COP31 in Antalya: From the Climate Agenda to Sustainable Tourism

Climate change is no longer just an environmental issue. It directly affects many aspects of everyday life, including energy use, urban planning, production methods and tourism. The United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP31, will be one of the key international gatherings at which these issues are discussed. The conference will take place in Antalya from 9 to 20 November 2026.

Hosted by Türkiye, COP31 will bring together government representatives, experts, academics, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders from around the world. The main venue will be the Antalya EXPO Centre. In November, Antalya will therefore be in the spotlight not only as a holiday destination, but also as the host city of a major international climate conference.

What Is COP31?

COP stands for Conference of the Parties. Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, countries meet to discuss shared goals and possible measures to tackle climate change.

The process is rooted in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, adopted in 1992. Subsequent international developments, including the Paris Agreement, have further expanded the scope of climate diplomacy.

COP31 is the 31st conference in this series. The programme in Antalya will extend beyond the COP31 sessions themselves. Meetings will also take place under CMP21, the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol; CMA8, the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement; and the SBSTA65 and SBI65 sessions.

When and Where Will COP31 Take Place in Antalya?

COP31 will take place at the Antalya EXPO Centre from 9 to 20 November 2026. The venue is located in the Soğucaksu area of Aksu, with access via Antalya Airport. Special transport arrangements and shuttle services are also planned for participants during the conference.

This November event highlights Antalya’s capacity to host major international gatherings outside the main holiday season. Accommodation options in the city centre, Lara, Belek and surrounding areas can also be considered according to different travel itineraries.

Hosting COP31 adds another dimension to Antalya’s established identity as a holiday destination. Alongside the sea and sunshine, congress tourism, international events, culture, gastronomy and sustainability may become increasingly prominent parts of the city experience.

What Will Be on the COP31 Agenda?

COP31’s core agenda will focus on tackling climate change and turning existing commitments into concrete action. Key themes include the energy transition, climate-resilient cities, the circular economy, sustainable agriculture and food systems, green industry and climate finance.

The challenge is not simply to set new targets. It is also about how energy and water are used, how waste is managed and how cities prepare for changing climate conditions. These practical issues mean that the topics discussed at COP31 are also highly relevant to the tourism sector.

Why Is Sustainability Important for Tourism?

A travel experience involves much more than a hotel and transport. Coastlines, natural areas, historic buildings, local cuisine and the cultural life of a destination all contribute to its appeal. As tourism is closely connected to these resources, protecting them is also important for the sector’s future.

Guest expectations are changing, too. For many travellers, staying in a comfortable room is no longer the whole experience. Discovering local culture, exploring independent businesses and making more environmentally conscious choices are increasingly part of the way people travel.

Sustainable hospitality therefore means more than saving electricity or water. It can also include supporting local suppliers, creating local employment, managing waste, using natural resources more carefully and helping guests learn about cultural heritage.

How Will Antalya’s Natural and Cultural Heritage Feature Alongside COP31?

Hosting COP31 gives Antalya an opportunity to consider its natural and cultural assets from a different perspective. The Mediterranean coastline, ancient cities, local cuisine and urban fabric shaped by different historical periods offer visitors plenty to explore outside their conference commitments.

Belek has a distinct place in this picture. With its extensive green spaces, coastline and accommodation facilities, it is one of Antalya’s important tourism destinations. During an international event such as COP31, Belek can therefore be viewed not only as a holiday resort, but also as a destination where nature and hospitality come together.

How Does Ethno Belek Approach Sustainability?

Culture, people, stories and distinctive experiences are central to the Ethno Belek brand. Concepts such as Ethno Culture, Ethno People, Ethno Stories, Ethno Gatherings and Ethno Talks express different aspects of this philosophy. The brand’s definition of luxury extends beyond material privileges to include personal touches, a sense of inner calm and a way of living in harmony with natural beauty.

The property also outlines more tangible sustainability measures. Ethno Belek aims to save energy and natural resources, reduce waste and monitor water consumption to manage resource use more carefully. Its stated sustainability commitments include reducing electricity, water, natural gas and chemical consumption, increasing the use of renewable energy, and working with environmentally certified products and suppliers.

Local connections are another important part of this approach. Ethno Belek prioritises sourcing raw materials from local suppliers wherever possible and supporting local employment. The protection of wildlife, domestic animals and endemic plant species is also among its stated sustainability goals.

COP31 and the Changing Holiday Experience in Antalya

Holding COP31 in Antalya will bring the relationship between tourism and the environment back into focus. A comfortable holiday and an approach to hospitality that takes natural resources into account no longer have to be mutually exclusive.

Travel is also about more than the time spent at a hotel. Dining at a local restaurant, discovering regional culture, visiting a historic site or spending time along the Mediterranean coast can all be important parts of a holiday. Ethno Belek’s culture- and experience-led brand philosophy offers a broader perspective than a conventional accommodation experience.

Its stated sustainability commitments also go beyond brand messaging. Monitoring water and energy consumption, reducing waste, sourcing locally and supporting local employment all relate to the way the property operates behind the scenes.

