Istanbul rolls out tourism ambassador initiative to enhance visitor experience
Representative Image
Volunteers who complete the 30-day programme will be recognised with participation certificates during a closing ceremony scheduled for September 5.
Istanbul has introduced a new tourism ambassador programme aimed at enriching visitor experiences across its Historic Peninsula, with 330 trained volunteers deployed to assist both domestic and international travellers during the peak summer season. Launched by the Fatih Municipality, the initiative positions young volunteers at some of the city's most visited heritage sites, where they will offer guidance, share historical insights and help visitors navigate the district until September 4.
The selected volunteers were chosen through written and oral assessments, comprises of 250 English-speaking ambassadors, while the remaining 80 are equipped to assist visitors in several other foreign languages.
Before beginning their assignments, participants underwent an intensive training programme led by historian Ahmet Anapalı, covering the history, architecture and cultural significance of landmarks across the Historic Peninsula.
The ambassadors have been stationed at eight prominent visitor locations, including Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet Square, Gülhane, Divanyolu, the Beyazıt-Süleymaniye district, Eminönü, Yedikule Fortress and Balat, where they will support tourists throughout the summer.
Volunteers who complete the 30-day programme will be recognised with participation certificates during a closing ceremony scheduled for September 5.
(Source - Hurriyet Daily News)
