In Erzurum, which was declared the "EİT 2025 Tourism Capital and European Winter Sports Capital", snowtrack, snowmobile and torchlight ski shows were held at the "Night Ceremony" event at the Palandöken Ski Center.
In the event held on Palandöken Mountain, the gendarmerie search and rescue, Ejder 3200 Search and Rescue team and athletes descended from the summit on skis carrying a giant Turkish flag.
The guests watched with excitement the breathtaking shows of the LED and illuminated ski synchronized team, snowmobiles, snowtrack fleet and torchlight ski teams.
The show ended with the skiers descending from the summit with torches lighting the words "Ejder 3200 and Palandöken".
Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mehmet Sekmen said in his speech that the city is one of the most important tourism destinations not only in Anatolia but also in Eurasia due to its geography and that it has hosted many civilizations throughout its thousands of years of history.
Stating that the title of European Winter Sports Capital is not only an award but also a great responsibility, Sekmen said, "Erzurum has now become the focal point of the member countries of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and a center that world tourism will closely monitor. In this process, we will continue our work without slowing down to make the best use of Erzurum's potential, to develop both our city's tourism infrastructure and to strengthen its international promotion. Erzurum will host visitors from all over the world throughout 2025."
Sekmen stated that they have initiated a comprehensive preparation process to promote the city in the best way during this process.
Emphasizing that they will represent the city in a way that does justice to this responsibility by joining hands with the people of Erzurum, Sekmen said, "The title of European Winter Sports Capital will also make great contributions to Erzurum's economy. In addition, this process will accelerate our economic growth goals by making Erzurum an attractive center for investors."
Sekmen expressed his gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, ECO officials, European Capitals and Cities Federation Founding President Gian Francesco Lupatelli and the European Delegation, business people working in the tourism sector and all fellow citizens who have supported the city during this process, and said, "2025 will be a turning point for Erzurum. We will make the most of this opportunity and make Erzurum one of the most important tourism destinations not only in Turkey but also in the world."
The event was attended by ECO 2025 Tourism Capital Coordinator Muharrem Çığlık, district governors, district mayors, Erzurum Youth and Sports Provincial Director Levent Çakmur, Provincial Culture and Tourism Director Ahmet Yer, institution managers, representatives of non-governmental organizations and citizens.
