow for water sports, and the presence of many mountain ranges and peaks within its borders allows for extreme sports. Again, our geographical proximity to the neighboring countries in the Black Sea region and the Turkish states adds additional importance and richness to our city. "With our investments in transportation, accommodation and sports facilities that continue to develop and increase every year, there is no obstacle for Rize to take its place as an important destination area, an important center of attraction and among the brand cities in sports tourism."
Minister Bak stated that Rize-Artvin Airport is a very important boutique airport and that the target this year is to reach 1 million passengers.
Underlining that 22 provinces have been equipped with modern facilities built with the latest technology in the last 81 years, Minister Dr. Osman Aşkın Bak said that the facilities were made available to the public without any discrimination, even in villages and towns.
Pointing to sports investments, Minister Bak said, “Our revolutionary success in sports investments and facilities, and our country's hosting of many prestigious international sports organizations, have shown the whole world that Turkey is a sports country. We have hosted many global events, from the Islamic Solidarity Games to the World Nomad Games, from the European Athletics Championships to the Champions League final. “Today, I can easily say that we have become a country that demands international sports organizations, not a country that demands them.” said.
Stating that the decisions taken in the commissions, each opinion and suggestion are very important and valuable, Minister Bak said:
“I would like to express that we are open to the proposals and efforts of all our friends, all our stakeholders, civil society, private sector and media who put forth their efforts in the next period, and that we, as the ministry, are open to development and transformation with all our units. I invite each of you to actively participate, exchange ideas and contribute to the growth of sports tourism in our region. Let's embrace the spirit of unity as we work to reveal the full potential of sports tourism in Rize. "Let this workshop be a step towards the future for sports enthusiasts looking for both adventure and cultural richness in Rize."
“Our country has a huge share from world sports tourism”
Explaining that Turkey has achieved successes that make everyone happy in the international arena, Minister Bak said, “Our National Football Team will participate in the 2024 European Football Championship to be held in Germany as the first in its group. We will fight there as if we were playing at home. The draws will be held on December 2. “We congratulate our national team again.” he said.
Minister Bak reminded that the National Women's Volleyball Team is also the European champion and continued as follows:
“He is also gaining success in world tournaments. Turkey is a destination where everyone wants to come and participate in events, and where transportation is easy, thanks to the sports facilities, infrastructure investments, and many organizations organized. As you know, Istanbul Airport is approximately 3-4 hours away when you draw a circle. It is a destination that many countries can easily reach. That's why our country has a huge share from world sports tourism.”
“The Century of Türkiye will be the century of sports.” Emphasizing that they act with the understanding that they act with the understanding, Minister of Youth and Sports Bak said, “The Turkey Century will be the century of a growing, developing and strong Turkey. "Under the leadership of our esteemed President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the son of this land, our country will take firm steps towards the future in every field, especially in sports, technology and defense industry." he said.