Arabic Countries Prefer Istanbul For Their Conventions
ANKARA - Companies from countries in the Middle East and Gulf, such as Dubai, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates prefer Turkey for their conventions, sources said.
According to a survey carried out by Mediterranean Tourism Hotels Union (AKTOB), not only the European countries but also Arabic countries prefer Istanbul for congress tourism as well.
The survey said rise in number of Arabic tourists visiting Turkey and visa facilities provided by Turkey have a positive impact on this development.
The survey noted that the market was gradually changing, and that companies working with the Middle East countries should determine a strategy in line with developments in the markets and changing customer profile.
"Turkey could not get a share in Arabic markets like Britain, Malaysia, the United States and Thailand, anyway it is on the rise," the survey remarked.
On the other hand, Turkey Travel Agencies Association (TURSAB) Inspection Board member Nebil Celebi said Turkey started to be seen in Arab media more in the recent years.
Celebi said global companies opened retail shops in Arab countries in the recent years, noting that those companies prefer Istanbul for their activities and congresses, rather than Middle Eastern countries.
