News from Turkey

The wedding industry professionals will convene in Istanbul for the International Convention of the Wedding Fraternity (ICWF). ICWF will take place from 3-5th June 2018 at the Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul.

After a successful sales start for flights in summer 2018 to Turkish destinations, Germania sets up additional services to the Turkish Riviera. Additionally, more flights for next winter have been added to the Antalya schedule.

Turkey’s biggest international cinema event, Istanbul Film Festival is preparing to meet cinema lovers for the 37th time between 6 and 17 April 2018.

Turkey's national carrier, Turkish Airlines has decided to purchase 50 firm and 10 optional aircraft, a total of 60 wide body aircraft.

Turkish Airlines announced record breaking numbers in February 2018. Turkey’s national carrier has increased the total number of passengers by 26% reaching 5.1 million passengers. 5 million passenger level is exceeded first time in Turkish Airlines history for the month of February.

The 25th Izmir European Jazz Festival, organized by İzmir Foundation for Culture, Arts and Education (İKSEV) with the contributions of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, is taking place between March 03 and 22, 2018.

Pegasus Airlines has announced that the airlines carried 15.2% more passengers in 2017 to 27.82 million, while simultaneously growing its turnover by 44% to TL 5.3 billion (US$1.4 billion). Pegasus’s annual net profit for 2017 was TL 501 million (US$131.5 million).

The number of Chinese tourists traveling internationally has reached 130 million in 2017, up 7% from 122 million in 2016. An estimated 115.29 billion USD was spent during 2017, a year-on-year increase of 5%.

Turkey's global brand in airport operations, TAV Airports is buying IC ictas' 49% stake in ICF Antalya, the joint-venture that manages Antalya Airport. Consequently, the number of airports in TAV's portfolio reaches 18 and the annual number of passengers served increases to approximately 141 million.

Turkey welcomed a record number of tourists from Ukraine in 2016 and 2017. According to Turkey's Ambassador to Kiev; Yönet Can Tezel, the number of Ukrainian tourists will surpass last years' tourist arrival numbers.

The 23rd General Assembly of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB) is held last weekend in Istanbul. The term for Başaran Ulusoy, who headed the association uninterrupted for 18 years, has officially ended.

TAV Airports Holding, Turkey's global brand in airport operations, increased passengers served 10% and reached 115 million. The company increased revenue 3% and reached EUR 1,143 million. The company will continue to create social benefit to foster economic growth in its operating geography.

The World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF), committed to collaborate globally to empower the economic development of the world by fostering innovative financial instruments for SMEs, innovators and startups, kicked off in Istanbul, Turkey. The forum is taking place from February 18 to 20, 2018.

Uzbekistan will allow 30-day visa-free entry to citizens of seven countries including Turkey.