Over the past decade, Turkey has seen astounding growth in both the business and leisure travel markets. 2010 saw a ten percent increase in UK visitors to Turkey with the overall total now standing at a record 2.7 million. Turkey has leapt from 17th place in the world in terms of tourist arrivals in 2002, to seventh place in 2009.
Those travelling for business find a full range of world-class amenities, including excellent hotels and state-of-the-art meeting and convention facilities. Turkey is renowned for its high standards of service, hospitality and excellent value for money. In 2011, for example, the Post Office’s annual Holiday Money Report reported a 13 percent fall in holiday costs. Low costs provide great value ensuring that those travelling on business can make their budget stretch even further.
Istanbul is Turkey’s top business destination. In 2011, it was named the ‘World’s Number 7 Convention City’ in the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) rankings – a massive leap from 17th place the previous year. Istanbul boasts world-leading convention facilities as well as a plethora of top class hotels. Other major cities such as Antalya and Izmir also play host to international large-scale conventions.
In 2009, Istanbul’s Congress Valley expanded considerably with the addition of the Istanbul Convention Centre and the Halic (Golden Horn) Convention Centre, making it even more attractive as a host city for large-scale conferences, exhibitions and events.
Hotel openings in Istanbul in 2011 include the Edition Hotel, the first in Europe, and Le Meridien, situated in the business and shopping district of Levent. The House Hotels chain also opened its third property, House Hotel Bosphorus.
One of the greatest attractions of Turkey for both business and leisure travellers alike is its diversity. The country is home to two of the Wonders of the Ancient World, 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 311 Blue Flag beaches and 15 world-class golf courses. The many cultural events taking place in Turkey range from the Shopping Fest which was launched in Istanbul in March 2011 to the Jazz Festival which is taking place for the first time in Antalya’s stunning Aspendos Theatre in July 2011.
Turkey hosts many international trade exhibitions and shows. Later this year, Belek is to host the high-profile International Golf Travel Market, the leading golf travel trade show from 14th-17th November. Turkey’s premier golf resort now boasts eleven championship courses and is one of the fastest growing golfing destinations in Europe.
In December 2011, Travel Turkey, Izmir 2011 is expected, once again, to attract hundreds of exhibitors from across the globe. The event is the perfect platform for tourism professionals looking to do business with Turkey. In recognition of Turkey’s growing importance in the spa tourism industry, ItSpa, a new global business-to-business spa event, the first such its kind, is to be hosted in Istanbul from 19-21 February 2012.
It is easy to travel around Turkey with frequent and convenient domestic flight services linking all major centres. Turkish Airlines is the national carrier and offers comfortable business class services on many domestic routes. In 2011, Turkish Airlines was named Best Airline Europe at the Skytrax Passenger Choice Awards in Paris. The carrier was also victorious in two further categories: Best Premium Economy Seats and Best Airline Southern Europe. The Awards are based upon a global, independent survey of 18.8 million passengers, and seen as benchmark for excellence in the airline industry.
Whatever your reason for visiting Turkey, and whatever your destination you are sure to be impressed by what Turkey has to offer.
For further information on Turkey www.gototurkey.co.uk or call the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office on 020 78397778
