Sustainability
- Ana Sayfa
- Sustainability
Sustainability
- Social Works
- Cultural Heritage of Izmir
- General Rules of Conduct
- Wildlife Interaction Policy
- Our Sustainability Activities
- Preservation of Culture in Izmir
- Sustainability Policy
- Captive Life Policy
- Accessibility Applications
- Rules of Conduct in Cultural Settings
- Policy for the Protection of Vulnerable Groups
- Natural Areas Visitor Guidelines
Izmir Cultural Heritage
Welcome to Izmir
Located in the heart of the Aegean, Izmir is one of Anatolia’s richest cultural heritage cities, with a history spanning thousands of years. With traces of ancient civilizations and a multilayered structure extending from the Ottoman period to the Republic era, Izmir offers visitors a captivating experience where history, art, and daily life intertwine.
Ephesus Ancient City
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ephesus was one of the most important port cities of the ancient world. With the Temple of Artemis, the Celsus Library, the Grand Theatre, and its marble-paved streets, Ephesus serves as an open-air museum reflecting the grandeur of the Roman era. At every step you can feel the breath of history; Ephesus is one of Izmir’s most iconic landmarks.
Bergama (Pergamon) Ancient City
Historically known as a center of medicine, culture, and art, Bergama is home to the Asklepion—considered one of the world’s first hospitals—the magnificent Acropolis, and one of the most advanced libraries of the Hellenistic period. UNESCO World Heritage Bergama offers visitors a unique journey through history with its rich cultural depth.
Smyrna Agora
Located within the boundaries of Konak, Smyrna Agora is an impressive Roman-era city square. Ongoing excavations reveal Izmir’s multilayered history, while the Agora offers a vivid window into ancient commercial and social life.
Kadifekale
Built in the 4th century BC by the generals of Alexander the Great, Kadifekale overlooks the Izmir Bay with its commanding position, offering both historical and natural beauty. With its remaining fortress walls and panoramic views, it is one of the most beloved stops for visitors.
Historic Kemeraltı Bazaar
One of the oldest and still-living open markets in the world, Kemeraltı reflects Izmir’s cultural fabric with its inns, baths, mosques, workshops, and colorful streets. Enjoying a coffee break at Kızlarağası Inn is an essential part of the experience.
Hisar Mosque
Dating back to the 17th century, Hisar Mosque is one of Izmir’s largest and most magnificent Ottoman structures. With its rich interior decorations and impressive architecture, it stands as a historical landmark in the heart of Kemeraltı.
The Historic Elevator & Dario Moreno Street
Built in 1907, the Historic Elevator connects the steep slopes of the Karataş district and offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Izmir. Dario Moreno Street, leading to the Elevator, complements the city’s cultural atmosphere with its colorful houses, cafés, and warm ambiance.
Agora Archaeological Site – Yeşilova and Yassıtepe Mounds
Illuminating Izmir’s earliest settlements, Yeşilova and Yassıtepe mounds extend the city’s history back 8,500 years to the Neolithic era. Their modern visitor centers offer both educational and exploratory experiences.
Izmir Archaeology and Ethnography Museums
Exhibiting thousands of artifacts uncovered from Izmir and surrounding regions, these museums showcase cultural richness from prehistory to the Ottoman era. Sculptures, mosaics, everyday objects, and more provide valuable insights for those who wish to closely explore the past.
Discover Izmir!
Izmir offers a new story at every corner, where history, culture, art, and daily life blend harmoniously. From ancient cities to Ottoman heritage, from museums to vibrant street culture, we invite you to explore the enchanting spirit of Izmir.
For more information:
• Izmir Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism: www.izmirktb.gov.tr
• Kentimiz Izmir Association: www.kentimizizmir.org.tr
• Visit Izmir website: www.visitizmir.org
General Code of Conduct
MOSQUES
In Türkiye, non-Muslims are permitted to enter mosques. It is important to avoid visiting during prayer times and on Fridays, the holiest day in Islam. Shoes must be removed before entering, and certain clothing rules must be followed. For example, women should cover their head, shoulders, and legs during a mosque visit. Men should cover their shoulders and legs and are advised to wear long trousers.
