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Turkish officials are planning a tourism corridor that would link seven southeastern provinces through shared routes, marketing, and investment, aiming to draw more international visitors to a region rich in ancient history and renowned for its food.
The plan was discussed at a high-level preparatory meeting for a regional tourism development workshop in Gaziantep, which UNESCO has recognized for its gastronomy.
Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister Nadir Alpaslan chaired the meeting, which was organized by the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality and the governor’s office.
The corridor would connect Gaziantep with Kilis, Hatay, Osmaniye, Kahramanmaras, Adiyaman and Sanliurfa.
Participants discussed a joint promotional strategy, a shared inventory of historical and cultural attractions, common travel routes and coordinated investment planning.
Alpaslan said the region, which includes the Euphrates and Mesopotamian basins, could take a stronger place in world tourism thanks to its cultural heritage, scenery and cuisine.
He praised Gaziantep’s transformation from a city barely noticed in tourism to one of Türkiye’s standout destinations, citing its UNESCO gastronomy designation and "Visit Gaziantep," a technology-based tourism initiative.
"As long as we see each other not as rivals but as companions who will win together, we will keep growing this wealth together," Alpaslan said, echoing remarks by Gaziantep Metropolitan Mayor Fatma Sahin.
Sahin said technology is making travel easier for visitors.
"We have a system that lets people plan their own route on their phones using artificial intelligence, without needing any assistant," she said.
Gaziantep Governor Kemal Ceber said careful planning would be vital to the region’s tourism future.
"If the spirit of acting together is kept alive and this enthusiasm is put into practice, this regional power centered on Gaziantep holds enormous potential," he said.
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