ANKARA, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Türkiye should push for a more sustainable tourism model as record visitor arrivals raise concerns about overcrowding and environmental strain, echoing problems faced by global destinations, industry leaders said.

Foreign arrivals surged 12 percent to over 58 million in 2024, providing a significant economic boost to Türkiye where tourism is a key source of revenue, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute.  Authorities are targeting 65 million international tourists in 2025.

Home to a diverse mix of natural beauty, historical landmarks and rich cultural heritage, Türkiye continues to draw strong interest in the post-pandemic travel rebound. But the sector's rapid growth is bringing new challenges.

Strains on infrastructure, environmental degradation and growing disconnection between tourists and local communities are prompting calls for a more sustainable model.

"Tourism can become too much of a good thing," said Ayse Demir, a manager at Izmir-based travel agency Anatolia Horizons. "We've seen this in places like Rome or Paris -- overcrowding, inflated rents and frustrated residents. We want to avoid that."

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism placed sustainability at the core of a five-year plan introduced in 2022. By late 2024, over 1,000 facilities had been certified under the National Sustainable Tourism Program, with a goal to bring all accommodation providers in line with international sustainability standards by 2030 through a phased rollout.

"Sustainability is key," said Kaan Sahinalp, Türkiye country manager for German travel group TUI. While companies implement green practices like solar energy and waste reduction, "comprehensive regulation is needed to safeguard both urban and rural destinations," Sahinalp added.

In Istanbul, the country's cultural and commercial hub, municipal authorities launched a pilot scheme in 2024 using geolocation data to better manage tourist flows near major landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar.

Antalya, the Mediterranean province that remains Türkiye's top tourism draw, hosted a record 17.3 million foreign visitors in 2024, with local officials projecting up to 20 million for 2025.

"Sustainable tourism is about balancing the environment, social inclusion and economic benefits," said Ercan Cek, vice president of the Professional Hotel Managers Association in Antalya, advocating support for both visitors and host communities.

Cek suggests a model of "growing by shrinking" -- prioritizing profitability and quality over volume, potentially operating with fewer rooms but higher standards.

Authorities are also expanding protected areas and promoting low-impact travel experiences to appeal to environmentally conscious tourists.

In Sahinalp's view, awareness is rising. "More of our clients are asking if their trips are supporting locals, if hotels use renewable energy, or if the sites they visit are overcrowded. That shift in mindset is our opportunity."  ■