Bursa Metropolitan Municipality has signed an important collaboration with the aim of preserving the city's unique historical, natural and cultural riches and transferring them to future generations and strengthening its tourism potential in a sustainable way. As one of the world's largest sustainable destination networks, Green Destinations With the protocol signed with Bursa, a sustainable tourism certification system specific to Bursa “Green Bursa” is being implemented under the brand.
Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mustafa Bozbey, Green Destinations Africa, Middle East and Southern Europe Regional Director Iyad Kayali, Turkey Director Tansu Karabulut and Head of Foreign Relations Department Pınar Işıkyıldız attended the signing ceremony held at the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Service Building.
Mayor Bozbey: “We Will Make Bursa a World City Together”
Speaking at the ceremony, President Mustafa Bozbey stated that two institutions with common values in the development of sustainable tourism signed a goodwill declaration. Emphasizing that Bursa is an important city with its history, cultural values, industry, agriculture, mountains, plains and sea, President Bozbey stated that their aim is for Bursa to be known as “Green Bursa” in the world as well as in Türkiye. Stating that they have drawn a vision to preserve the values of Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and having a historical accumulation of 8500 years, and to transfer them to future generations in a sustainable way, Mayor Bozbey said, “This signature we have made today will ensure that all these works are recognized on an international scale and will ensure that Bursa becomes one of the leading cities in sustainable tourism. The works that Bursa will carry out in sustainable tourism will be an example for both our country and many cities. We will start the process with women's cooperatives. Then, we aim to spread it to the entire city. The 3.3 million people living in Bursa should know their city, know its values and be able to share these values everywhere and at all times. We will highlight Bursa's tourism potential with the works we will carry out from taxi drivers to tradesmen, from tourism professionals to industrialists. We will make Bursa a world city together. With this protocol, 'Green Bursa' will be recognized in many parts of the world.”
“Green Bursa” Logo Will Be Determined by Public Election
Three different logo designs that will reflect Bursa’s sustainability vision were also introduced at the launch event. The people of Bursa will decide which logo will be the symbol of “Green Bursa” through an online vote. The logo, which will be selected by the public, will increase the international visibility of all businesses that receive sustainability certification. Mayor Bozbey invited all citizens to participate in the voting process and said, “We will choose our logo together. Because this city belongs to all of us, from the shopkeepers in the market to the producers in the countryside, from the youth to the women. This symbol will gain meaning with everyone’s voice.”
Praise for Bursa from Green Destinations
Green Destinations Africa, Middle East and Southern Europe Regional Director Iyad Kayali emphasized that this collaboration initiated with Bursa is a first in Türkiye and said, “Bursa will be one of the first cities in the world to combine a local sustainability system with a global structure, not only in Türkiye. Our Good Travel Seal certificate is recognized on global platforms such as Booking.com and Google. With the pilot application that will start with women's cooperatives, this effect will spread to the entire city.”
Following the speeches, a declaration of goodwill was signed between President Mustafa Bozbey and Iyad Kayali.
“Green Bursa”: A Sustainable Tourism Model for All
The “Green Bursa” Certificate is based on an inclusive model that includes not only hotels or agencies but also bazaar tradesmen, olive producers, textile workshops, guides, taxi drivers, cooperatives and museums. The system, which will be piloted with 20 women’s cooperatives in the first stage, aims to transform the entire tourism value chain.
Global Recognition and New Generation Tourism Understanding
The “Green Bursa” Certificate will work in harmony with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) thanks to the infrastructure provided by Green Destinations. In this way, the recognition of certified businesses will increase worldwide and Bursa will be included in the official promotion network of Green Destinations on international platforms such as the ITB Berlin Tourism Fair.
The “Green Bursa” brand brings together core values such as the protection of cultural heritage, support for women’s labor, encouragement of local development and environmental impact management. With the partnership of Green Destinations, Bursa is taking an important step towards becoming a pioneering destination that inspires sustainability, going beyond being just a city to visit.
