'Green Road Project' to boost highland tourism in Black Sea region

The tourism potential of the Black Sea region is expected to increase with the "Yeşil Yol Projesi" (Green Road Project) between the cities of Samsun and Artvin. In his statement to the Anadolu Agency (AA), Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Suat Hacısalihoğlu said tourism is one of the key industrial sectors which develops the region, increases employment and the flow of money.

Pointing to the project's possible positive impacts on regional tourism, Hacısalihoğlu said, "Mountain and highland tourism will receive a boost thanks to the upcoming project. The development agencies will be given more funds to construct accommodation facilities on the green road route. Visitors can then enjoy holidays at timeshare properties." He also emphasized cultural tourism in the Black Sea region. "The ministries should kick off the necessary initiatives to reveal the historical heritage across the region.

Excavations should start at Giresun Island, Taşköprü, and Trabzon's Ortahisar Suriçi neighborhood," Hacısalihoğlu said. Necessary infrastructure should be completed at ports to promote cruise tourism. "All Black Sea provinces are in agreement to have cruise ports. The necessary research should be conducted soon," he continued. Presently, the roads to highland are being coated with asphalt. Within the scope of the project, highland tourism will develop in Samsun, Ordu, Giresun, Trabzon, Rize and Artvin.