While many destinations have experienced a tourism decline during the current economic climate, Turkey recently reported that it saw a 2.4 percent increase in U.S. travelers from January to April 2009 when compared to that same period in 2008. With that in mind, Turkey is adding to its tourism infrastructure with the development of new hotels, air service and tours.
”Though the increase in U.S. visitation was slight—106,903 in January-April 2009 versus 104,374 in January-April 2009—the increase comes at a time when almost every other major European tourism destination has seen a decline in U.S. visitation,” says a spokesperson for the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism. “In light of the economy, we feel that these incremental gains are indicators of big things to come as Turkey continues to emerge as an attractive vacation option for American travelers.”
The recently opened Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Çeşme, for example is located in the coastal town of Çeşme, a popular resort area offering guests marinas, shopping, restaurants, nightlife and beaches.
The property features 312 guestrooms, the Dulcis Thermal Spa & Hammam, four restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools and a nightclub. Average nightly rates run approximately $325 per night. For more information, visit radissonblu.com.
Meanwhile, Hilton Hotels welcomed its first Hilton Worldwide Resort brand in Turkey with last month’s opening of the Hilton Dalaman Golf Resort & Spa. Located in the town of Sarigerme, on the Mediterranean Sea at the mouth of the Dalaman River, the new resort features 410 guestrooms, including 52 spacious suites, all with private balconies with views of the Aegean Sea or the Sarigerme mountain range.
The property features its own private beach and range of amenities, including a fitness center, spa, golf course, 10 swimming pools and two tennis courts. For rates and more information, visit hilton.com.
In addition to new hotels, Turkey is offering travelers more flight options as Turkish Airlines is continuing its global expansion with new planes and services from Toronto. A new Toronto–Istanbul route launched on July 11 and will operate three times per week. The new service brings the number of worldwide destinations serviced by Turkish Airlines to 151. For more information, visit thy.com.
In response to Turkey’s growth in population, FEST TRAVEL, a tour company specializing in cultural tours throughout Turkey and other destinations, is opening its new U.S. offices in New Jersey to be able to serve its clients better.
“The travel industry has suffered tremendously after 9/11. International travel has been very slow but recently Turkey has attracted many travelers for cultural, religious, business and leisure travel,” says Beril Sakmar, operation manager, FEST TRAVEL USA. “Our Turkey office has been getting many inquiries from the U.S. and booking many travelers. Therefore, to be able to serve its clients better, FEST TRAVEL decided to open an office in the U.S. so that seven to 10 hours of time difference between Turkey and the U.S. could be eliminated.”
Sakmar tells Recommend, “Our tours are carefully coordinated by our experienced staff to provide you with the most rewarding travel experience of your life and all with a very convenient cost. With over 200 itineraries, there is definitely something for everyone.”
FEST TRAVEL’s tours vary from 1-day sightseeing tours all over Turkey (West, East, Black Sea, Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ankara, Izmir, etc.) to 7- to 15-day tours with thematic, cultural, Biblical, Jewish heritage, archaeological study and/or historical themes. For those who prefer a more active vacation, trekking and yacht cruising tours are available.
Some examples of available tours include Eastern Turkey in Depth, Human Rights and Culture in East Anatolia and Women in Turkey.
”Turkey is a safe country with excellent accommodations and transportation means. Tour guides are very knowledgeable and people are very friendly. People who have traveled to Turkey come back with unforgettable memories and many go back to explore the rest of the country,” says Sakmar. “Since tourism is a very important part of the economy, we value our agents’ business and try to attract more customers through the word of mouth. Many of our customers have been referred to us by our previous customers.”
He adds, “FEST TRAVEL is currently planning a unique and different FAM trip for November. Those who are interested in participating in this FAM trip may e-mail us with their contact information and we will send them the details as soon as possible. Agents who need educational material may give us a call and we will gladly send them an information kit.” For more information, visit festtravelusa.com.
For more information on travel to Turkey, call (877) FOR-TURKEY or visit goturkey.com.
