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Date: 9 October 2026
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has presented its Global Champion Award to H.E. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, in recognition of his leadership in advancing the country's Travel & Tourism sector and fostering a strong partnership between government and industry.
The award was presented during the WTTC Global Summit in Valletta, bringing together more than 1,000 delegates, including over 200 of the world's leading Travel & Tourism CEOs and government leaders.
The Global Champion Award recognises public leaders whose policies, vision and commitment to collaboration have strengthened Travel & Tourism and enhanced the competitiveness of their destinations on the global stage.
Under Minister Ersoy's leadership, Türkiye has continued to consolidate its position as one of Europe's leading tourism destinations, delivering strong growth, attracting investment and enhancing its appeal across leisure, cultural and business travel segments.
A long-standing advocate of engagement with the private sector, Minister Ersoy has helped foster close cooperation between government and industry, recognising that sustainable growth and competitiveness are best achieved through partnership. His collaborative approach has supported investment, strengthened destination development and contributed to Türkiye's continued success in global tourism markets.
Türkiye remains one of Europe's most significant Travel & Tourism economies, benefiting from its strategic location linking Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as its diverse tourism offering and world-class visitor experiences.
WTTC forecasts the sector's GDP contribution will grow by 3.7% in 2026, while leisure travel spending is expected to increase by 4.1%, underlining continued strong demand for the destination.
Travel & Tourism continues to be a major source of employment, economic growth and international connectivity across Türkiye, reinforcing the sector's importance to the country's long-term prosperity.
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said: "Minister Ersoy has been a true partner to Türkiye's Travel & Tourism private sector, championing collaboration and recognising the vital role businesses play in driving growth, investment and innovation."
"Türkiye's remarkable tourism performance is no accident. It reflects a clear vision, strong public-private cooperation and a commitment to creating the conditions for long-term success. Minister Ersoy's leadership has helped position Türkiye among Europe's leading tourism destinations and made it a powerful example of what can be achieved when governments and industry work together towards a common goal."
WTTC continues to advocate for policies that strengthen connectivity, investment, destination competitiveness and sustainable growth across global Travel & Tourism.
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About the World Travel & Tourism Council
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the global body representing the private sector of Travel & Tourism and the leading authority on the sector’s economic and social contribution worldwide. Its members include Chairmen, Presidents and CEOs of the world’s leading travel and tourism companies across hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, technology platforms and destinations, spanning every major region globally.
WTTC works to advance sustainable growth across the Travel & Tourism sector by driving collaboration between industry leaders and governments, shaping global policy, and providing authoritative research on the sector’s economic impact worldwide.