Culture and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Günay stated that the era dominated by ideology is over. “ Capitalism, Communism and Liberalism should redefine themselves. The new millenium buried the ISMs with just TourISM remaining for the new decade.” Said Gunay. “ We estimate some 30 million arrivals in 2010 whereas Turkey is the only tourist destination remaining plus despite the global crisis in 2009.

Full optimism for 2010

Minister Gunay underlined that the industry had learned a lot from the painful practice of last year. “ 26 million arrivals in 2008 increased up to 27 million in 2009. We owe a lot to the cooperation with Germany. The crisis toughens the competition. 2009 carried a 4% decline worldwide with a 6% in Euro zone following. The trend was domestic holidasys overall. The industry leaders keep optimism high but we have to care about the tough competition as well.

“City and Culture tourism will be attracting the demand” said Gunay. Turkey is to continue with the sea, sun, sand marketing whereas will pay great attention to promote its cultural heritage. We strongly feel that the heritage belongs to the human family rather than the single nation of Turkey. 9 culture areas are listed among the Unesco World Culture Heritage. 23 more are likely to be enlisted.

Service counts in tourism

German DRV President Klaus Laepple stated full confidence in the high quality of the service standarts of Turkey.