ATO OPENS A STAND AT TRAVELEXPO IN ANKARA TO PROMOTE THE CAPITAL'S TOURISM POTENTIAL
15-11-2024- Gürsel Baran, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO), emphasized the significant progress made in tourism over the last 20 years, despite challenges faced in Turkey's geography. "By the end of this year, we are targeting 60 million tourists and $60 billion in revenue," he stated. Baran also highlighted the promotion of the capital's health tourism under the "Health Ankara" brand.
Baran made these remarks during the opening of the 7th edition of the TravelExpo Ankara International Tourism and Travel Fair. The opening was attended by key figures such as Aleksey Yerhov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Turkey, Vasip Şahin, Governor of Ankara, Davut Günaydın, Vice President of TÜRSAB, Birol Akman, President of the Ankara Tourism Operators Association (ATİD), and Bilgin Aygül, Chairman of Atis Fairs.
Baran noted that despite global challenges, Turkey continued to make strides in tourism. He pointed out that over the past 20 years, the number of tourists visiting Turkey had risen from 13 million to 56 million, with tourism revenues reaching nearly $56 billion, up from $8.5 billion. The target for the end of this year is 60 million tourists and $60 billion in revenue. Baran emphasized that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is actively working to promote Turkey's tourist attractions worldwide.
"CAPITAL'S HEALTH TOURISM POTENTIAL"
Baran stressed the importance of maintaining Turkey's potential in areas beyond sea, sun, and sand tourism. He highlighted the nation's rich cultural, historical, thermal, and natural resources as key to diversifying tourism offerings.
Regarding Ankara's potential, Baran mentioned the establishment of the Ankara Congress and Visitor Bureau, which operates under the "Health Ankara" brand to promote the city's growing health tourism sector internationally. He emphasized that Ankara's qualified healthcare professionals, state-of-the-art hospitals, and competitive pricing are factors contributing to its increasing prominence in health tourism.
Baran also underscored the importance of increasing direct flights to further develop tourism in the capital.
TRAVELEXPO ATO STAND
To promote Ankara's tourism, ATO participated in the TravelExpo Ankara 7th International Tourism and Travel Fair with its own stand. The fair saw over 60 industry professionals from Russia, Chechnya, Tatarstan, and Adygea, including travel agencies, tour operators, embassies, universities, and hotels.
ATO RECEPTION AT TRAVELEXPO
On the evening of the first day of TravelExpo, ATO hosted a reception attended by ATO Members, 80 international guests from 35 countries, and representatives of Ankara's health tourism sector. In his speech, ATO Vice President Temel Aktay highlighted Turkey's rise as a star in health tourism, alongside its well-established status as a vacation destination.
Aktay also pointed out that the health sector is a vital part of the global economy, encompassing everything from medical products and pharmaceuticals to healthcare facilities and insurance. He emphasized that TravelExpo provided an excellent platform for international stakeholders to connect and explore new opportunities for collaboration in health tourism.
"TURKEY: A PREFERRED DESTINATION"
Aktay noted that Turkey's hospitals, health centers, hair transplant services, dental care, aesthetic surgery, physiotherapy, and thermal facilities are attracting foreign tourists. "Turkey is a rising star in health tourism, just as it is a recognized vacation destination," he stated. He further highlighted Ankara's competitive advantages in health tourism, including high-quality services, thermal resources, modern healthcare infrastructure, skilled professionals, and affordable prices.
The TravelExpo Ankara 7th International Tourism and Travel Fair will remain open until November 17, 2024.
