Future is in Tourism, first sustainable tourism program in Türkiye, has been continuing its journey for 17 years with an aim of supporting local development and empowering women. Fethiye-İncirköy became the fourth destination supported by the program, following Akyaka, Köyceğiz and Taşlıca regions of Muğla, within the scope of the program implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Anadolu Efes.

The Future is in Tourism Program, which aims to expand the tourism potential in the region to four seasons, initiated a project that will highlight women's labor and cultural heritage in İncirköy, Fethiye. İncirköy Felt and Colors Project aims to revive the forgotten values of the region and transform them into economic value.

“At Anadolu Efes, we believed for 17 years that sustainable tourism is not a choice but a necessity”, said Anadolu Efes Group Corporate Communications and Relations Director Selda Susal Saatçi (CCAO). We support sustainable tourism models in different destinations across Türkiye. We work to protect natural and cultural heritage, recognize the importance of ecological balance, empower women and contribute to the local economy. Following Taşlıca, Köyceğiz and Akyaka in Muğla, we are now in İncirköy, Fethiye. With the atelier established here, we aim to keep the ancient tradition of the region alive while women earn income. At the same time, we intent to create a potential sustainable tourism destination with the alternative tourism route created.”

With the initiative of the Lycia Fethiye Women's Initiative Production, Business and Development Cooperative, supported by the Future is in Tourism Program, a building belonging to Fethiye Municipality was turned into an atelier. This atelier will host activities such as the preparation and treatment of natural root dyes, designing and processing of the products. Also, trainings on root dye production, dastar fabric weaving and felt production will be provided to at least 30 women living in the villages to enable women gain professional skills and economic empowerment.

“We have added a new one to our sustainable tourism initiatives with the felt atelier established in İncirköy, Fethiye,” said UNDP Inclusive and Sustainable Growth Portfolio Communication Specialist Deniz Şilliler Tapan. “We aim to transform our intangible cultural heritage, such as dastar and felt weaving, into tourism asset and bring them to a wider audience through experience tourism. While creating new job opportunities for women and young people, İncirköy Felt and Colors Project will also connect the rural areas with the popular tourism spots of the region, contribute to women's empowerment and support equal opportunities.”

An experience route will also be created including İncirköy, Yeşilüzümlü Village, and Çalış where the felt atelier and the dastar ateliers are located, and the cooperative has a sales office. Visitors who want to experience felt and dastar production on the weaving looms will have the opportunity to learn more about the cultural values of the region closely. In addition, using fleeced sheep and goat wool  will promote recycling waste. 

“We carry the traditional wisdom of Yoruk culture in harmony with nature and the healing from goat and sheep wool to the future,” said President of Fethiye Women's Initiative Production, Enterprise and Development Cooperative Çiğdem Karaca. “With this project, we aim to protect the ecological balance, empower women and participate in the local economic cycle. In addition, creating sustainable alternative cultural routes to Fethiye tourism will help to spread tourism to 12 months and ensure local development.”