BUSES AND TRAMS
Buses and trams are public transportation vehicles used to travel from one point to another for a fare. Transportation cards can be purchased for boarding public buses and trams. Boarding is through the front door, and exiting is through the rear door.
FILMING AND PHOTOGRAPHY
You may generally take photographs anywhere. However, if a person does not wish to be photographed, this preference must be respected. Filming and photography are prohibited in police and military facilities.
MUSEUMS AND OPENING HOURS
Museums across Türkiye are closed on Mondays. They are generally open between 09:00–17:00. Some museums may close between 12:00–13:30 for a lunch break. Open-air archaeological sites can be visited from 09:00 until sunset.
ANTIQUES
The export of all types of antiques is prohibited and strictly enforced. Removing illegal antiquities—including even small glass fragments—is severely punished. The export of antiquities, old coins, fossils (including seashells), natural stones, and other cultural assets is illegal. Violation of this rule may result in imprisonment and fines. Penalties apply to all cultural assets and, more broadly, all historical objects discovered.
Thank you for your sensitivity toward historical artifacts and museums. Visiting the museums and historical sites in Izmir contributes to the preservation of cultural values.
For any emergency that may occur outside the hotel, you may contact our hotel or call Emergency Service 112.
Wildlife Interaction Policy
Wildlife Protection and Respect
• Best Western Izmir is committed to protecting the natural wildlife located within and around the facility and treating all living species with respect. Wildlife and plant species found in the surrounding area are protected and must not be disturbed in any way.
Wildlife Observation and Photography
• Visitors should remain on designated trails and recommended areas when observing or photographing wildlife in natural habitats.
• Visitors must stay quiet when approaching wildlife and observe animals from a distance to avoid disturbing them.
• Flash photography should be limited, especially at night or during breeding seasons, as it may disturb wildlife.
Interference with Wildlife
• Visitors must avoid any behavior that may disturb wildlife and must not interfere with animals in ways that could alter their natural behavior.
• Feeding wildlife or attempting to make physical contact with animals is strictly prohibited.
Waste Management
• Visitors should properly collect and dispose of their waste in designated areas.
• Leaving waste in natural areas may harm the environment and attract wildlife unnaturally.
• Raising awareness about recycling and waste reduction is also important.
Feeding and Hunting Prohibitions
• Visitors must not feed or hunt wildlife.
• Giving human food to wild animals or engaging in hunting can disrupt their natural behaviors and negatively affect their health.
Approach and Observation Rules
• Visitors should remain quiet when approaching wildlife and observe without disrupting natural behaviors.
• Safe distance guidelines must be followed when approaching animals.
• Care must be taken to avoid damaging vegetation and other natural elements during observation.
Emergencies and Injuries
• Any emergency situation related to wildlife must be reported to facility staff or natural area managers.
• Injured wildlife should be reported immediately to facility personnel.
Education and Awareness
• Best Western Izmir will organize training and awareness programs to encourage visitors to behave more responsibly when interacting with wildlife.
• These programs may include topics such as nature conservation, respectful behavior principles toward wildlife, and environmental protection.
Permits and Access Control
• Visitors should be informed that access to certain special or sensitive areas may require permission or must be conducted with a guide.
• This practice helps protect natural areas and enhance overall visitor experience.
Our Sustainability Activities
What Are We Doing?
We develop alternative solutions to ensure environmental and social protection within our hotel, and we conduct all our operations in line with sustainability principles.
We carry out social responsibility activities aimed at improving the health and well-being of the community.
We implement practices to prevent excessive water and energy consumption in our hotel, and we strive to keep waste generation at a minimum level.
We safeguard the rights of our employees and prioritize their personal and professional development.
We invite you, our valuable guests, to join us in the activities we carry out to protect the environment and promote an inclusive policy that leaves no one behind, contributing to a more sustainable world.
