The First Phase of the Gümüşhane Tourism Master Plan Has Been Completed
The first phase of the Gümüşhane Tourism Master Plan, prepared by Cappadocia University, has been successfully completed with the conclusion of the workshop process. Organised to shape the future of tourism in Gümüşhane, the Tourism Master Plan Workshop brought together public officials and academic stakeholders. The workshop was held under the coordination of the Gümüşhane Governorship, in collaboration with the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism and Cappadocia University, with the participation of Governor Cevdet Atay.
In his opening remarks, Governor Cevdet Atay highlighted Gümüşhane’s significant tourism potential and stated that the outcomes of the workshop would serve as a roadmap for the province’s future tourism development. Mayor Vedat Soner Başer emphasised the importance of preparing a sustainable tourism master plan and stressed the need to implement the plan effectively through the cooperation of all stakeholders. Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Nihal Sürmeli pointed to the changing expectations of travellers, noting that Gümüşhane possesses the cultural and natural assets needed to meet these evolving demands.
Representing Cappadocia University, Prof. Dr. Bilgehan Gülcan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Halil Burak Sakal, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Bahar, and Research Assistant Fatıma Tüzzehra Albayrak contributed to the workshop with their academic expertise, sharing insights into current tourism trends and future planning strategies.
The workshop addressed a wide range of topics, including the preservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, the development of accommodation and transportation infrastructure, the promotion of rural and ecotourism opportunities, the diversification of gastronomy tourism, and the advancement of winter tourism, adventure tourism, and recreational activities. These discussions focused on identifying strategic actions to enhance Gümüşhane’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.
With the successful completion of the workshop phase—the first stage of the Gümüşhane Tourism Master Plan—the project will now move forward to its subsequent phases based on the findings and recommendations generated during the process. Guided by the academic expertise of Cappadocia University, the initiative aims to support the development of a sustainable and comprehensive tourism model for Gümüşhane.
