Turkey gets the nod for ITB 2010

With the ITB Berlin wrapping up another successful trade show, COO of Messe Berlin Christian Gokeln is already announcing plans for 2010, where the event will include Turkey as a partner country in presenting the event.

Goke explains, “Turkey is now firmly established in world tourism as a year-round destination for vacationers and for incentive tour operators. This is apparent from the increase in the number of visitors, not only from Germany but also from around the world, with arrivals totalling more than 23 million in 2007. Due to the constantly improving climate for business and investment the prospects for growth are considerable. The ITB Berlin is the ideal platform for convincing future vacationers that Turkey deserves its ranking, as a result of consistent improvements in the quality of its hotels, its value for money and tourism diversity in recent years.”

The Turkish minister of Tourism, Ert orul Gunay expressed his satisfaction with the partnership as well, and he said this from a press conference in Berlin: “Friendship has existed between Germany and Turkey for many years and the Federal Republic of Germany is Turkey’s most important partner in Europe. Turkey attracts more tourists from Germany than from any other country, and in 2007 we welcomed over four million German holidaymakers. The Ministry for Culture and Tourism is undertaking all necessary measures to ensure that Turkey is presented in the best possible way in Germany. In this respect the ministry attaches particular importance to the ITB Berlin and has already taken the decision to attend the ITB Berlin as partner country in 2010.”