CSD-7:
Sustainable Development Success Stories

Belek 2000

Location  Antalya, Serik, Turkey.
Responsible Organisation Belek Tourism Investors Association (Betuyab). Betuyab is a management association founded in 1988 by the investor companies of the region with the support and leading of the Ministry of Tourism. Every company investing in the Belek Tourism Center is obligated to be a member of Betuyab.
Description The project aims to establish "sustainable tourism" in the Belek Tourism Centre. Betuyab's goals and its activities are realized through the cooperation between the investors, the local inhabitants, the official association and establishments, and the relevant ministries (Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Forestry etc.). Support has been given by the consulting services of various universities, including Hacettepe University and Mediterranean University. An infrastructure participation share was collected from each Betuyab member at the beginning of the project, and a monthly subscription has since been collected. Projects with high costs are financed equally (1:3) by the Ministries, the public establishments, and the Betuyab investors.
Issues Addressed Sustainable tourism.
Results Achieved

The project marks the first time in Turkey that all the investors of a region have handed over the management to an establishment like Betuyab to develop the region.

  • As the Ministry of Tourism has decided that the region’s sustainable tourism development can not support any further tourism investments, new investments will not be allowed.

  • All tourism establishments are connected to three wastewater purification plants. Some of the wastewater is used for irrigation, while the remaining water is completely cleaned and released back into nature

  • Infrastructure projects which required high financial costs and timely planning were finished before the completion of the Belek Tourism Center.

  • Supported by the scientific consulting of the universities, the campaign against mosquitoes, houseflies and sand flies continues, achieving success rate of 90%.

  • The universities continue to investigate the ecological infrastructure and its regional diversity, and to publish documents on biological diversity. Awareness-raising studies have also been produced, including three books and various posters, ("100 Birds of Belek", "250 Plants of Belek" and "20 Endemic Plants of Belek").

  • Fire hydrants have been placed in the forests under the protection of the region, and a fire engine capable of negotiating the regional topography has been purchased. Two firemen, hired and paid by Betuyab, are on duty through the year, reinforced by four more during the season when forest fire risks are high. To prevent fire and dangers, communication systems have been installed, Betuyab’s office serving as their centre.

  • Various projects, protocols and collective work has been done with NGOs.
Lessons Learned

  • The success of the Belek Tourism Center is related to the new and different nature of the organization and to the consultative support from universities.

  • It is important to have studies that are scientifically based, and directed toward the future.

  • The lack of private or public separation of the investors fostered an attitude of trust by the state, private sector and local public towards Betuyab, encouraging them to work together.
Contacts Sirer Aydin, General Manager
Head Office: Belek Tourism Investors Association
Kuzgun Sokak no. 88/1
06540 A. Ayranc1-Ankara Turkey
Tel. 0312 441 54 27 – 441 67 22-23; Fax 0312. 441 54 28

Antalya Office
Belek Tourism Center Iskele Mevkii
P.K. 3207500 Serik-Antalya Turkey
Tel. (0242) 725 56 92-93; Fax (0242) 725 56 94