Ambassador Jill Morris, the UK’s envoy to Ankara, recently highlighted the booming British tourism in Türkiye during her interview with Anadolu. Wrapping up her weeklong tour of Türkiye’s Aegean and Mediterranean coast, Morris expressed her admiration for the nation’s diverse tourist attractions.
Last year, Türkiye welcomed over 3.8 million British tourists, making them the third-largest group of visitors, following Russians and Germans. This number is expected to rise by 20% in 2023, marking a staggering 200% increase in British tourist interest since 2018. Morris’s tour included stops at popular destinations such as Izmir, Aydin, Bodrum, Marmaris, Mugla, Fethiye, and Antalya. These visits aimed to connect with UK consulates and staff who cater to the increasing number of British expats and tourists.
Morris praised Türkiye for its vast tourism offerings, stating, “There is everything here,” from sun, sea, and sand to historical sites and cultural highlights. She emphasized that while Mugla attracts a significant 46% of British visitors, Antalya is swiftly gaining popularity and is set to become a top destination.
Türkiye’s efforts in enhancing its tourism infrastructure, such as the airport expansion in Antalya, were also acknowledged by Morris. She believes these developments will further boost the region’s appeal as a prime tourist destination.
On the bilateral front, Morris emphasized the deepening relations between the UK and Türkiye. She described their bond as a “strategic partnership,” with collaborations spanning foreign policy, defense, trade, and international platforms like NATO, G-20, and the UN.
Highlighting the economic ties, Morris revealed plans for a new UK-Türkiye free trade agreement, aiming to modernize and expand into areas like digital and services. This initiative follows a thriving trade relationship that saw a 30% increase in 2022, reaching around £23.5 billion ($30 billion).
Lastly, Morris expressed admiration for first lady Emine Erdogan’s Zero Waste Project, which has gained international recognition. Inspired by Erdogan’s efforts, the UN recently declared March 30 as the International Day of Zero Waste. (AA)
