HYDERABAD: Though a coup killing close to 300 people and injuring more than 1,200 was attempted in Turkey only recently, it is a safe place for tourists to visit, said Ozgur Ayturk, coordinator, ministry of culture and tourism, Turkey, who was in the city as part of Turkish ministry of culture and tourism’s road show in India. The ministry, in collaboration with the Association of Turkish Travel Agents and Turkish Hoteliers Federation, conducted an eight-city roadshow titled ‘Destination Turkey Workshop’.
“Government and the people are a lot more stronger. We must acknowledge the fact that the situation was stabilised in nearly six hours. Our security systems are in place.”
“We assure our travellers that they will be safe and we welcome them,” said Ayturk.
Turkey, that was named the sixth favourite tourist destination in the world this year, saw close to 1.31 lakh Indian travellers in 2015 and they expect it to grow by 27 per cent.
“Globally, we draw close to 36 million people in 2015 as the country is a blend of the East and West.”
“It is as modern as any European country, and at the same time, it has great cultural heritage,” added Ayturk.
Local markets and the cuisine and the place in itself is a paradise for explorers. Ayturk informed they are currently focusing on destination weddings, film shootings and also encourage female solo travellers to come visit. “It is safe and there are independent bloggers who have vouched for its security.”
“Also, we currently provide 17 per cent tax refund for total money spent on shoots,” he said.
“We have tied up with a company called VFS and there is no need for people to travel to Delhi or Bombay to get their visa. They can just go to VFS office and it is done.There is also an e-visa option for those people who have a US, UK and Shanghainese visa. They don’t have to do anything.”“Pay the visa fee and the visa will be sent to them via email,” he said.