KAPYAD'S THANK-YOU MESSAGE ON QUALIFIED CULTURAL INVESTMENTS BEING PRIORITIZED FOR INCENTIVES IN NEVŞEHİR

NEVŞEHİR – Under the Local Development Initiative Incentive Program implemented by the Ministry of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Türkiye, the priority investment topics designated for Nevşehir were published in the Official Gazette and entered into force on 31 January 2026. The inclusion of support for qualified cultural industries investments within this framework is regarded as an important step toward Cappadocia's goals of diversifying tourism and spreading tourism across 12 months.

The Cappadocia Region Tourism Investors Association (KAPYAD) emphasizes that the region should be strengthened not only through accommodation, but also through museology, cultural infrastructure, and high-quality cultural production.

"Cappadocia is far behind its museum potential"

According to KAPYAD, despite its archaeological, natural, and cultural heritage, Cappadocia remains far behind its potential in terms of the number and diversity of museums. Increasing the number of museums and cultural venues that can better tell the region's story will enhance the visitor experience while also creating a sustainable attraction during the off-season.

In line with this need, KAPYAD states that since its establishment it has maintained regular engagement with public institutions and stakeholders to increase cultural investments and diversify tourism; and that it has shared with relevant institutions and organizations its views, recommendations, and sector insights on Cappadocia's needs and potential. The Association expects this new incentive step to accelerate qualified projects, particularly those focused on museology and cultural infrastructure.

Ömer Tosun: "Cappadocia deserves more museums and qualified cultural venues"

Ömer Tosun, Chairman of the Board of KAPYAD, stated that the inclusion of cultural industries among the priority investment incentive headings in Nevşehir aligns with the transformation need that Cappadocia has long advocated, and shared the following assessment:

"Cappadocia possesses a heritage that is rare in the world. Yet more investment is needed to present this heritage through contemporary museology and a strong cultural infrastructure. Cappadocia deserves more museums, visitor centers, exhibition spaces, and educational facilities. Since our establishment, as KAPYAD we have pursued initiatives for the diversification of tourism and for cultural investments to be included among priority investment incentives; we have raised this need on every platform. The inclusion of the 'qualified cultural industries' heading within the incentive scope can make a tangible contribution to our goal of extending tourism to 12 months when matched with the right projects. We would like to thank all institutions that contributed to this process—especially the Nevşehir Governorship, the Ahiler Development Agency, the Cappadocia Area Presidency, our regional members of parliament, and all relevant public institutions."

Tosun also emphasized that the impact of cultural investments should be assessed not only through visitor numbers, but also through indicators such as local employment, content production, education, the protection of cultural heritage, and experience quality.