What Can You Do?
Choose our green room program. By opting out of daily housekeeping service, you can prevent 0.5 kg of CO₂ from being released into the atmosphere.
Make sure the faucets are turned off when not in use.
Avoid disposing of hygiene products and wet wipes into the toilet.
Reduce waste by consuming only as much food as you can eat.
Save energy by turning off unused lights and making use of natural daylight.
Ensure that the heating/air conditioning and TV are turned off when leaving your room.
Unplug devices that are not in use.
Avoid requesting unnecessary changes of sheets and towels during your stay.
Use refillable items such as thermoses and reusable bottles instead of plastic bottles.
Prefer local producers for your shopping.
Separate your waste and recyclables.
Make sure you leave no waste behind after leaving your room.
Protection of Izmir’s Culture
Best Western Izmir – Protection of Culture
Best Western Izmir conducts various initiatives to contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage. The hotel adopts an active approach to learning about and respecting local culture; by participating in local cultural events and festivals, it supports the continuation of regional heritage. Additionally, by offering local cultural products and services, the hotel contributes to the protection and promotion of cultural heritage.
The hotel collaborates with various organizations that work to preserve cultural heritage. Among these organizations is the Adana Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism. The hotel develops projects with these institutions aimed at ensuring the sustainable preservation of cultural heritage.
Best Western Izmir believes in the importance of protecting cultural heritage and assumes responsibility in this regard. By cooperating with organizations dedicated to heritage conservation and by respecting local culture, the hotel supports the transmission of cultural values to future generations.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage
Cultural heritage consists of the tangible and intangible assets that reflect a society’s past, identity, and values. Transmitting the cultural richness of societies to future generations is of great importance. Preserving cultural heritage is critical to maintaining a community’s identity and continued existence.
Various efforts are carried out to ensure the preservation of cultural heritage. These efforts include documentation, protection, promotion, and educational activities. Government institutions, non-governmental organizations, and individuals work together to safeguard cultural heritage.
The preservation of cultural heritage is everyone’s responsibility. Therefore, learning about cultural heritage, showing respect for it, participating in conservation efforts, and supporting these initiatives are important steps.
Best Western Izmir continues its efforts to support the preservation of cultural heritage. The hotel believes in the importance of cultural heritage conservation, assumes responsibility in this matter, and supports the continuation of local culture by collaborating with relevant organizations.
Sustainability Policy
Best Western Izmir Sustainability Policy
As Best Western Izmir, with our Sustainability Policy formed within the framework of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, we acknowledge our responsibilities toward our planet and all humanity and commit to fulfilling these responsibilities.
▪ Strengthening the resilience of those in poverty or vulnerable situations, supporting them against extreme climate events and other economic, social, and environmental shocks, providing social assistance to disaster victims, ensuring equal employment opportunities, and reducing vulnerabilities.
▪ Providing employment and internship opportunities to employees from different cities across Türkiye and various countries around the world through our strong corporate culture.
▪ Conducting hygiene inspections throughout all processes—from procurement to service—to ensure food safety and implementing initiatives to reduce waste.
▪ Contributing to the protection of ecosystems, selecting plants that are resilient to climate-related events such as drought and floods, and prioritizing afforestation efforts.
▪ Protecting endemic, local, and endangered flora and fauna; ensuring their care and monitoring to support healthy development in their natural habitats.
▪ Prioritizing occupational safety and quality throughout our service processes to deliver reliable service.
▪ Organizing training programs led by professional experts to support employee motivation and mental well-being.
▪ Providing emergency medical support for guests and employees through our on-site health unit equipped with essential medical tools.
▪ Protecting employee health and safety, supporting professional and technical training processes, and investing in their development.
▪ Supporting the full and effective participation of women at all levels of management and offering equal leadership opportunities.
▪ Avoiding all forms of discrimination based on language, religion, race, gender, social class, age, or union membership; adopting the protection of human rights as a core value and expecting the same sensitivity from stakeholders.
