TURKISH Airlines, the national carrier of Turkey and Europe's Best Airline, is celebrating the ongoing ‘International Istanbul Tulip Festival 2015' from April 11 – May 3, 2015, providing visitors and residents, alike, with competitive prices and promotions to one of the world's most fascinating tourist destinations. The 10th edition of the Istanbul Tulip Festival, which was launched in 2005 for the first time with the motto ‘Istanbul meets its Tulips', will be held by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Parks and Gardens Directorate. Emirgan Woods and Göztepe 60th Year Park will host several events. Tulips will blossom in the gardens, squares and parks of Istanbul as part of the festival. Moreover, a ‘Tulip Carpet' – a first in the world – in which 545,000 tulips will be used, will roll into life in Sultanahmet Square. Turkish bands as well as ‘Ebru' marbling artists will offer a fun time to visitors with live performances at both of the main event venues throughout the festival. Turkish Airlines will be flying tourists from across its 265 destination network to enjoy the delights of the festival. Istanbul is frequented by an increasing number of GCC tourists, the fastest growing market for the airline. The ticket fare is currently valid until May 31, while the ticketing period is valid until April 26. Visitors from the UAE can fly roundtrip from Abu Dhabi to Istanbul for only AED1,224 in Economy Class. Mehmet Akalin, General Manager, Turkish Airlines, in Abu Dhabi said: “Istanbul is one of the most popular destination in the world for city breaks from the GCC, with a flying distance of less than five hours. The upcoming tulip festival has been a major calendar highlight attracting millions of foreign visitors to the city over the last 10 years and we are confident of its continued success.” “As Turkey's national flag carrier we are delighted to promote Istanbul's touristic offerings and this year we have already witnessed a 6.44 percent increase in passenger traffic from the GCC, an upward growth trend which we anticipate sustaining through the continued success of campaigns like the International Istanbul Tulip Festival.” Photography and painting exhibitions will be held as a part of the annual event. Conducted for the first time in 2013, the Tulip Cup International Tennis Federation (ITF) Women's Tennis Tournament, will bring tulips and sports together. Furthermore, the Istanbul Tulip Festival Intercollegiate Beach Football Tournament will take place as it does every year. For the last nine years, the festival has witnessed various exhibitions, symposiums, live performances, shows and award ceremonies. Thanks to the ‘Tulip Festival Chronological Photography Exhibition', visitors will get a chance to observe the events that took place in the previous years. Moreover, live tulips will be sold at sale points in Emirgan Park and Göztepe 60 Year Park during the festival. The festival will also host many artists and works of art. With live concerts by Turkish bands, visitors will inhale the invigorating air of spring amidst wonderful music. The most beautiful tulips of Istanbul will be chosen as a part of the International Tulip Festival, as is done each year. The photographs featuring tulips that blossom in every corner of the city will also be part of a competition. Additionally, millions of tulips have been planted in the parks of Istanbul as a part of the festival. Emirgan Park is currently home to 2,800,000 tulips of 192 different varieties, Göztepe 60 Year Park contains 1,187,000 tulips of 161 types, Gülhane Park contains 1,379,000 tulips of 86 different types and Y?ld?z Park has 730,000 tulips of 32 types planted. Whether visitors choose to indulge in the latest fashion brands or explore the magical bazaars of Istanbul, Turkish Airlines offers affordable luxury for the journey. Its Miles & Smiles loyalty program rewards frequent flyers; Wingo promotions provide competitively priced tickets; and guests travelling business class can enjoy Europe's largest CIP lounge in Istanbul.— SG
