Gaziantep Comes Out Swinging, Betting on UNESCO Gastronomy, Ancient Heritage and Immersive Experiences for Asia

Written By: Saoli Chakraborty

Saoli Chakraborty

I am a passionate content writer with 4 years of experience crafting compelling narratives across industries, with a heart that beats entirely for the travel world. Over the years, I have specialized in turning complex travel trends and industry data into engaging, high-impact stories. My expertise lies in writing for global audiences across the US, Ireland, and Australia, allowing me to seamlessly adapt my voice to fit different regional markets and professional demographics.

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September 13, 2026 01:59 GMT+5:30

Gaziantep has made an audacious move by targeting the Asian tourist market by positioning its UNESCO-certified gastronomy, culture, and experience-rich history at the center of its tourism efforts. With stunning mosaics, artifacts from its long history, mosaic classes that don’t cost a dime, and even a mobile tourism application for tourists, Gaziantep is trying to offer a new perspective on its unique identity. China and Asia in general as the focus of the destination’s efforts, Gaziantep tries to transform cultural interest into actual travel. Travel And Tour World invites readers to read the complete story.

Gaziantep Puts Gastronomy and Cultural Heritage at the Heart of Its China Tourism Strategy

Gaziantep is placing gastronomy, ancient heritage and cultural experiences at the centre of its efforts to attract more Chinese visitors, with the city presenting its tourism offering at ITB China.

Speaking at the event, Punar Okatan, Tourism Promotion Specialist at the Tourism Department of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, explained that the China travel market is an important focus for the destination. The city is using the international tourism fair to connect with travel agencies, government departments and tourism representatives while presenting its cultural attractions and visitor experiences.

Cultural tourism takes centre stage

According to Okatan, cultural tourism is one of Gaziantep’s primary target segments. The city is home to ancient sites and a significant collection of mosaics, making archaeological and cultural heritage an important part of its tourism proposition.

The Zeugma Mosaic Museum was highlighted as one of the city’s most popular museums. Gaziantep also promotes several other museums, including the Gaziantep Cuisine Museum, Turkish Hamam Museum and archaeological collections.

Okatan said the destination wants to introduce its cultural heritage to international visitors, with a particular focus on reaching travellers from Asian markets.

Gastronomy is another major attraction. Gaziantep is recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and its cuisine forms an important part of the destination’s identity. Visitors can explore local dishes while also learning more about the ingredients and culinary traditions behind them.

“Gastronomy and cultural tourism are very important for us,” Okatan said during the interview, pointing particularly to the city’s ancient heritage and mosaics.

Free workshops offer a hands-on cultural experience

Gaziantep is also promoting experiences that allow visitors to engage directly with its heritage.

Okatan explained that when tourists visit the city, the municipality organises workshops, including mosaic workshops, which are offered free of charge. These activities are intended to give visitors more than a conventional sightseeing experience by allowing them to participate in an element of the city’s cultural heritage.

The workshops are also being presented as part of the city’s wider effort to make its cultural attractions accessible and engaging for international visitors.

Strong focus on the Chinese travel market

ITB China has provided Gaziantep with an opportunity to engage directly with tourism stakeholders and explore partnerships.

Okatan described the event as particularly important because it concentrated Asian tourism professionals. She noted that the current edition had been busy and that the Gaziantep delegation had secured numerous appointments with Chinese travel agencies and government departments.

The delegation also planned to visit Korean, Japanese and Chinese stands during the event, reflecting its broader interest in attracting Asian travellers.

For Gaziantep, the objective is not simply to promote the destination to one market but to build relationships with tourism partners who can help introduce the city to travellers interested in culture, heritage and food.

A new tourism app brings Gaziantep closer to travellers

One of the new products being presented at the event is the “Visit Gaziantep” tourism application.

According to Okatan, the app is designed to help visitors discover tourist attractions across the city and access information about local attractions. It also provides information about Gaziantep’s cuisine, including details about ingredients used in local dishes.

The application includes photographs and videos, along with information intended to help visitors explore the destination.

The municipality is particularly interested in introducing the application to international audiences, including Chinese travellers, as part of its digital approach to destination promotion.

Gastronomy and heritage create a combined tourism proposition

Gaziantep’s approach at ITB China reflects a strategy built around the city’s existing strengths rather than introducing an entirely new tourism identity.

Its ancient sites, mosaics, museums and culinary heritage provide the foundation, while workshops and digital tools such as the Visit Gaziantep app add interactive and practical elements to the visitor experience.

The focus on cultural and gastronomic tourism could also appeal to travellers looking for experiences connected to local history and traditions.

Rather than presenting Gaziantep solely as a sightseeing destination, the municipality is showcasing ways for visitors to learn about its heritage, experience its cuisine and participate in cultural activities.

As the city continues its engagement with international tourism markets, ITB China is serving as an important platform for meeting potential travel partners and presenting Gaziantep’s tourism offering to a wider Asian audience.