New Steps for Tourism Cooperation Between Muğla and China

04 Jul New Steps for Tourism Cooperation Between Muğla and China

Muğla Metropolitan Municipality has taken significant steps in Fethiye to enhance the city’s tourism potential and improve the travel experience of visitors from the People’s Republic of China. During the meetings, the expectations and needs of Chinese tourists were discussed, and mutual suggestions and cooperation opportunities were evaluated. The exchange was seen as a valuable effort to increase Muğla’s visibility in international tourism and to develop more inclusive strategies for the Chinese tourism market.

The meeting, hosted by the Fethiye Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was attended by Necati Gümüş, Head of the Tourism Department at Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, as well as Zhang Li, Police Attaché, Ye Yifan, Counsellor, and Dang Guanglong, Attaché, representing the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Ankara.

During the meeting, the Embassy delegation and local stakeholders discussed opportunities for mutual cooperation with the aim of strengthening tourism relations between the two countries.

Language and Wayfinding Suggestions for Chinese Tourists

During the meeting, Chinese officials highlighted the importance of providing Chinese-language informational and directional signage at key tourist sites and public areas across the city. Emphasis was placed on the need for Chinese-speaking staff at travel agencies and accommodation facilities, while it was also noted that offering language training to existing personnel would be an effective step toward improving visitor experience.

It was noted that, in order to ensure safe travel for Chinese tourists, a list of licensed and certified travel agencies and hotels should be shared with the Chinese side. The delegation also emphasized that social media usage is extremely widespread in China; therefore, promoting Muğla on digital platforms would be highly effective. They added that Chinese-language translation support could be provided for this purpose if needed.

Strengthening the Bond Between the People of China and Muğla

Speaking at the meeting, Zhang Li, Police Attaché of the People’s Republic of China, noted that the growing relations between Türkiye and China have had a positive impact on tourism. Highlighting Muğla’s key role in this process, Zhang emphasized that one in every four Chinese tourists visiting Türkiye chooses Fethiye as their destination. Referring to the sister city agreements between Leshan and Muğla, and Huzhou and Fethiye, he stated that such partnerships contribute significantly to strengthening people-to-people ties.

Mayor Aras: “Tourism Is Not Just Economy, It Is Cultural Convergence”

 President of the Coastal Aegean Municipalities Union and Mayor of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, Ahmet Aras, emphasized that the ongoing engagements contribute not only to tourism but also to the strengthening of cultural and diplomatic ties. In his remarks, Mayor Aras stated:

“Thanks to the relationships we have developed with our Chinese friends, both mutual understanding and economic cooperation are being enhanced. Tourism is also a space where peoples get to know each other and grow closer. As Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, we act with this understanding and build bridges of international friendship.”