▪ Ensuring the availability of safe drinking water for all, supporting fair access, and prioritizing the needs of the local community.
▪ Regulating garden irrigation hours to ensure efficient water use, upgrading equipment according to technological developments, and conducting regular maintenance of plumbing systems.
▪ Ensuring that wastewater is discharged directly into the sewer system.
▪ Selecting energy suppliers based on renewable energy usage to support clean energy.
▪ Updating our systems by following technological advancements, including hybrid systems.
▪ Implementing an equal pay for equal work policy for all employees regardless of gender.
▪ Prohibiting child labor at all levels of our operations and expecting the same commitment from stakeholders.
▪ Monitoring emissions and conducting necessary improvements in line with our goal to reduce our carbon footprint.
▪ Informing guests about nearby public transportation options.
▪ Providing information to all stakeholders regarding the protection and promotion of cultural and natural world heritage.
▪ Prohibiting the purchase or sale of historical and archaeological artifacts outside local or international legal frameworks and acting with great sensitivity within the facility.
▪ Ensuring the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources and preventing food waste by producing based on demand.
▪ Managing chemicals and all waste in an environmentally responsible manner throughout their life cycle; minimizing harmful impacts on human health and the environment by storing waste properly and sending it to licensed facilities.
▪ Conducting regular environmental drills to increase resilience against climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
▪ Supporting the local economy by selecting suppliers and raw materials from the region and prioritizing environmentally friendly purchasing that reduces energy, water, and waste for sustainable tourism.
▪ Avoiding hunting, consuming, exhibiting, or selling wildlife and wildlife products; maintaining this sensitivity within the facility and souvenir points.
▪ Promoting endemic plant species found in our facilities and ensuring their care to protect terrestrial ecosystems.
▪ Supporting sustainable forest management by using eco-labeled paper products.
▪ Ensuring that our security team works in cooperation with local authorities to reduce all forms of violence.
▪ Prioritizing children’s freedom, safety, and protection from exploitation; organizing training for employees and cooperating with local authorities and NGOs to combat child abuse and maltreatment.
▪ Recognizing that any verbal or physical behavior implying sexuality toward children violates children’s rights and taking measures to prevent such actions.
▪ Evaluating partnership opportunities in science and technology through events such as fairs and organizational collaborations.
▪ Representing our country and destination through domestic and international promotional activities and supporting ecotourism.
▪ Providing accurate and transparent information in promotional materials and marketing communication—including sustainability claims—and not promising any service that cannot be genuinely delivered.
Captive Wildlife Policy
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to manage captive wildlife practices at Best Western Izmir and ensure the highest standards for both animals and visitors.
Scope
This policy applies to all wildlife species within the facilities of Best Western Izmir.
Responsibilities
• All employees are responsible for carrying out captive wildlife practices in accordance with this policy.
• All visitors hold responsibility for acting in accordance with this policy when observing wildlife.
Guidelines
• Best Western Izmir will only house wildlife that has been legally captured or secured.
• Wildlife facilities will be designed to meet the habitat, nutrition, and social needs of the animals.
• Regular veterinary care will be provided to ensure animals remain healthy and well.
• Visitors will be encouraged to observe wildlife respectfully and responsibly.
Training
Best Western Izmir will provide training for employees and visitors regarding captive wildlife practices.
Supervision
Best Western Izmir will regularly monitor employees and visitors to ensure that captive wildlife practices comply with this policy.
Evaluation
Best Western Izmir will periodically evaluate the effectiveness of this policy.
Conclusion
By adhering to this policy, Best Western Izmir aims to manage captive wildlife practices responsibly and ensure the highest standards for both animals and visitors.
Best Western Izmir carries out the following efforts to strengthen shelter and feeding opportunities for the animals living in its surroundings:
• Grazing areas: The hotel creates suitable areas for animals in the vicinity to graze naturally. These areas are designed to be supported with grass, water, and various plants.
• Water wells: Water wells are constructed to provide animals with access to clean and healthy water.
• Nesting boxes: Nesting boxes are installed for local bird species, enabling them to nest and reproduce safely.
