Sustainable & Responsible Travel: Antalya

Protected Areas

Adhere to rules in national parks (Köprülü Canyon, Termessos) and coastal protection zones (Çıralı Beach for sea turtles). Stay on marked trails, do not disturb wildlife, and refrain from collecting natural souvenirs. Avoid litter.

Waste Management

Minimize single-use plastics. Carry a reusable water bottle; decline plastic bags. Dispose of waste in designated bins. Use recycling bins if available. Carry a small bag for trash until a suitable disposal point is found.

Water Conservation

Coastal regions face water stress. Use water sparingly in hotels: take shorter showers, turn off taps when brushing teeth, and reuse towels. Inform hotel staff of any water leaks.

Eco-Friendly Practices

Choose options that prioritize environmental preservation and support responsible tourism.

Carbon Offset Options

Consider offsetting your travel's carbon emissions to reduce environmental impact.

Reduce Your Footprint

Many airlines offer carbon offset programs during booking.
Use independent carbon offset providers like Terrapass.
Utilize public transportation (Antalyakart) in Antalya.
Opt for direct flights when possible.

Accommodation & Tours

Seek out businesses committed to sustainable practices.

Sustainable Choices

Look for hotels with eco-certifications or green labels, like those on Ecobnb.
Inquire about energy and water conservation practices.
Choose ethical tour operators, such as G Adventures.
Select tours that minimize environmental impact.

Cultural Preservation

Support efforts to preserve local heritage and cultural sites.

Engage with Culture

Visit local museums, art galleries, and cultural centers.
Learn about the history of ancient sites you explore.
Your entrance fees directly support maintenance and preservation.
Treat historical sites with care; do not climb on ruins or remove artifacts.

Respectful Interaction

Positive interactions with locals enrich your journey and show respect.

Guidelines for Engagement

Learn a few basic Turkish phrases like "Merhaba" and "Teşekkür ederim."
Be polite and patient, especially with language barriers.
Bargain politely in traditional bazaars; it is customary.
Observe local dress codes, especially at religious sites.

Ethical Shopping & Support

Fair Trade & Local Goods

Purchase handicrafts directly from artisans or from shops supporting local producers. Choose items that reflect the region's culture.

Consider sustainable outdoor gear from Patagonia

Community Support

Dine at local eateries (lokantas) and buy from independent shops. Hire local guides to ensure your money stays in the community.

Explore reusable products from Package Free Shop

Economic Impact

Support Antalya’s local economy through your travel choices and mindful spending.

Community Tourism

Choosing local options directs funds directly to the community.

Direct Support

Stay in locally owned guesthouses or hotels.
Eat at local restaurants (lokantas) and smaller eateries.
Buy from small, independent shops.
Hire local guides for excursions.

Fair Trade & Ethical Shopping

Make purchasing choices that support fair practices and local craftspeople.

Conscious Purchasing

Purchase handicrafts directly from artisans.
Support shops that visibly promote fair trade.
Avoid cheap, mass-produced souvenirs.
For carpets, research reputable dealers and ethical sourcing.

Avoiding Harmful Practices

Be vigilant to avoid contributing to exploitative or harmful activities.

Ethical Conduct

Do not participate in activities exploiting animals (e.g., chained animals for photos).
Be vigilant for child exploitation; do not buy from children on the street.
Be aware of common tourist scams.
If you donate, do so through established local charities.

Appropriate Charitable Giving

Directing assistance to reputable organizations has a greater positive influence.

Effective Donations

Research and donate to reputable local charities or non-profits.
Support organizations focused on education, environmental conservation, or social welfare.
This approach ensures your contribution helps through structured programs.
Look for organizations with a track record in Antalya. The Rainforest Site supports conservation.

Local Business Support

Actively choosing local businesses directly puts money into the community.

Dining Choices

Explore local eateries and markets for authentic meals.

Shopping Habits

Buy groceries and daily items from local markets and smaller shops.

Service Selection

Use local transport services and tour operators.

Warning

Avoid any activities that could exploit children or animals. Report suspicious behavior to local authorities.

Positive Impact

Your mindful actions as a traveler help conserve nature and uplift local communities.

Sustainable & Responsible Travel