When you think of traveling with positive impact, the destinations that stand out are ones that balance spectacular landscapes with responsible tourism—and that’s precisely where Turkey finds itself right now.

This year, Turkey has been included in the prestigious Wanderlust 2025 Travel Green List, recognizing the country as a rising leader in sustainable travel. The magazine notes Turkey’s “huge size, breadth of landscapes, and the wealth of opportunities” for travellers, who can rest assured that their visit will help maintain one of the world’s most unique destinations.

The country became the first nation to sign an agreement with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, which aims to make 100% of its accommodations “certified sustainable” by 2030. The program also supports visitor management plans for Turkey’s many Unesco World Heritage sites, like the ancient city of Ephesus. Here, travelers can walk marble roads once trod by Romans and early Christians, stand before the grand facade of the Library of Celsus, and wander among terrace houses adorned with mosaics, bringing daily life from 2,000 years ago vividly into the present.

But that’s not the only reason to celebrate. The country’s Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change has recently announced an ambitious target of raising the share of protected land to 30% by 2030. 

Among the regions slated for stronger protection is the western province of İzmir, a region home to rolling olive groves, pine-dotted hillsides, and quiet coastal wetlands. Now, when you wander through the farmer’s market in the historic village of Selçuk—breathing in the scents of produce gathered from the surrounding hills—you’ll know that the landscapes behind these traditions are being carefully safeguarded.

With Turkey’s growing commitment to protection through tourism, your excursion is more than just a sightseeing tour. Whether you’re wandering through the Cappadocia valleys or sipping tea in Istanbul, your journey supports places that are actively working to protect their future.

Written by Emily Topping

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