• Feeding stations: Feeding stations are established to ensure animals can receive food regularly; these stations provide both food and water.
• Wildlife education programs: Visitors are offered informative programs on the importance and protection of wildlife.
Best Western Izmir aims to protect the living environments of the animals in its surroundings and provide them with a safe habitat through these efforts.
Accessibility Practices
Notification of Non-Available Features
Best Western Izmir Hotel is committed to implementing all necessary accessibility arrangements to ensure that every guest enjoys a comfortable and safe accommodation experience. Below are the accessibility features currently available in our hotel, as well as those not yet available but planned for development.
Available Accessibility Features
Physical Access
• A wheelchair-accessible ramp is available at the hotel entrance.
• An elevator provides access to all floors.
• The elevator includes Braille (embossed) floor buttons.
• The reception area is suitable for wheelchair user access.
Restrooms and Common Areas
• An accessible restroom is available on the lobby floor.
• Passage widths in common areas meet accessibility requirements.
Staff Support
• Staff members provide assistance and escort services based on guest needs.
• Help is provided for the use of wheelchairs or mobility support equipment.
Rooms
• Our hotel includes a fully accessible room with special equipment.
• Room 104 is equipped with a wide door, grab bars in the bathroom, a shower seat, an adjusted-height clothes hanger, an emergency button and cord, and a tilted mirror.
Hearing-Impaired Accessibility
• Rooms are equipped with a visual fire alarm system.
Non-Available and Planned Features
Development Plan: Improvements in the following areas are targeted within the 2025–2026 renovation period.
Visual Impairment Accessibility
• Although Braille buttons are available in elevators, audible floor announcements are not yet provided.
• Directional tactile pathways are not yet available in common areas.
Website and Digital Accessibility
• The hotel’s website currently does not meet WCAG accessibility standards.
• Accessibility criteria will be implemented during the website redesign process.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Best Western Izmir Hotel continuously improves its accessibility practices in line with national legislation and international sustainable tourism standards. Guest feedback regarding missing features is recorded and regularly evaluated during management meetings, after which necessary improvements are integrated into planning processes.
Code of Conduct in Cultural Areas
Izmir is a city rich in cultural and natural heritage. To ensure the preservation of this heritage and its transmission to future generations, visitors must pay attention to certain guidelines.
Code of Conduct in Cultural Areas
• Remain quiet in museums and historical buildings and avoid disturbing other visitors.
• Do not violate the privacy of other visitors when taking photos or videos.
• Do not touch objects or artifacts marked as prohibited from touching.
• Do not smoke or eat inside museums or historical structures.
• Do not leave trash in museums or historical areas.
Code of Conduct in Natural Areas
• Help protect natural areas.
• Do not harm plants or animals.
• Dispose of your waste in designated bins.
• Do not start fires.
• Keep quiet and avoid disturbing other visitors.
Detailed Explanation of the Rules
Code of Conduct in Cultural Areas
Maintain silence in museums and historical buildings and avoid disturbing others. Preserving quiet spaces helps ensure a high-quality experience for all visitors.
When taking photos or videos, do not violate the privacy of other visitors. It is appropriate to ask for permission before photographing people's faces.
Do not touch objects that are marked as forbidden. Such artifacts are often fragile, and touching them may cause damage or lead to their deterioration.
Do not smoke or eat in museums and historical sites. These rules are in place to protect artifacts and ensure visitor comfort.
Do not leave trash behind. Trash causes visual pollution and may damage historical structures. All waste must be disposed of in appropriate bins.
Code of Conduct in Natural Areas
Support the protection of natural areas. These environments are the natural habitats of plants and animals and must be preserved.
Do not harm plants or animals. Protecting natural balance requires avoiding any action that may harm living organisms.
Dispose of your waste in proper bins. Littering causes environmental pollution and harms the ecosystem.
Do not start fires. Lighting fires in natural areas poses a significant risk of wildfires.
