ISTANBUL, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Turkish authorities and tourism bodies said Tuesday that they are collaborating to address infrastructure and environmental challenges facing the Lycian Way, a 540-km Mediterranean hiking trail gaining popularity among foreign visitors.
The trail, most of which falls within Antalya province, once served as an ancient trade route of the Lycians, an ancient civilization known for its rock-cut tombs and city-states from the 15th century BC. It is now one of the world's top trekking destinations.
According to data from the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry, Antalya welcomed 16.3 million foreign visitors in the first 10 months of this year, up by 176,884 compared to last year, many of whom drawn to the trail.
Oznur Kose, general secretary of the Antalya branch of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies, said Tuesday that the trail's soaring popularity has exposed infrastructure gaps.
"Hikers often encounter long stretches without basic amenities like restrooms, markets, or access to water. Limited parking at trailheads also complicates tour logistics and vehicle management," Kose told Xinhua.
"We are collaborating closely with local authorities and businesses to address these gaps and ensure the trail remains a thriving and sustainable destination for future generations," she said.
Environmental concerns such as soil erosion, littering and wildlife disturbance have also emerged with rising visitor numbers.
Against these backdrops, Antalya's Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Candemir Zoroglu on Tuesday stressed the need to balance tourism with preservation of the trail's "natural beauty and cultural heritage."
"Local authorities, businesses, and tourism bodies are collaborating to address these challenges," Zoroglu told Xinhua, noting that sustainable practices are being implemented, including visitor quotas, waste management, community participation, and ecotourism standards, to ensure the trail's long-term sustainability while maintaining its global appeal. ■
