Tourism

Tourism (21)

"During 2007, 650,000 American tourists visited Turkey. This is the highest number ever recorded. In recent years, the number of tourists visiting Turkey has increased at a rate that is almost three times the world average, with 23.3 million people visiting Turkey in 2007. In 2006, there were 19 million, while in 2005, 21 million visited Turkey. The Culture and Tourism Ministry, which has established a 10 million dollar budget for the North American market in 2008, plans on bringing 1 million American tourists to Turkey by the end of the year."

Reliving the Ottoman New York

SYMA MOHAMMED - TRT WORLD - Through a walking tour across the island of Manhattan, two historians shine a light on a great many connections that existed between the former Ottoman Empire and America. When one thinks of New York City’s Lower Manhattan area, iconic images of gleaming skyscrapers overlooking the Hudson River tend to spring to mind. Now home to the city’s bustling financial district, Lower Manhattan’s history as a trading port has been largely physically erased, and consequently forgotten. However, unearthing historical archives reveals an unexpected relationship between the city and the Ottoman Empire.

Visit Istanbul Will be Istanbul's Open Door to Tourism

Visit Istanbul promotes Istanbul, famous for its cultural and art events, conventions, gastronomy tourism alongside its historical aura, in the international arena. The project, managed by the Tourism Directorate of the Cultural Department of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), aims to introduce Istanbul in select countries in the best way possible to create positive public opinion. Visit Istanbul advertises Istanbul, the capital of many civilizations throughout history and with traces of many cultures, and all of its mesmerizing features, from its historical beauty to cultural wealth and dynamic social life.

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Golf’s Long Game in Turkey

By ADAM SCHUPAKOCT - New York Times- The Turkish Golf Federation president, Ahmet Agaoglu, likes to tell the story of the time Tiger Woods straddled two continents and struck golf’s first intercontinental shot from Asia to Europe. “To play a role in it was the greatest achievement of my life,” Agaoglu said. On Nov. 5, 2013, Woods stopped traffic on the Bosporus Bridge, which spans 5,118 feet and is 210 feet above the Bosporus. Well, at least half of it was closed as Woods stepped to a circular, platform AstroTurf tee. Cars and buses whizzed by in the three lanes on the opposite side of the bridge, renamed the July 15 Martyrs Bridge in 2016, into Europe as Woods, in his trademark Sunday red golf polo, blasted drives from Istanbul in western Asia into the southeastern corner of Europe on a windy afternoon.

German Tourist Arrivals in Turkey Seen Rising 15-20 Percent in 2018

ANTALYA, Turkey (Reuters) - Early reservations point to a 15-20 percent rise in the number of German tourists visiting Turkey next year, Michael Frenzel, president of the federal association of Germany’s tourism sector told Reuters. German visitors to Turkey fell sharply last year, mainly due to security concerns following a series of militant attacks and a failed military coup and as growing tension between Berlin and Ankara caused deep strains in diplomatic ties.

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Thomas Cook: British Holidaymakers Are Returning to Egypt and Turkey

Turkey and Egypt are attracting more British holiday bookings, as prices in destinations seen as safer continue to increase. Both countries have seen a slump in visitor numbers due to a series of terror attacks, together with the closure to UK airlines of the main Egyptian resort airport, Sharm el Sheikh. But Peter Fankhauser, Chief Executive of Thomas Cook, said demand had picked up “as customers look for quality and value”. He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Both destinations are wonderful countries, with great hotels, great beaches, nice people, and it’s really good value.



“People want to go back. We are not a security company; as long as we have the advice of the Foreign Office that we can fly to Egypt and Turkey, we offer a great product.”

Many holidaymakers have switched from the eastern Mediterranean to destinations perceived as “safe”, notably Spain.

Sales to Spain were unchanged, with “a very competitive trading environment” — due to the sheer number of aircraft seats from the UK to Spanish airports. Average selling prices for seat-only tickets are down 3 per cent, while holiday prices overall have risen by 7 per cent.

“Spanish hoteliers are taking advantage a bit of the increased demand, and prices went up because we have not enough beds for all the demand,” said Mr Fankhauser. He predicted “A 5 to 10 per cent price increase we’ll have for sure in Spain” for summer 2018.

Thomas Cook has faced criticism from some holidaymakers caught up in the extreme weather in the Caribbean and Florida earlier this month, in particular travellers who were in Cuba as Hurricane Irma approached and who say Thomas Cook was slow in responding.

But Mr Fankhauser said: “I am proud of how fast we acted in the wake of Irma to support our customers, and offer them alternative destinations for their winter sun.” (Simon Calder / independent.co.uk)

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Trends in Turkish Tourism: Expat Tours

By Elizabeth Gündoğdu
Ever dreamed of life abroad? Being able to enjoy a country as a non-native, but with all the benefits of local knowledge? Imagine visiting old friends who've relocated to an exotic place. They'd take you to all their favorite places off the beaten track, and guide you through the major attractions knowing just what you'd most like to see and do.

Worlds Apart, Together in Turkey

By Valerie Block*
I’d been dating Musa for several months when he told me he was going back home to Turkey. I figured it was goodbye boyfriend, but he surprised me by phoning often. Two months into his absence, I was on a plane to Istanbul!

Dangers of Turkish Travel

By Catherine Salter Bayar *
As a Californian clothing designer in my thirties, I’d traveled alone on business to at least 40 countries worldwide. When I announced that I intended to travel solo in Turkey in 1998, however, I was bombarded with warnings from concerned friends about the danger inherent in my plan.

A Weird American

By Nathan Redd
I’ve been called a lot of things in my life, but “weird American” has probably taken the top spot in recent years.  There are many reasons I’ve been called this, but my following the game of futbol (I refuse to call it “soccer”) is one of the major ones.
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