Remain quiet and avoid disturbing others. Natural areas are ideal for rest and connecting with nature. Maintaining silence respects the experience of all visitors.
Following these rules will help protect the cultural and natural heritage of the city of Izmir.
Protection Policy for Vulnerable Groups
Best Western Izmir is committed to protecting vulnerable groups. This policy outlines the hotel's commitment to preventing discrimination, ensuring respectful treatment, and providing a safe environment for individuals who may be more susceptible to harm.
Vulnerable groups include elderly individuals, children, persons with disabilities, women, ethnic minorities, and other disadvantaged groups who may be more vulnerable to discrimination and violence. Best Western Izmir will fulfill its commitment to protecting these groups as follows:
• Ensure the rights and safety of vulnerable groups.
• Prevent discrimination and violence against vulnerable groups.
• Provide support and assistance to vulnerable groups.
Objectives
• Improve the quality of life of vulnerable groups.
• Increase their social and economic participation.
• Ensure their protection from violence and discrimination.
Principles
• Justice
• Equality
• Human rights
Action Plan
• Take necessary measures to protect the rights and safety of vulnerable groups.
• Implement initiatives to prevent discrimination and violence.
• Provide mechanisms for support and assistance.
Evaluation
Best Western Izmir will regularly review its practices related to the protection of vulnerable groups and will continuously improve its procedures.
Best Western Izmir is committed to implementing this policy and actively working to protect vulnerable groups.
Commitment to Prevent Child Labour
Best Western Izmir commits to prohibiting child labor and adopts the following principles:
• No individual under the age of 18 will be hired or employed.
• The legal working age of all employees will be verified.
• It is recognized that child labor is illegal and harmful.
• If child labor is identified, necessary legal procedures will be initiated.
• Training and awareness activities will be conducted to raise awareness regarding this issue.
Best Western Izmir aims to fully comply with its commitment to not employing child workers.
Definition of Abuse and Harassment
Abuse is the misuse of one person by another for personal gain. Harassment includes physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual aggressive behaviors. Physical abuse includes harmful actions such as hitting, pushing, or kicking. Emotional abuse includes humiliation, threats, control, or intimidation. Sexual abuse refers to forcing someone into sexual acts without consent. Financial abuse involves controlling someone’s money, taking it away, or denying access to financial resources.
Abuse and harassment can affect individuals of any age or social background and may lead to serious physical and psychological consequences. Victims may experience depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Abuse and harassment are crimes; victims may seek support from the police, prosecutors, or relevant support organizations.
Best Western Izmir Harassment Complaint Mechanism
Best Western Izmir is committed to protecting all employees from harassment. Harassment is any behavior that damages a person's dignity or harms them physically or emotionally. This includes physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual harassment.
The hotel provides a confidential and respectful mechanism for handling harassment complaints:
• Employees may report complaints to the Human Resources department or any manager.
• Complaints may be submitted verbally or in writing.
• The hotel will evaluate the complaint promptly and take necessary actions.
• Complaints will be handled fairly, objectively, and confidentially in accordance with ethical rules and policies.
• The identity of the complainant will not be shared with third parties.
Measures to prevent harassment:
• Communication of ethics rules and policies to all employees,
• Regular training on abuse and harassment,
• Providing secure channels for employees to report concerns.
Efforts to Protect the Local Community
Best Western Izmir aims to protect not only its employees but also the local community from harassment and abuse. In this context:
• Training related to harassment and abuse is provided to employees,
• Awareness activities are conducted within the hotel,
• Secure complaint mechanisms are established,
• Cases are investigated quickly and effectively,
• Necessary support is provided to victims.
Best Western Izmir aims to create a safe environment for both employees and the local community through these efforts.
Guidelines for Visiting Natural Areas
Purpose
The purpose of this guideline is to ensure that Best Western Izmir employees and visitors behave in a way that does not harm the environment during visits to natural areas.
Scope
This guideline applies to all Best Western Izmir employees and visitors.
Responsible Parties
The implementation of this guideline is under the responsibility of the Hotel Manager and the Environmental Officer.
