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Meditour & MedTravel Held In Antalya
 Organized by ANFAS with cooperation of Association of Chambers of Commerce of the Mediterranean (ASCAME), Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO), and Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ATSO) within the scope of MediTour, Medtravel Mediterranean Congress and Health Tourism Fair organized with several forums. A total of 550 representatives from tourism and commerce sectors of Spain, Croatia, Malta, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Greece, Tunis, Britain, Germany and China attended Meditour 2006.
During the forum of “Selection of Insurance Company and Health Facility within the perspective of health tourism” subjects including international provision systems, patient and insurance company's hospital selection and standards of health tourism were discussed.
 During the first season of MediTour; Mediterranean Cultures and Tourism Summit of Mediterranean Ministers of Tourism, Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mr. Atilla Koç stated that Mediterranean countries should have a common action against terrorism.
Chairman of Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and ICVB, Murat Yalcintas also attended the Meditour. Yalcintas said that several projects like “Tourism Focused Regional Development Project” should be constituted. “We are in a new term in which world sees changes and developments in tourism. World Tourism Organization foresees tourist numbers will reach 1 billion and 1,5 trillion dollars of tourism income is expected in 2010” said Yalcintas. Yalcintas added that by 2020, number of tourists in the world is expected to reach 1.6 billion and 400 million of them will travel to Mediterranean region. Turkey should prepare for any action in order to receive what it deserves.
 Yalcintas commented that Mediterranean region has adequate conditions for rapid tourism development and growth. “What we have to do is that, beside these existing conditions we have to create opportunities for new investments and conditions to increase the growth speed. Tourism in the region should be diversified. In order to diversify new projects like “Tourism Focused Regional Development Project” should be constituted. Countries in the region should set, monitor joint policies and form an international alliance.
Suzanna TURKU – Albanian Vice Minister of Tourism, Nedeljko BABIC – Tourism Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zhifa WANG – Chinese Vice President of Tourism Administration, Enver ÖZTÜRK - Minister of Economy and Tourism - Turlish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Gordana TODIC - Undersecretary of Tourism Ministry – Serbia, Tigani HADDAD - Minister of Tourism - Republic of Tunisia, Farouk Al HADIDI - Undersecretary of Tourism and Antiquities of Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan were attended the Mediterranean Cultures and Tourism Summit of Mediterranean Ministers of Tourism.
President of Association of German Travel Agencies, Klaus Laepple stated at the second season titled “The Contribution of Tourism in The Development, Peace and Inter Cultural Dialogue of the Mediterranean” that German tourists found everything they are looking for in Turkey and they are sun, sea, beach and good service.
Yannis Evangelou; President of Association of Greek Travel Agencies stated that they have promoted Greece with two distinctive points cheap travel and beautiful sea so that tourists that came to Greece would travel around the country, see our history, see beautiful destinations by visiting Greek islands.
Riza Epikmen Vice President of Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB) said at the forum that Turkey would reach 21 million tourist target but we should focus on the tourism income not the number of tourists arrived. If we can organize the national market well, we could get the international economy back on tracks. It is difficult to open a hotel but keep it working is even more difficult said Epikmen.
President of ASCAME Jilani Benm'barek said at the closing season and press conference that countries with the Mediterranean region should closely focus on its economical and historical promotion while new investments and projects are continuing with the region.
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1st International Aspendos Culture & Art Festival
The 1st International Aspendos Culture & Art Festival organized by the Turkish Culture and Art Union organized between October 2nd and 18th at Aspendos Ancient Theater in Serik town of southern city of Antalya.
 The festival, which is supported by Turkish Culture & Tourism Ministry, helped to promote Turkish music, folk dances and culture to the whole world. Famous singers like Ahmet Ozhan, Sertab Erener and Sumer Ezgu took stage and performed concerts during the festival. Top
Turkey-South Korea Sign Cooperation Agreement on Tourism
Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Atilla Koc and his South Korean counterpart Kim Myung-Gun signed a cooperation agreement on tourism on October 4th. According to Koc, Turkey and South Korea signed a cultural cooperation agreement in 1993. "With the agreement signed, we wish to carry our tourism relations further," noted Koc.
 Meanwhile, Kim Myung-Gun indicated that the agreement on cooperation in tourism is an important step that will bring success. "Our countries are geographically far to each other. However, the hearts of our peoples are very close to each other," stressed Myung-Gun.
The number of South Korean tourists arriving in Turkey is rising rapidly," added Koc.
8th Annual New York Turkish Film Festival
The 8th Annual New York Turkish Film Festival whose theme is Istanbul held between October 21st and 28th, 2006.
