London, UK: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is pleased to welcome the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB) as its newest Association Partner, marking a significant step in strengthening international collaboration across Travel & Tourism.
Based in Istanbul, TÜRSAB is one of the world’s most established and expansive professional tourism organisations, representing nearly 16,000 member travel agencies across Türkiye. Established by law in 1972, the Association has long played a leading role in shaping Türkiye’s tourism landscape and driving industry development through advocacy, professional training, and strategic representation.
Operating through 34 Regional Representative Boards and 15 Expert Committees that encompass all major segments of the tourism industry, TÜRSAB is dedicated to raising professional standards and enhancing global competitiveness.
Its core activities include protecting the rights of travel agencies, delivering industry-focused education programmes, and actively promoting the sector both nationally and internationally.
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.”
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 organization, it is very important for us to participate in an important international organisation such as the World Travel and Tourism Council.”
“We believe that WTTC will add value to TÜRSAB as an international organization, 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.”
The Association also plays a key role in international representation, ensuring Turkish tourism is effectively positioned on the global stage. Through this partnership with WTTC, TÜRSAB is poised to contribute to broader sector-wide discussions on policy, sustainability, innovation, and economic growth.
About the World Travel & Tourism Council
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector. Members include 200 CEOs, Chairs and Presidents of the world’s leading travel & tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries.
For more than 30 years, WTTC has been committed to maximising the inclusive and sustainable growth potential of the Travel & Tourism sector by partnering with governments, destinations, communities, and other stakeholders to drive economic development, create jobs, reduce poverty and foster peace, security, and understanding in our world.
About TÜRSAB
The Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), established by law in 1972, is a public professional organization representing all travel agencies in Türkiye. With nearly 16,000 members, TÜRSAB, the world’s largest tourism professional organization, continues to work for the development of tourism with 34 Regional Representative Boards operating throughout Türkiye, 15 Expert Committees representing all tourism segments, and experienced staff who are experts in their fields.
In addition to protecting the legal rights of its members, TÜRSAB is committed to raising the quality standards of tourism, organizing training for travel agency employees and conducting studies to increase the competitiveness of its members in international markets. TÜRSAB continues to successfully represent Turkish tourism worldwide through its contacts at the international level.
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