The 2025-2030 Konya Tourism Master Plan Workshop and Search Conference, organized to more effectively utilize Konya's tourism potential and shape the region's tourism vision, was held in the Kubadabad Ballroom of the Selçuklu Congress Center.

The event, organized as part of the "Konya Tourism Master Plan" studies to be prepared by our university, was attended by Konya Governor İbrahim Akın, Konya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay, and university representatives Prof. Dr. Volkan Altıntaş, Prof. Dr. Saniye Gül Güneş, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Halil Burak Sakal, Lecturer Sinan Baran Bayar, and Res. Asst. Fatma Tüzzehra Albayrak, as well as representatives of public institutions and organizations and civil society organizations. As part of the workshop and search conference, table discussions were held on various topics to strengthen Konya's tourism potential and increase the region's appeal.

The conference and workshop, hosted by the Konya Metropolitan Municipality to demonstrate Konya's tourism potential and develop a sustainable tourism strategy, focused on: Academics, industry representatives, and stakeholders came together to present comprehensive assessments aimed at shaping the city's future in tourism.

The event prioritized topics such as gastronomy, religious heritage and cultural diversity, tangible cultural heritage, adventure and sports activities, tourism education and local awareness, promotion and marketing, destination management organization (DMO), transportation, accommodation, intangible cultural heritage (SOKUM), and handicrafts. Participants analyzed the current situation in table sessions and offered various recommendations to more effectively utilize Konya's tourism potential.

In this context, Detailed panel discussions were held on the following topics: Gastronomy Tourism (promoting Konya's local cuisine, geographically indicated products, food and beverage destinations, and culinary culture); MICE and Events (exhibition infrastructure, congress tourism, and corporate partnerships); Accommodation, Transportation, and Travel (tour programs, guidance, accommodation diversity, and reservation systems); Ecotourism, Adventure, and Sports Tourism (natural areas, rural life, sustainable tourism practices, extreme sports, and nature-based experiences); Health Tourism (thermal tourism, spa & wellness services, elderly and disabled tourism, and medical services); Promotion, Marketing, and DYO (National Tourism Development Organization); Culture, Faith, and History Tourism; Digitalization and Smart Tourism; Tourism Education and Employment.

Furthermore, a SWOT Analysis was conducted to comprehensively assess Konya's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. At the end of the workshop, policy recommendations and action-oriented strategies were developed to contribute to the city's tourism vision.

The outcomes of the workshop, which aims to further advance the tourism potential of Konya, a city that has hosted numerous civilizations throughout history and stands out for its rich culinary culture, historical structures, and natural beauty, are expected to provide a significant roadmap for the city to achieve its rightful place in the tourism industry.

This event, a significant step forward for Konya's tourism future, has once again highlighted the need for collaborative efforts among regional stakeholders. The goal is to implement the identified strategies and ensure Konya progresses toward becoming a leading tourism destination.