 Nongovernmental organization Moon & Stars based in New York organized the festival in order to boost a two-way cultural interaction between Turkey and the United States.
This year Istanbul weighed in prominently in the festival with films such as Istanbul Hatirasi (Crossing the Bridge), Anlat Istanbul (Istanbul Tales), Politiki Kouzina (Bir Tutam Baharat/A Touch of Spice), Iki Genc Kiz (Two Girls) and Organize Isler (Organized Jobs).
The festival opened with "Babam ve Oglum" (My Father and My Son) directed by Cagan Irmak, Turkey's young and successful filmmaker. Babam ve Oglum is Turkey's box office hit of 2005, seen by more than four million theatergoers.
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Antalya Hosted WRC Turkey Rally
The 4th Turkey Rally, the 13th leg of the World Rally Championship (WRC), took place between October 12th-15th, 2006 in southern city of Antalya's Kemer town. 80 teams approved by the International Federation of Automobiles (FIA) competed in the Turkey Rally.
 Ford's Finish driver Marcus Gronholm won the Turkish Rally on Sunday to cut absent world champion Sebastien Loeb's overall lead to 25 points with three rounds remaining. Ford's Marcus Gronholm won the Rally of Turkey ahead of Ford teammate Mikko Hirvonen. Henning Solberg of Peugeot was third.
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Izmir To Host A Collection from The Louvre Museum
Izmir will host a collection from the Louvre Museum of Paris and the French National Library until November 30. The exhibition, which opened at the Izmir French Cultural Center and the Museum of the Chamber of Commerce, encompasses 50 statues along with 18 rare coins.
Artifacts sold by collectors to the Louvre will be exhibited at the Izmir Chamber of Commerce. Documents from the French National Library, such as maps, illustrations and photographs, ranging from the years 1500-1900 will meet art lovers at the French Cultural Center.
 As part of the “Antique Smyrna” exhibition, 50 statues and 18 coins were brought to the Izmir Chamber of Commerce. A good number of artifacts - including the statue of Asclepios, the head of Athena, the statue of Artemis and the basilica remnants discovered in Agora - present first hand information about the city which was founded on the outskirts of Kadifekale around the year 300 BC. According to legend, Antigonos and Lysimakos founded Smyrna at the behest of Alexander the Great.
The “Modern Smyrna” part of the exhibition at the French Cultural Center will feature the rediscovery of the city after its troublesome period following the collapse of the Byzantine Empire until its conquest by the Ottomans.
The city's rejuvenation can be seen through numerous documents – antique books, maps, plans, engravings, travelers' diaries, botanical surveys, sketches and drawings - depicting the city's topographical and historical development; a great many of which have so far never been seen in public.
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Turkish Fashion Days In Amsterdam
Turkish textile manufacturers put their products on exhibition in Dutch capital Amsterdam, a prominent center of world fashion and textile. More  than 25 textile companies from Turkey will exhibit their products of latest fashion in "World Fashion Center" on November 6 and 7.
The fair aims to set up further business relations between Dutch and Turkish fashion & textile companies.
According to the information released by World Fashion Center, Turkey ranks, 6th place in textile export and it turns out to be influential in world fashion not only through product quality but also through a new generation of designers including Huseyin Caglayan, Rifat Ozbek, Dice Kayek ve Atil Kutoglu.
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Hülya Aslantas Elected Vice President of Skål International
Hülya Aslantas will be the President of Skål International during the 2007 World Skål Congress that will be held in Antalya, Turkey on 4-9  November 2007. Hülya Aslantas currently appointed to Senior Vice Presidency during the 67th Skål World Congress held in Pattaya, Thailand on 15-20 October 2006.
The new Executive Committee of Skål International for this year is as follows;
President – Skål International – Litsa Papathanassi – Greece
Senior Vice- President – Hülya Aslantas– Turkey
Junior Vice- President – Philip Sims – New Zealand
Directors – Nik Racic – Croatia
Tony Boyle – Australia
Enrique Quesada Y Barrios – Mexico
John D. Britton – Canada
President of the International Council Lone Ricks – Denmark
Secretary General – Jim Power
The Auditors elected; Senior Auditor – Yaacov Hartman - Isreal
Deputy Auditors Nora Cronin – Ireland and Renate Blindheim-Norway
David Colin Selley from Bermuda was awarded the distinction of Membre d'Honneur of Skål International.
Skål, founded as an international association in 1934 is the largest organization of travel and tourism professionals in the world, embracing all sectors of the travel and tourism industry. Skål is the ideal platform for “Doing Business among Friends” and members are encouraged to network with other members in the 87 countries and almost 500 locations where Skål exists.
