Step by step towards EIT 2025 Erzurum Tourism Capital

Preparations are ongoing in Erzurum, which has been declared the “2025 Tourism Capital” by the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). The events will kick off with the Winter Games in Palandöken in January.

ECO 2025 Erzurum Tourism Capital Coordinator Muharrem Çığlık stated that the programs will commence with the Winter Games from January 6-12, with approximately 350 athletes participating in 11 disciplines, marking a first for the 16 age group. The ‘ECO 2025 Erzurum Tourism Capital Informational Meeting’ regarding the ongoing works and preparations was attended by Erzurum Deputy Governor Mustafa Berk Çelik, ECO 2025 Erzurum Tourism Capital Coordinator Muharrem Çığlık, Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality Secretary General Zafer Aynalı, and Culture and Tourism Provincial Director Ahmet Yer.

Here is the calendar of events for ECO 2025 Erzurum
During the meeting, the events and programs to be held throughout the year within the framework of ECO 2025 Erzurum Tourism Capital were discussed. These include the Winter Games to be held in January, an international AFAD drill in February, the European Snowboard Cup in March, the opening ceremony on April 18 with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, members of the cabinet, ECO Tourism Ministers, and invited guests, as well as the Palandöken Economic Forum, Series Gala Award Ceremony, Career Fair, Solo Turkish Show, Memory Forest, Round Table Meeting, Summer Games, International Bicycle Tournament, Gastronomy Festival, and Winter Games for young people from Erzurum, among others.

“Winter Games will become traditional”
ECO 2025 Erzurum Tourism Capital Coordinator Muharrem Çığlık expressed that they have been meeting with many public institutions, non-governmental organizations, and media representatives throughout the process, stating, “We have been working on the program for 4-5 months. We went through an intensive planning phase, and since all the programs are at an international level, there are many details and a calendar. We will soon begin promotional and advertising efforts for Erzurum, declared the 2025 Tourism Capital. Programs have been finalized in Erzurum city center under 9 headings, and we also asked district governors and mayors about programs they can organize within this scope. Our first program in Erzurum will be the Winter Games from January 6-12. Erzurum had a good introduction to the world with winter sports in Palandöken, and in this sense, our government has made significant investments in the city. We will hold the Winter Games with the participation of approximately 350 athletes in 11 disciplines from January 6-12 to revitalize these investments and increase activities,” he said.

Economic Forum Meeting in Palandöken
Çığlık stated, “In February, an international AFAD drill will be held at the Konaklı Ski Center with the participation of Economic Cooperation countries and approximately 3,500 people. The European Snowboard Cup will be organized from March 1-3, and this organization will take place in Erzurum for three years. We will hold the official opening with the participation of our President Erdoğan on April 18. There will be parade walks and cannon salutes for each country, and solo Turkish shows will take place. In the meetings held here, the next tourism capital after us will be determined.”