Rize: An Untapped Sports Tourism Destination, According to Minister Bak
Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Osman Aşkın Bak highlighted the potential of Rize as a sports tourism destination, emphasizing the city’s transportation, accommodation, and sports facility investments. Minister Bak spoke at the “Rize Sports Tourism Workshop,” stressing the importance of sports tourism and its contributions to the country’s economy, especially in diversifying tourism activities.
Moreover, Minister Bak praised the inclusion of sports tourism as a strategic area in the 11th Development Plan, noting that collaborative efforts with stakeholders are being made to enhance Turkey’s attractiveness as a sports tourism destination.
Rize, with its natural beauty and geographical features, offers great potential for various sports activities, according to the Minister. The city’s long snow period, seaside, and mountains make it suitable for winter sports, water sports, and extreme sports. With investments in transportation, accommodation, and sports facilities, Rize is well-positioned to become a prominent destination for sports tourism.
Furthermore, Minister Bak highlighted Turkey’s achievements in hosting prestigious international sports events, reinforcing its reputation as a sports tourism country. He also invited stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, and the media, to participate actively in developing and promoting sports tourism in Rize. Minister Bak concluded by expressing his confidence in the future of sports tourism in Turkey and the country’s growing success in sports on the global stage.
