TÜRSAB Joins the World Travel & Tourism Council

The Turkish Travel Agencies Association (TÜRSAB) has become the latest organisation to join the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), strengthening international collaboration within the industry.

Founded in Istanbul in 1972, TÜRSAB is one of the largest professional tourism bodies globally, representing nearly 16,000 travel agencies across Turkey. It plays a key role in shaping the country's tourism sector through advocacy, training, and strategic engagement, operating via 34 regional boards and 15 expert committees.

TÜRSAB’s activities include safeguarding travel agency rights, providing specialised education programmes, and promoting Turkish tourism internationally. The organisation’s leadership views this partnership as a way to enhance global tourism development through shared expertise and cooperation.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said, “We are delighted to welcome TÜRSAB into our global network of leading Travel & Tourism voices. Türkiye is a vital part of the global tourism economy, and TÜRSAB’s expertise make them a valuable contributor to our shared vision.  

“As we work to shape a more sustainable and innovative future for the sector, TÜRSAB’s insights and collaboration will help ensure inclusive growth and long-term resilience. We look forward to their active participation and to strengthening ties with Türkiye’s dynamic tourism industry,” Simpson added. 

Firuz Bağlıkaya, President of TÜRSAB, commented, “As the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), which continues its way with determination as the world's largest tourism professional organisation, it is very important for us to participate in an important international organisation such as the World Travel and Tourism Council.”

The President further added, “We believe that WTTC will add value to TÜRSAB as an international organisation, and likewise, TÜRSAB will make significant contributions to WTTC with its experience and knowledge of more than half a century. With the mutual synergy of WTTC and TÜRSAB, world tourism will greatly benefit.” 

This alliance is expected to foster policy discussion, sustainability initiatives, innovation, and economic growth within the sector, benefiting Turkish tourism on the world stage.