COP31 in Antalya: From the Global Climate Agenda to Sustainable Tourism

Climate change is no longer simply an environmental issue. It affects many aspects of everyday life, from the way we use energy and plan our cities to how goods are produced and how we travel. The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP31, will bring many of these issues into focus on the international stage. The conference will take place in Antalya from 9 to 20 November 2026.

Türkiye will host COP31, bringing together government representatives, experts, academics, civil society organisations and other stakeholders from around the world. The main venue will be Antalya EXPO Center. For Antalya, November will therefore be about more than its familiar identity as a holiday destination. The city will also become the setting for an important international gathering focused on climate change.

What Is COP31?

COP stands for “Conference of the Parties”. Held under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), these conferences bring countries together to discuss shared climate goals and the measures needed to address climate change.

The process dates back to the adoption of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992. Over the years, major international developments, including the Paris Agreement, have further shaped the scope of global climate diplomacy.

COP31 will be the 31st conference in the series. The programme in Antalya will extend beyond the main COP31 sessions. During the same period, CMP21, the meeting of the parties to the Kyoto Protocol, CMA8, the meeting of the parties to the Paris Agreement, as well as the SBSTA65 and SBI65 sessions, will also take place.

When and Where Will COP31 Take Place in Antalya?

COP31 will be held at Antalya EXPO Center from 9 to 20 November 2026. The conference venue is located in the Soğucaksu area of Aksu and can be reached via Antalya Airport. Dedicated transport and shuttle services are also planned for participants during the conference.

Taking place in November, the event highlights Antalya’s ability to host major international gatherings outside the traditional holiday season. Depending on their itinerary, visitors can consider accommodation in the city centre, Lara, Belek and the surrounding areas.

Hosting COP31 gives Antalya another dimension beyond its established holiday identity. Alongside the sea and sunshine, congress tourism, international events, culture, gastronomy and sustainability can all become a more visible part of the city’s appeal.

What Are the Main Topics on the COP31 Agenda?

COP31 will focus on tackling climate change and turning existing commitments into concrete action. Energy transition, climate-resilient cities, the circular economy, sustainable agriculture and food systems, green industry and climate finance are among the key areas on the agenda.

The discussion is not simply about setting new targets. How energy and water are used, how waste is managed and how cities prepare for changing climate conditions all have a practical impact on everyday life. This is why the issues discussed at COP31 are also closely connected to tourism.

Why Does Sustainability Matter for Tourism?

A travel experience is shaped by much more than a hotel and a journey. Coastlines, natural landscapes, historic sites, local cuisine and everyday cultural life all contribute to what makes a destination special. Because tourism depends so closely on these resources, protecting them also matters to the future of the industry.

Travellers’ expectations are changing, too. For many people, staying in a comfortable hotel is no longer the whole point of a trip. Discovering local culture, exploring local businesses and making more environmentally conscious choices are increasingly part of the experience.

Sustainable hospitality is about more than using less electricity or water. Supporting local suppliers, creating employment opportunities for local communities, managing waste responsibly, using natural resources carefully and helping guests discover a destination’s cultural heritage can all form part of a more sustainable approach.

How Will Antalya’s Nature and Culture Come into Focus Alongside COP31?

Hosting COP31 gives Antalya an opportunity to look at its natural and cultural heritage from a different perspective. The Mediterranean coastline, ancient cities, local cuisine and layers of history visible across the city offer conference visitors plenty to discover beyond their professional schedules.

Belek has a distinctive place within this picture. With its extensive green areas, coastline and range of accommodation options, the region is one of Antalya’s leading tourism destinations. During an international event such as COP31, Belek can therefore be seen not only as a holiday resort, but also as a place where nature and hospitality come together.

How Does Ethno Belek Approach Sustainability?

Culture, people, stories and distinctive experiences are at the heart of Ethno Belek’s philosophy. Concepts such as Ethno Culture, Ethno People, Ethno Stories, Ethno Gatherings and Ethno Talks reflect different sides of this approach. The brand’s idea of luxury goes beyond material comforts, encompassing personal touches, inner well-being and a way of living in harmony with nature.

