The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB) as its latest Association Partner, marking a key step in fostering global cooperation within the travel and tourism industry.
Headquartered in Istanbul, TÜRSAB represents nearly 16,000 member travel agencies and is one of the world’s most established tourism bodies. Formed under Turkish law in 1972, TÜRSAB has played a central role in shaping the nation’s tourism landscape through policy advocacy, training programs, and strategic sector promotion.
With 34 Regional Representative Boards and 15 Expert Committees, TÜRSAB actively engages in protecting agency rights, promoting international tourism, and enhancing professional standards to boost Türkiye’s global competitiveness.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership, stating, “We are delighted to welcome TÜRSAB into our global network. Türkiye is a vital player in global tourism, and TÜRSAB’s deep-rooted expertise will help shape a more sustainable and resilient future for our sector.”
TÜRSAB President Firuz Bağlıkaya also highlighted the significance of the alliance, calling it a milestone in international engagement: “Being part of a globally influential body like WTTC is of great importance for TÜRSAB. With our 50+ years of experience, we look forward to contributing meaningfully to global tourism discourse.”
Through this strategic partnership, TÜRSAB aims to further elevate Turkish tourism on the global stage, contributing to wider conversations around policy, sustainability, innovation, and economic development. The collaboration is expected to generate mutual value and foster shared growth across the international tourism ecosystem.
