Mustafapaşa Village, located in Ürgüp—where the main campus of Cappadocia University is also situated—was declared one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on December 2, 2021.
Through the Best Tourism Villages Programme launched in May 2021, UNWTO has identified tourism villages around the world that adopt innovative approaches to tourism in rural areas and are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The programme aims to emphasize the power of tourism in promoting rural development and improving the well-being of local communities, and to encourage the reduction of opportunity inequalities faced by women, youth, and disadvantaged groups through tourism. It underlines that, by focusing on tourism, it is possible to transform villages’ natural environment, biological and cultural diversity, local values, and lifestyles—including local cuisine—into economic value while ensuring their preservation.
In order for Mustafapaşa to sustain its success in rural tourism, it is vital that all stakeholders are well informed about the meaning of the Best Tourism Village title and the concept of sustainable tourism; why this title was awarded to Mustafapaşa; the historical and cultural significance of Mustafapaşa; the importance of preserving natural and cultural assets; the opportunities and responsibilities that come with the title; and the role of the University in this process. In this context, the stakeholders of Mustafapaşa are defined as the residents of Mustafapaşa; investors and employees in Mustafapaşa (accommodation facilities, restaurants, factories, etc.); Mustafapaşa primary school students and teachers; tourist guides; tourism agencies and tour operators; Cappadocia University (CÜ) staff; CÜ students; and CÜ Montessori Kindergartens.
Within the scope of social contribution, KAM has launched the Mustafapaşa Best Tourism Village Awareness Development Project. As part of the project, it is planned to provide informational activities for Mustafapaşa stakeholders.
It is aimed that the informational meetings to be organized for Mustafapaşa stakeholders will be spread over two years and will address the concepts of sustainable tourism, the meaning of the Best Tourism Village title, and the historical and cultural significance of Mustafapaşa.
Mimar Ali Köse