There are also concrete practices behind its sustainability commitments. Ethno Belek aims to use energy and natural resources more efficiently, reduce waste and monitor water consumption to manage resources more carefully. Reducing electricity, water, natural gas and chemical consumption, increasing the use of renewable energy, and working with environmentally certified products and suppliers are also among the property’s stated sustainability commitments.

Local connections are another important part of this approach. Wherever possible, Ethno Belek prioritises local suppliers for its raw materials and places an emphasis on local employment. Protecting wildlife, domestic animals and endemic plant species is also included among its sustainability goals.

COP31 and the Changing Idea of a Holiday in Antalya

COP31 will bring the relationship between tourism and the environment back into focus in Antalya. A comfortable holiday and a more responsible approach to natural resources do not have to be at odds with one another.

Travel itself is also about more than time spent at a hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant, discovering the region’s culture, visiting a historic site or spending time along the Mediterranean coast can all become memorable parts of a trip. Ethno Belek’s culture- and experience-led philosophy reflects this broader understanding of travel.

Its sustainability commitments are also reflected in the day-to-day running of the property. Monitoring water and energy use, reducing waste, working with local suppliers and supporting local employment all form part of the way the hotel operates behind the scenes.

What Could COP31 Mean for Antalya?

Hosting COP31 will raise Antalya’s international profile as a destination for major events. More importantly, bringing the climate agenda and tourism together in the same city creates an opportunity to rethink how Antalya uses its resources and how its tourism model could evolve.

Tourism centres such as Belek can play an important role in this process. Destinations that bring together the natural environment, hospitality and local culture can make the principles of sustainable tourism more visible in everyday life.

With COP31 taking place in Antalya, the city could continue to be associated with climate and sustainability long after the conference itself has ended. In this sense, COP31 represents an important moment that could add a new dimension to Antalya’s established tourism identity.

Discover Nature and Sustainability in Antalya with Ethno Belek During COP31

Guests travelling to Antalya for COP31 will have the opportunity to explore different sides of the city alongside their conference schedule. For those choosing to stay in Belek, Ethno Belek brings together culture, gastronomy, nature and comfort within its distinctive brand philosophy.

Its sustainability policy includes concrete areas 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 plant species further complement this approach.

For those looking to explore Antalya during or after COP31, Ethno Belek, one of the hotels in Belek, offers more than a place to stay. It may also appeal to travellers who want to connect more closely with the destination itself. For guests looking to experience Belek’s Mediterranean atmosphere, local culture and Ethno’s distinctive philosophy in one trip, it offers an appealing alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will COP31 be held in Antalya?

COP31 will take place at Antalya EXPO Center. The conference venue is located in the Soğucaksu area of Aksu. It can be reached via Antalya Airport, and dedicated shuttle services are planned for participants during the conference.

When will COP31 take place in Antalya?

COP31 will be held from 9 to 20 November 2026. During the same period, various sessions will also take place 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 and around the city. The Mediterranean coastline, local cuisine and Belek’s natural surroundings also offer opportunities to experience a different side of Antalya. Depending on the length of their stay, visitors can plan day trips to the city centre or nearby ancient cities.

Where can visitors stay in Antalya during COP31?

When choosing accommodation, it is worth considering access to the conference venue, the overall travel itinerary and personal preferences. Antalya city centre and Lara may suit visitors looking for a more urban experience, while Belek offers a quieter setting and a wide choice of resort hotels.

What should visitors consider when travelling to Antalya during COP31?

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

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

Belek brings together coastline, natural surroundings and a well-established tourism infrastructure. Ethno Belek combines culture, gastronomy, distinctive stories and a contemporary interpretation of luxury within its brand philosophy. Its sustainability goals also include local sourcing, monitoring water and energy use, waste management and the protection of natural life.