Mayor Seçer Meets with the EMITT 2026 Delegation
Deputy Chair of the Türkiye Belediyeler Birliği (TBB) and Mayor of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality, Vahap Seçer, came together with tourism sector representatives who participated in the 29th East Mediterranean International Tourism and Travel Exhibition (EMITT), held between February 5–7.
Sector representatives thanked President Seçer for his support toward promotional activities aimed at increasing Mersin’s visibility and expressed their satisfaction with the cooperation and coordination demonstrated throughout the fair. Emphasizing that significant efforts have been undertaken to promote Mersin, Seçer stated that, as Mersin Metropolitan Municipality, they will continue to act in collaboration with tourism stakeholders across the city.
The meeting was attended by Hamit İzol, Assembly President of the Mersin Ticaret ve Sanayi Odası (MTSO); Hakan Bayındır, Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Türkiye Seyahat Acentaları Birliği (TÜRSAB); Ahmet Atasoy, Dean of the Tourism Faculty at Mersin Üniversitesi; Dilek Dere, President of the TÜRSAB Çukurova Regional Representative Board; Ali Doğan, Vice President of the Çukurova Touristic Hoteliers and Operators Association (ÇUKTOB); Suat Delidere, General Manager of BN Hotel; Mehmet Şirin Öztop, owner of Rain Hotel; and Uzay Ünlüselek, owner of Ünlüselek Hotel.
President Seçer: “We Are All Working to Promote Mersin”
During the meeting, Mayor Seçer stated that participation in EMITT 2026 was a joint initiative carried out by Mersin Metropolitan Municipality together with the city’s tourism stakeholders. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors, he said:
“As a municipality and as sector representatives, we are all ultimately working to promote Mersin. I believe that our idea of bringing together all stakeholders operating in this field in Mersin has enabled us to achieve more rational and effective results.”
“We Use Globally Recognized Concepts in Promoting Mersin”
Vahap Seçer stated that he had received positive feedback indicating that the stand opened by the Cultural, Arts and Social Affairs Department of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality was highly appreciated by both participants and visitors.
“I have been informed that it was an extremely effective stand that attracted a large number of visitors. The presence of all stakeholders together makes that stand stronger and more prestigious. We already design these stands by taking your opinions into account. In shaping the concept we use, we draw on your ideas while also incorporating the latest technologies and concepts that are currently recognized worldwide. Of course, this requires budgeting, and we act with great determination in this regard. We work with the mindset of implementing the most effective application possible. I sincerely thank all of you for your efforts in promoting Mersin,” he said.
İzol: “Mersin Will Soon Reach the Position It Deserves”
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Hamit İzol, Assembly President of the Mersin Ticaret ve Sanayi Odası (MTSO), noted that tourism professionals continue to promote the city by participating in national and international fairs.
“As tourism professionals, by attending domestic and international fairs, we can demonstrate Mersin’s strength and promote our city. It is only a matter of time. If we gradually continue this effort together, Mersin will soon reach the position it deserves. Our common goal is to see Mersin advance to a better level. We sincerely believe in this and thank you for your support,” he said.
The visit concluded with the presentation of the “Best Teamwork” award plaque granted to Mersin Metropolitan Municipality in the destinations category by the EMITT administration to President Seçer by MTSO Assembly President Hamit İzol.
