Gift Güral Gür, Member of the Board of Directors of the Service Exporters Association (HIB) and Chairman of the Tourism, Travel and Gastronomy Services Committee, stated that gastronomy has become not only an element that supports tourism for Turkey, but also an area of high value-added service exports.
Gür, whose views were included in the statement made by HİB, emphasized that not only the chefs but also the hotels gave a good test with their services during the summit.
Gür said, "Gastronomy is no longer just an element that supports tourism, but has turned into a high value-added service export area." He made a statement.
Stating that products representing different regions of Türkiye such as Trabzon butter, Hizan karakovan honey, Urla mastic artichoke, Tokat vine leaves, Erzincan tulum, Maraş ice cream and pistachios were served to world leaders during the NATO Summit, Gür stated that these preferences brought the cultural richness of Turkish cuisine to the international public and also revealed Türkiye's power in the field of gastrodiplomacy.
Stating that today, countries create an international perception not only with their political discourses, but also with their cultures, cuisines and lifestyles, Gift Güral Gür said:
"Diplomacy is no longer only practiced in meeting halls, countries' cuisines are also becoming the silent but effective language of international relations. Countries also tell the world about their culture and production power through their tables. Each plate served at the NATO Summit was not just a meal; it represented Anatolia's production power, geographical richness, cultural heritage and Turkish hospitality. Turkish cuisine showed once again that it is one of the most effective elements of Türkiye's soft power."
Gür stated that gastronomy is no longer just about restaurants and explained that the sector creates a wide economic ecosystem from tourism to accommodation, from event management to food and beverage services.
Stating that gastronomy has become one of the most important components of service exports today, Gür said, "A tourist does not just eat food; he also experiences the story of that food, the geography where it is produced, its culture and lifestyle. This experience affects destination preferences, extends visit times and brings higher added value to our country." made his assessment.
Gür said, "Gastronomy is becoming one of the most important areas that increase the added value in service exports, with this structure that increases visitor spending." he said.
"Türkiye is among the strongest countries in the world in the field of gastronomy"
Stating that Türkiye has the potential to be among the most powerful countries in the world in the field of gastronomy, Gür continued his words as follows:
"Our seven geographical regions, thousands of years of culinary heritage, hundreds of geographically indicated products, internationally successful chefs and strong tourism infrastructure provide us with a significant competitive advantage. Gastronomy has now become the common denominator of not only culinary culture, but also tourism, trade, agriculture and the country brand."
Stating that they see gastronomy as one of the strategic areas of service exports, Gür stated that they continue their activities to support international gastronomy festivals, branding gastronomy destinations, promoting geographically indicated products and making Turkish cuisine more visible on a global scale.
Gür said, "The tables set at the NATO Summit were a strong showcase that showed Türkiye's potential in gastronomy to the whole world. Our goal is to make Turkish cuisine one of the reference brands of world gastronomy and to contribute more to both tourism revenues and service exports." he said.
HİB Board Member and Tourism, Travel and Gastronomy Services Committee Chairman Gür concluded his words as follows:
"Today, Turkey is becoming one of the strongest destinations in the world not only with its sea, sun and history, but also with its culture, gastronomy, health, sports and sustainable tourism approach. Tourism is no longer a sector measured only by the number of visitors; it is a strategic power that reflects the country's brand value, service quality and international reputation. We believe that Türkiye will take its global competitiveness much further in the coming period with qualified tourists, high value-added services and a tourism approach that extends over 12 months."