Türkiye Sets Global Benchmark in Sustainable Gastronomy Tourism

Türkiye is working at setting a global benchmark in sustainable gastronomy by blending its rich culinary heritage with modern eco-conscious practices.

With 10 MICHELIN Green Star-awarded restaurants achieved in just two years and a groundbreaking Sustainable Tourism Program set to include food and beverage service providers, the country is looking to redefine the future of sustainable dining and travel.

Global Leadership in Sustainable Tourism and Gastronomy

Türkiye became the world’s first country to sign a national agreement with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) in 2022. Building on this success, Türkiye now leads the way with over 19,000 verified and certified accommodation facilities, 1,300 of which fully comply with GSTC Criteria. Recognised for its leadership, Türkiye ranked 29th in the Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 out of 119 countries, showcasing its firm commitment to sustainable transformation.

As a next step, Türkiye is supporting the GSTC in developing a global set of criteria for food and beverage service providers, ensuring that sustainability extends beyond accommodation to the culinary world. A pilot program under Türkiye’s Sustainable Tourism Program will adapt these standards for local restaurants, enabling them to achieve global sustainability certifications.

10 MICHELIN Green Star Restaurants

Türkiye’s vibrant culinary scene is earning international recognition. In just two years, 10 restaurants have received the prestigious MICHELIN Green Star, awarded to establishments committed to eco-responsible gastronomy. This milestone reflects Türkiye’s new generation of chefs and restaurateurs, who are innovating with modern interpretations of traditional Anatolian dishes while preserving cultural and ecological sustainability. These chefs champion local, seasonal ingredients, reduce food waste, and emphasise responsible sourcing.

Türkiye’s MICHELIN Green Star restaurants highlight the country’s role as a hub for sustainable gastronomy.

A Deliciously Sustainable Tradition

Türkiye’s culinary sustainability is deeply rooted in its geographically marked, local, and high-quality foods sourced from 81 provinces. With 2,218 geographically marked products recognized by the Turkish Patent Institute and 29 by the European Union (EU), Türkiye preserves centuries-old food traditions while supporting ecological balance and local economies.

Traditional dishes, passed down through generations, are still prepared using authentic recipes and natural methods, ensuring exceptional flavour, nutrition, and heritage preservation. Visitors to Türkiye can taste dishes that are hundreds of years old, crafted with techniques that reflect a deep respect for cultural sustainability.

Türkiye: A Global Pioneer in Sustainable Dining

With a bold vision for the future, Türkiye is merging its culinary legacy with modern sustainability standards. By becoming the first country to support a GSTC food and beverage standard, Türkiye ensures its dining experiences remain authentic, eco-conscious, and globally inspiring.