Skål International is aiming at quality and supports sustainable development and responsible tourism. Skål International is an Affiliate member of the World Tourism Organisation Business Council, one of whose missions is to promote ethics in business, particularly the Global Code of Ethics issued by the World Tourism Organisation, which covers peace, the environment, security, pollution, human contacts and respect for local cultures. Skål International is also a member of the task force on the prevention of sexual exploitation of children in tourism and is one of the sponsors of the Code of Conduct drawn up as a result of this task force.
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Red Vultures To Contribute To Turkish Tourism
Akdeniz University (AU) Bird Observation Club members have been watching 20 red vultures living on the Mount Bozburun in Antalya's Koprulu Canyon National Park, to boost ornitho-tourism in Turkey.
 AU Bird Observation Club members have been monitoring 20 red vultures, who have been living at 1.900-meter altitude of the Mount Bozburun, for one year. They said that a festival will be held between November 17th and 19th, 2006 at Ballibucak village to attract tourists to Antalya and contribute to ornitho-tourism in Turkey.
Vultures that feed on carcass protects the earth from epidemic diseases and pollution. 16 vulture species which are extinct in several countries can be observed in Turkey.
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Turkey Ranked Eighth In World with Its Tourism Income
Turkey's sun, sea and historic treasures earned the country the world's fastest growth rate in the world last year, beating both China and the United States with a total of $18.2 billion in tourism income in 2005 was revealed in a report by the World Tourism Organization (UNWT0). In addition to the fastest growth rate, the new figures rank Turkey in eighth spot among countries in tourism income.
 According to the WTO data, Germany reported $29.2 billion and Austria $14.9 billion.
Meanwhile, the United States held the No. 1 spot in the list with a yearly tourism income of $81.7 billion. That was 9.6 percent up from America's take a year earlier of $74.5 billion.
On the list, Spain followed the United States with a tourism income of $47.9 billion, up 5.8 percent on 2004. France earned $42.3 billion and Italy $35.4 billion. WTO data showed that Italy's tourism income declined 0.7 percent compared to 2004. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom earned $30.4 billion from tourism in 2005, while China earned $29.3 billion.
Turkey's tourism income rose 14.2 percent from $15.9 billion in 2004 to $18.2 billion in 2005. According to the WTO data that's the highest percentage increase for last year among the 10 countries that are in the list. China followed Turkey with an increase of 13.8 percent and the United States with 9.6 percent.
In terms of visitor numbers, France is the most attractive place to visit, the WTO said. Some 76 million tourists visited France in 2005, while 55.6 million visited Spain . The United States attracted 49.4 million, 46.8 million picked China , 36.5 million tourists visited Italy , the United Kingdom entertained 30 million and Mexico welcomed 21.9 million. Turkey ranked ninth in this list with 20.3 million. That's 26.1 percent higher than 2004's 16.8 million. Australia followed Turkey with 20 million tourists.
Tourism income figures of the top ten countries in 2004 and 2005 are as follows (billion USD):
Tourism Income
Countries |
2004 |
2005 |
Difference (%) |
USA |
74.5 |
81.7 |
9.6 |
Spain |
45.2 |
47.9 |
5.8 |
France |
40.8 |
42.3 |
3.5 |
Italy |
35.7 |
35.4 |
-0.7 |
Britain |
28.2 |
30.4 |
7.6 |
China |
25.7 |
29.3 |
13.8 |
Germany |
27.7 |
29.2 |
5.6 |
Turkey |
15.9 |
18.2 |
14.2 |
Austria |
15.3 |
15.5 |
0.9 |
Australia |
13.6 |
14.9 |
9.5 |
Number of Tourists
Countries |
2004 |
2005 |
Difference (%) |
France |
74.1 |
76.0 |
1.2 |
Spain |
52.4 |
55.6 |
6.0 |
USA |
46.1 |
49.4 |
7.2 |
China |
41.8 |
46.8 |
12.1 |
Italy |
37.1 |
36.5 |
-1.5 |
Britain |
27.8 |
30.0 |
8.0 |
Mexico |
20.6 |
21.9 |
6.3 |
Germany |
20.1 |
21.5 |
6.8 |
Turkey |
16.8 |
20.3 |
20.5 |
Austria |
19.4 |
20.0 |
3.0 |
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Turkish Trains Now Internet-Ready
Taking into consideration requests for Internet access on trains, the State Railways Association (TCDD) realized the project on the Ankara-Istanbul line, and has begun to provide a 24-hour wireless connection on the Baskent and Cumhuriyet trains.
 After months-long preparation, the TCDD managed to establish a continuous connection for 95 percent of the line. Now those traveling on trains will be able to use the Internet with their laptop computers during the course of the voyage.
