Ali Tutuk: Tourists come to taste our geographical products.

14.03.2025 13:12

The Chairman of the Services Sector Board, Ali Tutuk, was a guest of Melis Yaşar on Haberler.com. Speaking within the framework of the report "Gastronomy in the New Century: Change and Transformation in the Food and Beverage Sector," Tutuk evaluated the developments in the dining and drinking sector and highlighted Turkey's position in gastronomic tourism.

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Ali Tutuk spoke with Melis Yaşar at Haberler.com about the changes in the food and beverage sector. Tutuk stated that Turkey has reached an important point in gastronomic tourism, expressing that tourists' interest in local flavors has greatly contributed to the sector.

"THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE SECTOR HAS THE LARGEST SHARE IN THE SERVICE SECTOR"

Ali Tutuk noted that the largest market share in the service sector belongs to the food and beverage sector. He mentioned that nearly 100,000 businesses operate in Turkey and that these businesses provide employment for approximately 1 million people.

THE IMPORTANCE OF GASTRONOMIC TOURISM AND LOCAL FLAVORS

Ali Tutuk stated that gastronomic tourism presents a great opportunity for Turkey, highlighting the role of geographically marked products in this field. He expressed that tourists now prefer Turkey not only to see historical and natural beauties but also to experience local culinary culture, and that this interest has become an important source of income for regional businesses. Tutuk emphasized that the digitalization in the food and beverage sector provides small businesses the opportunity to reach large markets, stating that restaurants and cafes can effectively use social media platforms to reach both local and foreign customers. He pointed out that adapting to changing consumer habits, especially in the post-pandemic period, is vital for the sector, and he expressed that the government's incentives for the sector are critical for sustainable growth.

"TOURISTS COME TO DISCOVER OUR GEOGRAPHICAL PRODUCTS"

Emphasizing the importance of gastronomic tourism, Tutuk stated that the interest of tourists coming to Turkey in geographical products is increasing. He expressed that this situation greatly contributes to the country's gastronomic tourism.

"DIGITALIZATION AND SOCIAL MEDIA ARE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES"

Stating that the sector has undergone significant transformation after the pandemic, Tutuk noted that restaurants had to keep up with digitalization. He expressed that small businesses can promote themselves not only in their local areas but also worldwide thanks to social media.