Tourism Leaders Meet at Selçuk University

The Mevlana Development Agency (MEVKA), in collaboration with Selçuk University’s Continuing Education, Application, and Research Center, organized the Konya Tourism Workshop.

The program, held at the Selçuk University Museum Building, was attended by Derbent District Governor Bünyamin Miroğlu, Selçuk University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Haldun Soydal, Mevlana Development Agency Secretary-General Dr. İhsan Bostancı, Konya Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Yünden, representatives of public institutions and organizations, faculty deans, industry stakeholders, and numerous guests.

Mevlana Development Agency Secretary-General Dr. İhsan Bostancı stated, “As we all closely follow, tourism, often referred to as a ‘smokeless industry,’ has become an increasingly important sector due to its substantial contribution to national economies in terms of foreign currency inflows, its significant role in reducing trade deficits and unemployment, and many other reasons. Today, the tourism sector, which is at the heart of the development policies of many countries, continues to attract growing interest because of its contribution to employment and its ability to generate high levels of added value. This, in turn, intensifies competition in the field.”

Next, Selçuk University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Haldun Soydal took the stage and emphasized the significant role of tourism in economic development and generating foreign currency. He noted that Turkey’s cultural and natural riches have not been adequately utilized and highlighted the need for a shift in vision to increase the region’s tourism revenues to higher levels.