We have a target of 5 million British tourists

Minister Ersoy made statements to journalists at the World Travel Market (WTM) fair he attended in London, the capital of England. Noting that Turkey hosted 2.5 million British visitors before the Covid-19 pandemic, Ersoy said, "In our short-term program, we achieved a rapid recovery after the pandemic, and we will close the season this year with 3.8 million British visitors. Our 2026 target is 5 million. We are continuing to grow the market in line with this plan in stages."

Ersoy stated that while British tourists mostly come to the Aegean Region, Antalya has started to host more visitors, adding, "Promotions regarding Istanbul have also yielded results, and it is currently receiving a high volume of tourists from the UK market."

Emphasizing that health tourism has begun to create an alternative potential, Ersoy said that they have also increased budgets for archaeological excavation work. Minister Ersoy explained that a 12-month program has been implemented at sites where Turkish excavation directors are in charge, and that areas with foreign excavation directors will be included in the 12-month program by the end of the year, with Turkish coordinators to be appointed at these points by the end of the year.

Ersoy spoke of Turkey's goal to be the number one destination for cultural tours, saying, "This year, we see that the number of visitors to archaeological sites has increased by 47 percent compared to last year. We are both promoting this and seeing the results of the restoration of sites to be visited." Pointing out that the per-night income per visitor was 67 dollars in 2017 and rose to 100 dollars in 2023, Ersoy stated that the second goal is to reach 130 dollars.

Emphasis will be placed on campaigns for the TRNC

Noting that it is necessary to increase market and product diversity for this, Ersoy said, "There will be a Michelin launch on Thursday regarding gastronomy. It included us in its guide with Istanbul last year. Our intensive guidance has yielded results, and on Thursday, they will include Izmir, Urla, Çeşme, and Bodrum in their selections. We will all see together on Thursday which restaurant and which chef have earned the right to receive an award."

Stating that a study is being conducted regarding flights from Turkey to the TRNC or connecting flights from the TRNC, Ersoy said that with the completion of the international security process, they will also place emphasis on campaigns for the TRNC.

Ersoy also met with his counterparts from Bulgaria and the TRNC within the scope of WTM. Visiting the Turkey, TRNC, and Azerbaijan stands set up in the fair area, Ersoy also met with representatives of some private tourism companies.

News Source: AA