What Does COP31 Mean for Antalya?

Hosting COP31 is an important development that will raise Antalya’s profile as an international events destination. More importantly, bringing the climate agenda and tourism together in the same city creates an opportunity to reconsider Antalya’s resources and tourism model.

The role of destinations such as Belek is also worth noting. Areas that bring the natural environment, hospitality and local culture together can make the practical meaning of sustainable tourism more visible in everyday experiences.

With COP31 taking place in Antalya, the city may continue to be associated with climate and sustainability issues long after the conference ends. In this respect, COP31 represents an important milestone that adds a new dimension to Antalya’s tourism identity.

Hotels in Antalya for COP31

Participants travelling to Antalya for COP31 should consider travel time to the venue, airport transfers and hotel facilities when choosing where to stay. For those looking to unwind after a busy programme of sessions and meetings, Ethno Belek offers a compelling option. Its brand combines culture, gastronomy and contemporary luxury, while its stated sustainability practices include monitoring water and energy consumption, waste management, local sourcing and support for local employment. For visitors seeking a comfortable stay during COP31, Ethno Belek may be an option that suits both the conference schedule and those wishing to discover more of Antalya.

Discover Nature and Sustainability in Antalya with Ethno Belek During COP31

Visitors travelling to Antalya for COP31 will have the opportunity to explore other sides of the city alongside their conference programme. For those choosing to stay in Belek, Ethno Belek is one option, bringing together culture, gastronomy, nature and comfort through its distinctive brand experience.

The property’s sustainability policy includes practical commitments such as monitoring water and energy consumption, reducing waste, supporting local suppliers and prioritising local employment. Its commitments to protecting wildlife, domestic animals and endemic plants further contribute to this approach.

For those wishing to explore Antalya during or after COP31, Ethno Belek is one of the hotels in Belek that may appeal to travellers looking not only for accommodation but also for a closer connection with the region. It offers an alternative for guests who want to experience Belek’s Mediterranean atmosphere, local culture and Ethno’s distinctive brand philosophy in one stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will COP31 take place in Antalya?

COP31 will be held at the Antalya EXPO Centre in the Soğucaksu area of Aksu. The venue will be accessible via Antalya Airport, and special shuttle services are planned for participants during the conference.

When will COP31 take place in Antalya?

COP31 will take place from 9 to 20 November 2026. Sessions will also be held during the same period under CMP21, CMA8, SBSTA65 and SBI65.

What can visitors to Antalya do outside the COP31 programme?

Visitors can explore Kaleiçi, Antalya Museum and historic sites in the surrounding area. The Mediterranean coastline, local cuisine and Belek’s natural environment also offer ways to experience a different side of Antalya. Depending on the length of their stay, visitors may be able to plan day trips to the city centre or nearby ancient cities.

Where can visitors stay in Antalya during COP31?

When choosing accommodation, visitors should consider access to the conference venue, their itinerary and personal preferences. Antalya city centre and Lara may suit those who prefer a city-focused stay, while Belek offers a different option for travellers looking for resort hotels and a more relaxed atmosphere.

What should visitors consider when travelling to Antalya for COP31?

It is advisable to arrange accommodation and transport well in advance of the conference in November. Information published by the UNFCCC for participants notes that November in Antalya is generally mild, although evenings can be cooler and rain is possible. Layered clothing, a light jacket and something to protect against rain are therefore sensible choices.

Where can visitors enjoy a nature- and culture-focused stay in Belek?

Belek is one of Antalya’s destinations where the coastline, natural surroundings and tourism facilities come together. Ethno Belek brings culture, gastronomy, distinctive stories and contemporary luxury into its brand experience. Its sustainability goals include local sourcing, monitoring water and energy use, waste management and protecting the natural environment.

Where should visitors stay in Antalya for COP31?

Those planning accommodation in Antalya for COP31 should consider access to the venue, hotel facilities and their preferred level of comfort. Ethno Belek, located in Belek, offers a luxury accommodation experience, dining options and opportunities to relax. It may appeal to visitors seeking a comfortable stay throughout the COP31 programme.

What should visitors look for when choosing a hotel in Antalya for COP31?

Factors to consider include access to the event venue, airport transfers, length of stay, facilities for working and the services offered by the hotel. Ethno Belek is one option for visitors seeking a comfortable stay, with its luxury atmosphere, dining options and facilities for relaxation.

Where can visitors stay in Belek during COP31?

Visitors looking to stay in Belek, Antalya, during COP31 may consider Ethno Belek, which offers comfortable rooms, dining options and facilities for relaxation. Its luxury accommodation experience may suit those looking to unwind and enjoy a holiday atmosphere after a busy programme of events.

Which hotels in Belek are worth considering during COP31?

For visitors seeking accommodation in Belek, Antalya, during COP31, Ethno Belek is one option to consider for its luxury hospitality and range of experiences. Its dining venues, relaxation facilities and comfort-focused services may appeal to those looking for a relaxing stay alongside their event schedule.