Projects
Finike Tourism Master Plan Preparation Project
🌍 Finike Tourism Master Plan Preparation Project Sustainable Tourism and Destination Management 📌 Project Introduction We are launching the "Finike Tourism Master Plan Preparation Project" with the aim of preserving and carrying Finike’s unique natural, historical, and agricultural heritage into the future, and transforming our district into a sustainable, high-quality tourism destination. Located in Antalya’s western corridor, Finike possesses a multi-dimensional alternative tourism potential, encompassing characteristic microclimatic features, rich biodiversity, pristine bays, natural wonders such as Gökbük Canyon, the ancient cities of Limyra and Arykanda, and the historical Lycian Way trekking routes. Through this project, our objective is to extend our district's existing day-trip and seasonal tourism activity to all 12 months of the year under a holistic planning approach, and to transform Finike from a mere "transit point" into a global attraction center in its own right. 🎯 Core Rationale and Vision of the Project The monocultural structure of the regional economy, which is predominantly based on citrus production, creates vulnerability to market fluctuations. Establishing a new model of regional development based on the symbiotic harmony of agriculture and tourism is the most strategic way to mitigate this vulnerability. Respecting Finike's international "Cittaslow" (Slow City) status and its delicate ecological balance, our project designs a "sustainable and niche destination management" model that strikes a balance between conservation and utilization against the homogenization caused by mass luxury tourism. It aims for a growth model that does not harm nature and culture, without exceeding physical and socio-cultural carrying capacities. 🎓 Scientific and Participatory Framework of the Project The most critical dataset and scientific foundation of this master plan were established during the Finike Tourism Workshop organized on May 7, 2026, in partnership with the Finike District Governorate, Finike Municipality, Akdeniz University Tourism Research, Development, and Application Center (TAGUM), and the Finike Education Foundation. The strategic recommendations generated through the collective wisdom of public authorities, academics, local residents, non-governmental organizations, and industry representatives have determined the fundamental building blocks of this project. 🧭 Our Strategic Focus Areas and Alternative Tourism Types Agritourism (Agricultural Tourism) & Gastronomy: We are integrating our geographically indicated, world-renowned Finike orange and our agricultural production strength with tourism. Key priorities include organizing harvest events in orange orchards, establishing local gastronomy routes, and promoting the authentic values of Mediterranean cuisine. Cultural, Historical, and Archaeological Tourism: We are integrating our ancient cities (Limyra, Arykanda)—which possess profound historical depth with excavations ongoing for over 50 years—and the Lycian Way route into tourism itineraries while preserving them. We are designing cultural routes to enhance the visibility of regional culture. Eco-Tourism and Outdoor Sports: While preserving our natural treasures such as Gökbük Canyon, Ördübek Plateau, and Andrea Doria Bay, we are introducing them to adventure tourism through trekking, canyoning, mountain running, and cycling routes. Marine, Youth, and Sports Tourism: While leveraging the opportunities offered by our sheltered, modern yacht marina with its peaceful harbor atmosphere for boutique yacht tourism, we are also developing infrastructure for water sports such as canoeing, rowing, and sailing. Rural Tourism: Preserving the authentic structure of our rural areas, we aim to integrate women and youth into the tourism economy through initiatives like homestays, thereby preventing rural-to-urban migration. 🤝 Goal: A Dynamic Destination Management Organization (DMO) To ensure the successful sustainability of the project, it is aimed to establish a dynamic Destination Management Organization (DMO) bringing together public entities, academia, local actors, and non-governmental organizations. Through this mechanism, all processes—ranging from data collection systems to digital marketing, and smart agricultural practices to the training of local residents—will be managed through a unified framework and in accordance with sustainability principles. Finike's strategy is to create a unique Mediterranean model where local people benefit, nature is preserved, and cultural heritage is carried into the future by transforming "the orange in the grove into the story on the plate."
