By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal
LONDON (AA) – Turkey’s tourism sector remains “hopeful” of a recovery in visitor numbers in 2017, an industry source told Anadolu Agency in London on Monday.
General Director of the Turkish Tourism Ministry’s Promotion Office, Irfan Onal, was just one of several officials at the World Travel Market 2016 -- an annual event which hosts thousands of people.
Turkey’s 800-meter-square stand drew attention from tourism traders, with key attractions like Istanbul, Mugla, Antalya, Diyarbakir, Denizli and Konya cities being promoted.
Onal said: “Turkey is one of the countries that attracts the most tourists from the U.K. There was a drop in tourist numbers in 2016 but we are very hopeful for 2017… We have more than 50 tourism sector representatives here.”
Another stand with its authentic Cyprus House design belonged to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
TRNC Tourism and Environment Minister Fikri Ataoglu visited the Turkish Cypriot stand at the event, saying he was pleased with the representation of his country at the world’s second-biggest tourism fair.
“The TRNC is ready to compete with the world,” he added.
Turkish Airlines was also present to promote its global network.
Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Minister Nabi Avci is expected to visit the fair on Wednesday.