Applicant: Culture Routes Society

Project Partner: Demre District Governorate, Demre Municipality, Kapaklı Mukhtarship

Being Turkey’s first long-range hiking route and one of the top 10 long-distance hiking trail of the world, Lycian Way, is preferred by many tourists every year. The project was prepared based on the tourism potential of the region and taking into account the basic needs of tourists such as resting and accommodation. By means of the project, it is aimed to raise awareness on sustainable tourism in the region and to merge three different Lycian way walking routes in the Hoyran and Kapaklı villages of Demre.

With the trainings provided, awareness was raised in the region on sustainable tourism and the local production was maintained with the productions of the women living in the villages. Also; it was started to provide the visitors with the facilities for resting and accommodation, besides walking. In addition to promoting and making the nearby historic areas more attractive and accessible, a women association was established. The women started to operate the buildings in Kapakli and Hoyran, which were opened within the scope of project, as cafeteria. Thus, women began to make handworks and local dishes in two different places, and to sell them to generate income. After the project, Kapaklı and Hoyran Villages became a centre where visitors can have a rest and choose alternative routes.

SDG1: NO POVERTY

Support the development of tourism products and services tailored for local people with lower income. Recruit, train and employ local community, including those living in poverty, and integrate them in the tourism value chain. Partnership with civil society networks to provide education and entrepreneurial skills training (e.g. tour guides, local artisans, and local foods).

SDG 5: GENDER EQUALITY

Encourage and support sufficient participation of women in decision-making and governance at all levels and across all business areas in tourism related companies. Support and expand business relationships with women owned enterprises, including small businesses and women entrepreneurs.

SDG 8: DECENT WORK

Engage communities to participate in tourism value chains for goods and services. Foster entrepreneurial culture, investing in or mentoring young entrepreneurs and encouraging tourism related start-ups. Invest in tourism development for job creation and economic development. Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services. Devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.

SDG 10: REDUCED INEQUALITIES

Recruit, train and employ local community, including those living in poverty, and integrate them in your value chain. Partnership with civil society networks to provide education and entrepreneurial skills training.

SDG 11: SUSTAINABLE CITIES

Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage

SDG 17: PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GOALS

Enhance the partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources. Encourage effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships on resourcing strategies of partnerships. Promote the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism