ANTALYA – The first International Mena Region Antalya Summit on Feb 4-9 took place in Rixos Premium Belek Hotel with the aim to increase number of tourists from Arab and Gulf countries. Deputy Minister of Tourism and Culture Hussein Yayman, during the summit opening speech, stressed that Turkey has huge tourism investment elements and said: "Turkey, which mediates the continents of Asia, Europe, Africa, will remain an island of stability and security through its democracy, people, and history." Bandar bin Fahad Al-Fahaid, president of the Arab Tourism Organization (ATO), said: "The organization is doing great efforts to promote Arab investments in Turkey and to increase tourism between Arab countries and Turkey, especially health or medical tourism in Turkey, which is one of the leading countries in this field." Al Fahid also noted that "over 2.5 million Arab tourists visited Turkey last year and spent more than $ 4 billion." "The cooperation between private and public sector is required to develop programs to destinations in turkey for Arabs," said Al-Fahid. Hussain Yayman, deputy minister of Tourism and Culture, expressed his pleasure and said: "Turkey is ranked 6th country worldwide in attracting tourists and Antalya is its capital of tourism as it enjoys the beauty of nature and landscapes. It is a coastal city and has golf courts that make Antalya a leading golf center in the world. Turkey which has been developing rapidly in the past 15 years is not only a tourism hub but has investment potentials as well." Mustafa Goksu, senior adviser at Republic of Turkey Prime Ministry Investment Support and Promotion Agency, said: "The current crisis with Russia, will open investment opportunities and new markets for Turkey. Antalya has all what Arab tourists need, from the beach, sea, landscape and recreation. More and new projects are in the pipeline to attract more tourists." Gosku added: "There are strong bonds between Turkey and Arabs. Turkey possesses high capabilities in tourism and investment and no doubt more and more investments and tourists are expected from Arab countries in Turkey once they visit more destinations in Turkey." Adam Ceylan, Vice-President of the Middle East and Cyprus Sales in the Turkish Airlines, the official carrier of the Summit, thanked everyone and said: "We are proud to be the best carrier in Europe for the past 5 years flying to more than 266 destinations and over 300 offices. 11 million tourists visited Antalya that has the 3rd largest airport in Turkey. We are hopeful that the tourism potentials will increase from Africa and ME will and more facilities will be also constructed." Russian tourism to Turkey was dropped following the crisis that arose between Russia and Turkey after the Turkish fighter aircraft "F-16", shot down a Russian warplane Sukhoi 24 last November, when the latter violated Turkish airspace at the border with Syria. The first International Mena Region Antalya Summit was organized by Development Agency in the western Mediterranean under the auspices of Antalya and Serik municipality and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Republic of Turkey Prime Ministry Investment Support and Promotion Agency and Turkish Airlines was the official carrier. Ambassadors and diplomats from 20 countries, officials of travel industry from 250 travel agencies and over 70 press and media representatives attend the summit.
