STORY: Glamping on trend in Türkiye's Igneada
SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage
DATELINE: Feb. 19, 2025
LENGTH: 00:03:55
LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Igneada district 
2. various of children trying to overcome obstacles on a track between tall trees
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): PELIN DENIZHAN, Vacationer
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): YIGIT KUCUKKINAY, Founding partner of the glamping retreat
5. various of Longosphere Glamping in Igneada, Türkiye
6. SOUNDBITE 3 (Turkish): YIGIT KUCUKKINAY, Founding partner of the glamping retreat
7. various of Mert Lake
8. various of Longoz forests
9. SOUNDBITE 4 (Turkish): ALTUG ERDEM, Mayor of Igneada

STORYLINE:

Joyous laughter floats in the air, heard from children navigating a thrilling parkour course, back and forth between towering trees five to ten meters above the ground in the heart of a forest.
   
The course for a high-adrenaline adventure distinguishes the Longosphere Glamping retreat in Igneada, a resort town along Türkiye's western Black Sea coast. Moreover, it showcases a growing trend of combining luxury with nature in the local ecotourism.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): PELIN DENIZHAN, Vacationer
"I believe ecotourism will definitely stand out, and it should. As someone living in Istanbul, the crowds of the metropolis and the sheer number of people make it clear that people are in need of escape destinations. Nature is the healthiest, most beautiful, and safest escape from the chaos of urban life. In my opinion, nature-based places are the healthiest, most beautiful, and most protective spots for people. I truly believe this is the ideal place for them."
   
Glamping, the short term for glamorous camping, allows campers to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the modern comforts. It is increasingly popular in Igneada, a region internationally renowned for its Longoz forests, pristine lakes and wild beaches.
   
The Longoz floodplain forests, a result from the evolution of river alluvium and the influence of nearby coastal deltas, are home to around 630 plant species, most of them endemic to the region.
   
Diverse programs in the Longosphere Glamping retreat enrich the experience there, such as all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rides, hiking, canoeing or trekking through a snow-covered forest at night.
   
Yigit Kucukkinay, founding partner of the glamping retreat, said their 125 eco-friendly luxury tents were designed to harmonize with the forest ecosystem, with no disruptions.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): YIGIT KUCUKKINAY, Founding partner of the glamping retreat
"People, especially city dwellers, have a strong longing and curiosity for nature. However, this curiosity can be accompanied by fear of the unknown."

SOUNDBITE 3 (Turkish): YIGIT KUCUKKINAY, Founding partner of the glamping retreat
"In the evening, for example, basic needs like toilets, showers, and food can be sources of concern. By offering modern amenities like climate control and hygiene facilities, it provides comforts without compromising the immersive natural experience. This makes it an appealing option for those seeking tranquility and connection with nature."
   
Mayor of Igneada Altug Erdem told Xinhua that the region has caught the attention of ecotourism businesses, with many now focusing their services on glamping.
   
SOUNDBITE 4 (Turkish): ALTUG ERDEM, Mayor of Igneada
"Forest tourism, mushroom foraging, and eco-friendly tours now extend the tourism season to be year-round. As the forest begins to green in the summer, schools are choosing the area for trips, and corporate firms are hosting seminars here, thanks to our location in Istanbul's hinterland. These factors all contribute to the growing tourism activity, with tourism in Igneada now spanning the entire year."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Istanbul, Türkiye.
(XHTV)