2026 Vision from SKAL Izmir: "If Tourism Wins, Izmir Wins!"

Skal Izmir Club President Aydın Tokbaş shared the 2026 strategies prepared to increase Izmir's brand value in the global tourism market and find solutions to chronic problems. In 2026, the 60th anniversary of the association, exceeding the '2 million tourists' threshold was determined as the top priority for Izmir tourism. A Permanent Mark in the 60th Year: New Association Office President Tokbaş announced great news to the tourism community that, as of March 16, 2026, they had purchased a permanent office for the association in the Çankaya Business Center. It was emphasized that this step is a symbol of trust that reinforces the corporate strength and permanence of SKAL. Target: Overcoming the 2 Million Psychological Threshold Pointing out that Izmir has been stuck in the 1 million 800 thousand band for years, Tokbaş stated that they dream of breaking this threshold by the end of 2026 and reaching the level of 2.5-3 million tourists. It was stated that in order to reach this goal, they will not rely solely on the "sea, sand, sun" trio, but will focus on the following areas: - Faith Tourism: From the Seven Churches to synagogues, Izmir's "capital" potential in this area will be evaluated. - Health and Sports Tourism: Turkey's qualified physician power and price-performance advantage will be highlighted in global promotions. - 12-Month Tourism: Fairs and festivals (Herb Festival, Marble Fair, etc.) will be used as strategic levers so that tourism is not restricted only to the summer season. Building the Future with Youth: "Young SKAL" Protocols were signed with universities against the shortage of qualified personnel, which is the biggest wound of the sector. Thanks to the "Young SKAL" formation, students start to gain experience in facilities while they are still at school and adapt to the sector. Tokbaş underlined the importance of human resources by saying, "Unless you provide personnel-oriented quality service, you will only build huge buildings." Scientific Approach to Port and Gulf Problems Clear messages were also given on the issues of Alsancak Port and Gulf pollution, which are the showcases of Izmir: - Port: It was stated that the intertwining of cargo and passenger areas damages the visual image and that the port needs to be technologically and logistically revised. - Gulf: It is predicted that the odor and fish deaths experienced in the past damaged the city's image, but this season will be cleaner with the newly commissioned treatment phases and rainwater discharge works. Emphasis on Turkish Hospitality and a Safe Port Stating that Izmir is the calmest and safest port in the region despite regional tensions, Tokbaş said that in response to domestic tourists heading to neighboring islands, they will continue to remind them of the luxury comfort, natural heritage, and world-famous Turkish hospitality offered by our country. "If tourism wins, Izmir wins."