Orange Circle: Ensuring Hygienic and Safe Tourism in İzmir

In the wake of the global pandemic, the travel and tourism industry faced unprecedented challenges. As the world began to adapt to a new normal, ensuring the health and safety of travelers became paramount. In İzmir, a leading city on Turkey’s Aegean coast, this adaptation was marked by the introduction of the Orange Circle certification program. The Orange Circle is a pioneering initiative designed to certify accommodation facilities and restaurants that adhere to stringent hygiene and safety standards. This certification not only reassures visitors of their safety but also positions İzmir as a top destination for safe and responsible tourism. In this article, we will explore the Orange Circle program, its significance, the certification process, and the impact it has on tourism in İzmir.

What is the Orange Circle?

The First Local Hygiene Certification in Turkey

The Orange Circle is the first hygiene certification program in Turkey initiated by a local government. Spearheaded by the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, the program was developed in collaboration with the Tourism Hygiene Board and District Municipalities. The goal of the Orange Circle is to ensure that tourism-related businesses in İzmir operate according to health and safety protocols that are essential in the post-pandemic world. By achieving this certification, businesses demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment for both locals and visitors.

Aimed at Enhancing İzmir’s Tourism Appeal

The introduction of the Orange Circle certification has brought İzmir to the forefront as a safe and hygienic tourism destination. The certification is more than just a label; it’s a symbol of trust and safety that appeals to tourists looking for a secure place to stay and dine. In a time when travelers are more cautious than ever, the Orange Circle plays a crucial role in rebuilding confidence in the tourism sector.

The Purpose and Goals of the Orange Circle

Promoting Safe Tourism in İzmir

The primary purpose of the Orange Circle certification is to promote safe tourism in İzmir by ensuring that accommodation and food & beverage facilities meet the highest standards of hygiene and safety. This certification aims to protect both residents and visitors from health risks, particularly in the context of the ongoing pandemic. By adhering to the Orange Circle criteria, businesses contribute to the overall safety of the city, making it an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Supporting the Tourism Industry During Challenging Times

The tourism industry has been one of the hardest-hit sectors during the pandemic. The Orange Circle program was created not only to ensure safety but also to support the recovery of the tourism industry in İzmir. By providing businesses with clear guidelines and the opportunity to obtain certification, the program helps them adapt to the new normal. This support is vital for the survival and revival of the tourism sector, which is a significant contributor to İzmir’s economy.

Enhancing İzmir’s Image as a Healthy Destination

One of the key goals of the Orange Circle is to enhance İzmir’s image as a healthy and safe destination on both domestic and international platforms. By promoting the certification program, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality aims to position the city as a leader in safe tourism practices. This enhanced image is expected to attract more tourists who prioritize health and safety in their travel decisions, thereby boosting the city’s tourism industry.

The Certification Process

Applying for the Orange Circle

Businesses that wish to obtain the Orange Circle certification can apply through the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality or their respective district municipalities. The application process is straightforward, with the option to apply either in person or online. This accessibility ensures that all eligible businesses have the opportunity to participate in the program.

Evaluation by the Tourism Hygiene Board

Once an application is submitted, it is reviewed by the Tourism Hygiene Board, which is responsible for assessing whether the business meets the required criteria. This board is composed of experts who evaluate the hygiene and safety practices of the applicant. The evaluation process is thorough, ensuring that only businesses that truly adhere to the highest standards are awarded the Orange Circle certification.

Scoring System and Criteria

The Orange Circle certification is based on a detailed scoring system that varies for accommodation and food & beverage facilities. Accommodation businesses are scored out of 200 points, while food & beverage establishments are scored out of 100 points. To qualify for the certification, businesses must achieve at least 75% of the total possible points. The criteria include a range of factors, such as cleanliness, staff training, health protocols, and customer safety measures. This rigorous scoring system ensures that only businesses that are fully committed to maintaining high standards receive the certification.

Ongoing Audits and Compliance

To maintain the integrity of the Orange Circle certification, businesses that receive the certification are subject to ongoing audits. These audits are conducted to ensure that the certified businesses continue to comply with the required standards. If a business fails to maintain these standards, the certification can be revoked. This ongoing oversight is crucial for ensuring the reliability and sustainability of the Orange Circle program.