Finike Municipality Cittaslow Children's Festival and Adventure Park Project
🌿 Finike Municipality Cittaslow Children's Festival and Adventure Park An exemplary social project that supports the social development of our children, brings families together, and carries Cittaslow values into the future. This project, implemented by Finike Municipality, aims to strengthen civic consciousness and urban belonging, keep traditional values alive, and support a healthy lifestyle culture by bringing children, families, and local producers together in the same living space. 💡 Project Background It has been observed that due to Finike's distance from the Antalya city center, our children have limited access to science centers, thematic playgrounds, educational workshops, and similar social activities. As a result of evaluations conducted by our Municipality in coordination with public institutions, non-governmental organizations, neighborhood mukhtars, child development specialists, dietitians, teachers, and our citizens, it was identified that children's participation in social activities has declined, technology addiction has increased, traditional children's games are beginning to be forgotten, and spaces where families can spend quality time together are insufficient. Driven by these needs, a holistic project was developed to reunite our children with outdoor spaces, sports, culture, and their families. 🎯 Project Objectives To introduce our children to the Cittaslow culture at an early age. To revive traditional children's games that are on the verge of being forgotten. To pass down local culinary heritage, handicrafts, and cultural values to future generations. To create safe social spaces where families can spend quality time with their children. To contribute to reducing technology addiction by encouraging physical activity in children. To promote awareness of healthy eating and the Slow Food movement. To strengthen civic consciousness and a sense of belonging to Finike. 🛝 Adventure Park Within the scope of the project, an area of approximately two decares on our district's coastline, which had remained idle for a long time, has been redesigned and transformed into a vibrant social life center for our children and families. Within the park: Climbing wall Adventure obstacle course Zipline Trampoline Beach soccer field Children's playground equipment Accessible play areas for children with disabilities Mobile cafe built on recycling principles Portable sales stalls for local producers 🎉 Cittaslow Children's Festival The Cittaslow Children's Festival, one of the most important components of the Adventure Park, is traditionally held annually during the last week of September. The festival brings together old and new generation games, uniting children and their families in shared activities. A strong bond is established between generations through stage performances, mascots, wooden games, sports competitions, workshops, and cultural activities. At the same time, women entrepreneurs, producers, artisans, and local businesses set up stalls to introduce healthy eating, regional delicacies, and handmade products to the public. 🌱 Project Outcomes An idle area has been reclaimed and reintegrated into urban life. For the first time, Finike has gained a traditional festival dedicated exclusively to children and families. New economic opportunities have been generated for local producers. Interest in local cuisine and traditional children's games has increased. Children's participation in physical activities has been encouraged. Public awareness regarding Cittaslow and Slow Food has been enhanced. A new social life space has been established where families can spend quality time together. ♻️ Sustainability The project has been made permanent in line with Finike Municipality's vision of social municipalism and its Cittaslow ethos. It has been institutionalized by a Municipal Council resolution to be held regularly every year. The project aims to remain sustainable for many years through sponsor support, contributions from local businesses, and the municipality's own resources. Today, the project is considered a successful social municipalism practice that can serve as a model not only for Finike but also for many other municipalities with similar structures.
You Are Not Alone Project
🤝 You Are Not Alone Project Finike Municipality Social Support Project As Finike Municipality, in line with our social municipalism approach, we consider standing by our citizens who reside in our district and require assistance as one of our core responsibilities. Implemented with this vision, the You Are Not Alone Project is a comprehensive social support program aimed at facilitating access to essential needs for our residents in need, supporting their quality of life, and strengthening the culture of solidarity. The assistance provided within the scope of the project not only meets material needs but also contributes to fostering a strong environment of social solidarity where our citizens do not feel alone and know that their municipality stands by them in times of need. 💚 Support Provided Within the Scope of the Project Essential Living Support: Essential supplies such as food, clothing, household goods, and firewood are delivered to our citizens in need. Healthcare and Personal Care: Necessary support is provided in primary healthcare and personal care services, contributing to the preservation of their quality of life. Patient and Elderly Support: Hospital bed support is provided to facilitate the daily lives of our mobility-impaired or bedridden citizens. Educational Support: Tablet support is provided to increase access to technological opportunities for our students continuing their education. Social Solidarity: Finike Municipality, with its people-oriented and equitable service approach, remains resolutely committed to standing by all of our residents in need and strengthening the culture of solidarity by enhancing social support services.
Cittaslow Finike Intersection Improvement Project
Cittaslow Finike Junction Kale District Urban Improvement Project In many Cittaslow (Slow City) member cities worldwide, the Cittaslow logo is prominently displayed in public spaces. This practice captures the attention of both local and international tourists while raising awareness and highlighting the unique identities of these cities. To enhance the visibility and promotion of Finike on national and international platforms through our "Cittaslow" identity, the junction project designed by our Municipality’s Project Unit has been successfully implemented. 🌿 Implementation and Landscape Details Location and Schedule: The project was implemented at the junction in front of the Municipal Cultural Center, a frequent stop for Finike visitors and a key point on tourist itineraries. Designed in 2024, the work was completed in the first quarter of 2025. Architectural Structure: The structure utilizes a steel-construction plexiglass design on a pedestal; a modern LED lighting system has been integrated into the figures and lettering to ensure aesthetic appeal at night. Xeriscaping (Water Conservation): The site layout was created using dolomite and pumice stone. The plantation features species that are compatible with our region's natural texture and have low water requirements: Iresine herbstii, Senecio cineraria, Euonymus microphyllus pulchellus, Alternanthera reineckii, Cycas revoluta, Echinocactus grusonii, Agave tequilana.