TravelMole Exclusive: Turkey seeks to boost profile with trade event
Turkish tourism authorities are hoping to double visitor numbers in the coming years, and hope the country’s inaugural inbound travel show will boost its profile and encourage visitors despite recent terrorist attacks. The show, called Travel Turkey 2004 takes place from 3 to 6 June in Istanbul. Organisers are expecting more than 500 tour operators and agents from around the world to attend. Öger Tours, Swiss Hotels and Kempinski have already signed up to exhibit. The announcement comes amid news of terrorist attacks in the city, but the event organisers say the city is safe. Organisers of the event are the German company Hannover-Messe International (HMI), with the support of the Turkish government. Doris Petersen, managing director of HMI Istanbul said: “We do have a perception issue to deal with. Travel Turkey will help show the trade that the country is far removed from the war zone, and that visitors are as safe here as anywhere else in the northern Mediterranean.” Visitor numbers to Turkey reached 13.9 million in 2003, up from 7.8 million in 1995. The government wants to reach 30 million by 2010. The event will act as a showcase to display Turkey’s potential as a destination for various holidays including eco-tourism, adventure, sport, art and culture. The four day event will feature seminars and workshops and the chance for business meetings in the first two days. The remaining two days of the event will be open to the public. Interested buyers should contact Mahir Erkan, marketing co-ordinator at HMI Istanbul, on +90-212-3346951, or by email at [email protected]. TravelMole is giving away four tickets to attend the event. Watch this space for more information about how to get your free ticket.
Ginny McGrath
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