Turkey, one of the world’s largest tourism destinations, is all set to welcome 50 million tourists in 2019, according to the government’s projection based on the easing of regional tension and the onset of a more peaceful environment in the Middle East.
This projection is further rooted in the increased interest in Göbeklitepe — cited one of the most significant archeological discoveries of the 21st century, this twelve-thousand-year-old temple was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018 and is expected to draw heavy interest from the scientific community, historians and tourists alike.
Turkey welcomed just over 46 million visitors in 2018, including 39.49 million foreigners and 6.62 million Turkish citizens from abroad. The country recorded US$29.5 billion worth of earnings from foreign tourist spending in 2018.
Turkey is returning to the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) taking place at the World Trade Centre from April 28 to May 1, 2019, with an 800-square meter stand that will host 35 leading travel and tour operators collectively serving one of the world’s largest tourism markets.
Turkey’s participation at the ATM 2019 seeks to rebrand the country as a luxury tourism destination while retaining its appeal among average budget travelers. Its 800-square meter exhibition stand is split into two sub-pavilions: one under the Ministry of Tourism, and the other under Turkish Airline.
Turkish Pavilion, located in Hall No 8, Stand No. EU6210, will offer a glimpse of the country’s fusion of rich Euro-Asian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures. Tour operators planning to increase their business with Turkish counterparts can visit the stand and engage with the participants representing Turkey’s hotels, serviced apartments, tour operators and travel agents.
Turkey’s participation at the ATM comes at a time when the country seeks to increase its earnings from the tourism sector, which is expected to be worth US$100 billion by 2023, according to recent reports.
Salih Ozer, Attaché of Culture and Information, Turkey to the UAE, said, “Tourism is one of the largest economic sectors in Turkey, and we are now focusing on the luxury travel destinations and services that will raise the profile of Turkey on the global tourism map. We welcome travel and tour operators from across the region to our pavilion at the ATM to strengthen their ties with our travel and tourism partners.”
He added, “Turkey remains an oasis of peace and tranquility and offers a large number of tourist attractions. It offers greater value for money when compared to other popular tourist destinations across the world.”
Turkey is one of the largest outbound tourism markets for people living in the Gulf countries. Tourism revenues increased 12.3% reaching US$29.5 billion in 2018, in comparison with US$26.2 billion the revenues collected in 2017. Official data revealed that 81.8% of the income came from foreign visitors and 18.2% from Turkish citizens living abroad.