Impact of the Orange Circle on İzmir’s Tourism

Boosting Traveler Confidence

One of the most significant impacts of the Orange Circle program has been its ability to boost traveler confidence. In the current travel climate, where health and safety are top priorities, the Orange Circle provides a visible assurance that a business is committed to protecting its customers. This certification has become a key factor for tourists when choosing where to stay or dine in İzmir, leading to an increase in bookings at certified establishments.

Attracting International Visitors

The Orange Circle certification has also played a role in attracting international visitors to İzmir. As travel restrictions ease and international tourism begins to recover, travelers are looking for destinations that prioritize health and safety. The Orange Circle positions İzmir as a city that not only meets but exceeds these expectations, making it an appealing choice for tourists from around the world.

Supporting Local Businesses

By encouraging businesses to adopt stringent hygiene and safety measures, the Orange Circle program has provided much-needed support to local businesses in İzmir. The certification helps these businesses stand out in a competitive market, giving them a unique selling point that attracts health-conscious customers. This support has been particularly valuable during the pandemic, helping businesses stay afloat and continue operating under challenging circumstances.

Success Stories: Businesses Thriving with the Orange Circle

Accommodation Facilities Leading the Way

Several accommodation facilities in İzmir have successfully obtained the Orange Circle certification and have since seen an increase in customer trust and bookings. These hotels and guesthouses have made significant investments in improving their hygiene practices, training their staff, and ensuring that their premises are safe for guests. The result has been a resurgence in business as travelers seek out certified establishments for their stays in İzmir.

Restaurants Embracing Safe Dining

Restaurants in İzmir have also embraced the Orange Circle certification, making it a key part of their branding. By adopting the certification, these establishments have been able to reassure customers that they can dine in a safe environment. This has led to a steady flow of patrons, even during periods when other businesses were struggling. The Orange Circle has become a mark of quality and safety that customers look for when choosing where to eat in İzmir.

Positive Feedback from Tourists

Tourists who have visited İzmir and stayed at Orange Circle-certified establishments have provided positive feedback about their experiences. Many have commented on the visible commitment to hygiene and safety, which has made them feel more comfortable and secure during their travels. This positive word-of-mouth has further enhanced the reputation of İzmir as a safe and responsible tourism destination.

The Future of the Orange Circle

Expanding the Certification Program

Looking ahead, there are plans to expand the Orange Circle certification program to include more businesses and potentially other sectors of the tourism industry. This expansion would allow more businesses to benefit from the program and contribute to the overall safety and appeal of İzmir as a destination. The success of the Orange Circle in İzmir could also serve as a model for other cities in Turkey and beyond, inspiring similar initiatives in other regions.

Long-Term Impact on İzmir’s Tourism

The long-term impact of the Orange Circle on İzmir’s tourism is expected to be significant. As the certification becomes more widely recognized, it will likely become a key factor in attracting tourists to the city. The program’s emphasis on safety and hygiene aligns with global trends in travel, where health-consciousness is becoming increasingly important. By positioning İzmir as a leader in safe tourism practices, the Orange Circle will help the city remain competitive in the global tourism market for years to come.

Continuing to Build Traveler Trust

As the world continues to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic and other health concerns, building and maintaining traveler trust will be crucial for the tourism industry. The Orange Circle program provides a framework for achieving this by setting clear standards and ensuring ongoing compliance. By continuing to prioritize health and safety, İzmir can build long-term trust with travelers, ensuring that the city remains a top destination for both new and returning visitors.

Conclusion

The Orange Circle certification program represents a significant step forward in promoting safe and responsible tourism in İzmir. By setting high standards for hygiene and safety, the program not only protects the health of residents and visitors but also enhances İzmir’s appeal as a travel destination. Whether you’re a traveler looking for a safe place to stay or a business owner seeking to attract more customers, the Orange Circle provides the assurance that İzmir is committed to maintaining the highest standards. As the program continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the future of tourism in İzmir.

For more information on the Orange Circle certification and other travel tips, visit the Travel Guide of Türkiye.