Asfa Holding Board Chairman and Philanthropist Asaf Atasoy published a message on the occasion of April 15-22 Tourism Week.

Asfa Holding Board Chairman Asaf Atasoy included the following statements in his message;

Tourism is a temporary mobility process that is of great importance for the world’s humanity, both economically and socially, as it allows people to transcend their own borders and bring geographies, cultures and values ​​into contact with each other.

Therefore, this process is more than just a sector or economic activity; it also constitutes one of the cornerstones of cultural exchange, international relations and sustainable development.

Our country has a privileged position in world tourism with its natural beauties, historical heritage, cultural richness and value system. Our works on the UNESCO World Heritage List, our cities that bear the traces of civilizations that are thousands of years old and our geography that allows different types of tourism throughout the four seasons are the most concrete indicators of this potential.

In today’s world, the understanding of tourism is changing and diversifying, and visitors no longer just want to travel; they want to experience, learn and understand. In this direction, tourism, which diversifies in line with different purposes such as cultural heritage, congress, business, health, gastronomy, faith tourism and social responsibility-oriented travels, is increasingly gaining attention.

That is why the development of our country’s tourism is of vital importance in terms of not only its benefits to our economic development, but also the preservation of our cultural richness and the strengthening of our interaction with the world.

Our ancient city of Istanbul, where different civilizations, beliefs and cultures have lived together for thousands of years, one of the most important strongholds of tolerance and brotherhood, with its historical riches, natural beauties and unique cuisine, has been a great center of attraction not only for our country but also for the world humanity from past to present with its potential open to multi-faceted tourism.

In this regard, we are meticulously taking the necessary steps to protect our knowledge, production memory and cultural heritage encoded in our ancient tradition for a large-scale interaction that is integrated with our cultural identity, has high narrative value and leaves a mark on memory.

I would like to point out that every work to be done in this field will create added value for our city and that we should not forget the power of producing and promoting together.

With these feelings and thoughts; I sincerely congratulate all our institutions and organizations that contribute to the promotion of our city and country and our sector employees on Tourism Week; I would like to thank everyone who works to further advance the tourism potential of our Istanbul Province and present my respect and love.

Abdullah Yigit-Istanbul

Last Updated: April 16, 2025