Seemingly never-ending dull train trips will turn into a pleasant and entertaining event, particularly for young travelers. The service will be offered free of charge.
For now, free Internet will be available only on dining cars and those adjacent to the dining car. If the traveler requests access to the cars where the Internet is available, he or she will be given tickets for those cars.
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Ottoman Palace Collection To Be Exhibited In Abu Dhabi
 Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc will pay a visit to United Arab Emirates to inaugurate the Ottoman Palace Collection Exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
The exhibition including 127 precious artworks selected from the Dolmabahce Palace Collection will run in Abu Dhabi Culture Foundation Al-Nakheel Hall between November 1st and 24th.
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7th International Antalya Piano Festival
The 7th International Antalya Piano Festival will be held between November 3rd and 25th, 2006.
 Several world-famous pianists will attend the festival, organized by Antalya Municipality and Antalya Arts and Culture Foundation (AKSAV).
Theme of this year's festival is "Mozart in Antalya" because 2006 was announced as "Mozart Year".
Several foreign and Turkish musicians including Patricia Kopatchinskaja, Michel Camilo, Tomatito, Ju Hee Suh, Jean Phillippe Collard, Miriam Mendez, Verda Erman, Emre Sen and Muhiddin Durruoglu will give concerts during the festival.
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Turkey Promotion In Prague
On October 18, Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry, Turkish Airlines and Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB) organized Turkey and Turkish Cuisine Promotion Event at Hilton Hotel Prague.
 Travel agencies operating in Prague, representatives of Czech press, Consul Generals and Ambassadors of several countries and representatives of airline companies attended the event. Turkish Republic Warsaw Culture and Tourism Counselor Onur Gözet, Turkish Airlines Sales and Marketing Manager Faruk Çizmecioglu, Turkish Airlines Czech Republic and Slovakia Manager Fatma Yüceler and TÜRSAB Head of International Relations Ela Atakan delivered speeches and made a presentation.
350 guests attended the promotion night.
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Antalya Honored As "City Of Tourism" In Switzerland
Turkish Mediterranean city of Antalya has been declared as the "Tourist City of the Year" in Switzerland, mayor's office announced.
 Antalya Mayor Menderes Turel will receive the award to this effect at the International Holiday Fair to be held in Swiss city of Lugano between October 29th and November 1st. Metropolitan Municipality will open a stand in the fair to promote Antalya.
According to the mayor's office, Antalya will be presented with the award because of the harmony of mountains and the deep blue sea that tourists enjoy in the city, and for being a significant holiday destination.
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Ankara Airport Hosts Atatürk Photograph Exhibition
The newly opened terminal at Ankara's Esenboga Airport is hosting a photography exhibition to mark the occasion of the 83rd anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic .
 The exhibition is the first such activity at the new domestic and international terminal and showcases 60 photographs of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic, taken during the early years of the republic, reported the Anatolia news agency.
The photographs can be viewed in the arrival-departure section of the new terminal, opened by TAV Airports Holding.
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Eskisehir International Festival
12th Eskisehir International Festival organized with the cooperation of Eskisehir Urban Development Foundation and Zeytinoglu Education, Science and Culture Foundation will be held between November 4 and 12, 2006.
 Eskisehir hosts several local and foreign artists and groups of music, cinema and theater at all major concert and theater venues of the city.
This year four workshops, three exhibitions, concerts (six classical music, two jazz and one rock), two puppet shows, are among the activities of the festival. Furthermore, plays for adults and children are also in the program.
Global Local Helsinki exhibition composed of contemporary Finnish designs will be held at Anadolu University Library and Documentation Center (Kütüphane ve Dokümantasyon Merkezi) Exhibition Hall between November 4th and 12th.
Show venues are sports, movie halls, Atatürk Kültür Merkezi (Atatürk Cultural Center) halls of Anadolu University, Halls, Metropolitan Municipality of Eskisehir (EBB) Art, and Culture Palace halls, Ari Movie Theater.
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Corendon To Start Hotel Management In Turkey
Corendon, the popular Netherlands-based travel agency, is planning to submit management proposals for 10 hotels in Turkey, said Corendon Hotels Coordinator Cem Bora Sevim.
 Corendon Airlines offers flights between Istanbul and Eindhoven seven days a week, Istanbul, and Amsterdam four days a week from Sabiha Gökçen Airport, he said.
“Corendon Airlines is a famous brand in Europe, and we aim to be a brand in hotel management, too,” he added. Corendon has started to operate four resorts in Bodrum, namely the Gündem Resort, Sun Hill, Rana Resort and Kaynak Apart, Sevim said.
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