Explore Küçükköy, Ayvalık This Summer!

It is already summer. We all want to relieve the tiredness, relax and get away from the crowd of the city. So, would you like to contribute to a sustainable future while also enjoying the beauties of the North Aegean this summer? Then, you have so many reasons to prefer Küçükköy!

Let us tell you more about our SENTRUM project and why you should visit Küçükköy.

What is the SENTRUM Project?

Enerjisa, Sabancı University and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) joined forces and launched the Center for Tourism Practices Based on Sustainable Energy (SENTRUM) project.

The SENTRUM project is a green destination model that encourages sustainable tourism. We launched the first SENTRUM project in Küçükköy, Ayvalık.

Why is this Küçükköy SENTRUM project important? Because we support green economic development and achieve green transformation thanks to our project. We are creating a sustainable future today with Küçükköy, one of the first examples of the green destination model in Turkey.

For further details on the SENTRUM project, click here!

How to Make the Tourism Industry Sustainable?

The tourism industry is one of the highest waste-generating industries nationwide and worldwide. Green Tourism looks for the answer to the question of how to make the tourism industry more sustainable.

So, how can we make the tourism industry more sustainable?

By reducing the consumption of fossil fuels via energy efficiency practices, by following sustainable tourism practices and by utilizing green energy! Adopting practices that protect the environment and prevent waste is critical for sustainable tourism. Our purpose is to minimize the environmental impacts of the tourism industry via green tourism practices.

One of the main requirements of sustainable tourism is to support local people and local development. Thus, it was our priority to contribute to the policies that encourage women's employment and generate social benefits via the practices that empower local people.

So, what are the main principles of green tourism?

The Principles of Green Tourism

Traditional tourism practices utilize resources inefficiently. However, green tourism, also referred to as sustainable tourism, is not just about utilizing renewable energy resources. The model protects the biological diversity and ecological balance of the destination and ensures the development of the local people.

Briefly, the green tourism model includes all green practices that protect the future of our world.

Green Tourism:
• Conserves natural and cultural heritage,
• Carries out sustainable tourism practices,
• Achieves energy efficiency practices,
• Increases recruitment for local people,
• Aims gender mainstreaming and empowering local people.

Simply put, green tourism tries to minimize the adverse impacts of the tourism industry while also contributing to the future of the world by tackling the climate crisis.

Why to Prefer Green Tourism in Brief?

• To contribute to a sustainable future via green tourism,
• To support you enjoy your holiday with peace of mind with a responsible journey that supports the local people,
• To protect the future of our country by protecting the environment and the cultural heritage.

Why Is Küçükköy Important?

As we have already explained above, we have created a "sustainable green destination model" in Küçükköy. This model aims to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Thus, the model covers social and economic impacts as well as the environmental impacts.

Küçükköy creates a repeatable and scalable green tourism model. The project sets an example that can be applied in various destinations. Küçükköy is a precious model for the future of tourism to be a sustainable one. Because in Küçükköy;

• We launched a model that utilizes renewable energy resources and saves energy. We applied innovative financing models related to energy efficient practices.
• We conducted energy surveys for the tourism-related businesses in the region.
• We encouraged environmentally friendly transportation systems.
• We developed strategies for green purchasing and supply chain management.
• We ensured transformation to energy-efficient equipment in tourism-related businesses. We supported 8 businesses in the region with energy-efficient lighting and white goods in line with their requirements.
• We had the goal to reduce gender inequality by increasing women's employment.
• We provided training on sustainability to young people.
• We invested TL 10 million in transforming Küçükköy to a green destination.

We, at Enerjisa, have adopted the purpose of 'giving back what we have got from these lands’ for more than 90 years. We consider it our duty to pass on the beauties of our country to future generations. This is why it is so important for us to make sustainability applicable in every industry and area. Thanks to the Küçükköy SENTRUM project, we have achieved significant success for a more sustainable tourism industry.

Why to Visit Küçükköy, Ayvalık This Summer?

• To contribute to tackling the climate crisis by supporting green tourism.
• To enjoy the beautiful beaches of Ayvalık, and rest your soul in the turquoise waters.
• To enjoy the unique nature of Küçükköy, as well as Stone Pine, Bergama and Kozak Plateau.
• To explore the Bosnian culture, taste its delicious flavors and discover the unique history of Ayvalık!
• To support local artists, and buy yourself a nice gift on the way home!
• To support practices that empower local people and to contribute to tourism practices that increase women's employment.
• To find out more about the cultural heritage and magnificent stone architectural elements of Küçükköy.
• To enjoy nature by following the hiking and cycling route of the SENTRUM.
• To observe the flamingos in the area!

In brief, you are cordially invited to Küçükköy to enjoy a holiday that protects the environment, prevents waste, and benefits from green energy, as well as fitting your budget! Enjoy exploring.