Guidelines
1. Visitor Information
• Introduction to Natural Areas: Visitors must be informed about the natural areas surrounding Best Western Izmir. This introduction should include general information about the ecological importance of the area, the species it hosts, and its conservation requirements.
• Visitor Center: A visitor center or information point should be established where guests can learn more about natural areas. This center may include interactive screens, brochures, and information sessions provided by experts.
2. Visiting Hours and Rules
• Visiting Hours: Visiting hours should be determined and communicated to visitors. Restricting access to sensitive areas during specific times supports conservation efforts.
• Visiting Rules: A detailed list of rules must be provided to visitors. These rules include maintaining silence, walking on designated paths, avoiding disturbance of wildlife, and not collecting plants.
3. Safety Tips
• Hiking and Nature Walks: Visitors must be informed about safety considerations during hikes. They should avoid leaving marked trails, stay away from dangerous areas, and be cautious of terrain conditions.
• Weather Conditions: Visitors should be warned that weather conditions may change quickly and be advised to prepare for temperature fluctuations or sudden rainfall.
4. Protection of Natural Life
• Plants and Animals: Visitors should be reminded to observe natural life without harming plants or animals. Collecting wild plants or feeding animals is prohibited.
• Waste Management: Visitors should be reminded to collect their waste and dispose of it properly. Awareness on recycling and composting may also be provided.
5. Emergency Instructions
• Emergency Plan: Visitors should be informed that an emergency plan is available and how to access it. This plan includes steps to take in case of getting lost, first aid procedures for injuries, and emergency contact methods.
• Contact Information: Visitors must be provided with necessary contact information to reach facility staff or authorities in case of an emergency.
6. Other Recommendations
• Protection of Natural and Cultural Heritage: Visitors should be informed about the importance of preserving historical structures and archaeological sites.
• Permits and Guidance: Visitors should be informed that access to some sensitive areas may require permission or must be carried out with a guide.
Risks That May Occur During Visits to Natural Areas
• Environmental Risks: Natural areas are sensitive ecosystems and may be damaged by visitors. Risks include leaving waste, starting fires, harming plants and animals, and unauthorized photography or filming.
• Health Risks: Natural areas may pose health risks such as heat stroke, insect bites, snake bites, or mushroom poisoning.
• Safety Risks: Potential risks include getting lost, falling, injuries, or drowning in water sources.

Social Activities
Sustainable development is a holistic concept with social, ecological, economic, spatial, and cultural dimensions. As Best Western Izmir, we are aware of our responsibilities regarding sustainable tourism and development, and we act with determination in this direction. While aiming to leave a better world for future generations, our corporate vision, mission, culture, values, and ethical principles guide all our practices.
• We select our product and service suppliers from local companies.
• We prefer to use regional products.
• We do not dispose of bakery waste produced in our hotels; instead, we provide it to local residents for use as animal feed.
• We offer internship opportunities to tourism students to help them gain work experience.
• We support our employees through training programs and career management practices.
• We aim to promote employees from within and grow together by developing our own team members whenever possible.
• We support practices that increase the rate of local accommodation and encourage visitors to engage with local producers and service providers, thereby strengthening tourism’s contribution to the host destination.
• We support professional development without discrimination based on race, gender, disability, or similar factors; by improving wages and service quality, we increase both the quantity and quality of tourism-based local employment.
• We contribute to the fair distribution of economic and social benefits derived from tourism across broader communities and focus on improving opportunities for economically and socially disadvantaged groups.
• We aim to provide all visitors—regardless of race, gender, disability status, age, or any other distinction—with a safe, satisfying, sustainable, and innovative experience, and we promote the concept of the “responsible tourist.”
• We encourage local authorities to consult all tourism stakeholders during planning, management, and implementation processes; by involving local residents, communities, and NGOs, we help strengthen regional tourism development.
• In 2023, we provided trucks, construction machinery, food, and hygiene support to earthquake-affected regions for citizens impacted by the disaster.