Tourexpi
Speaking
from Antalya after a week-long tour of the Turkish Riviera, Morris highlighted
the steady increase in British tourists, up from 3.3 million in 2023 and 4.5
million last year.
During
her visit to key cities along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, including
Izmir, Aydin, Bodrum, Mugla, Marmaris, Fethiye, and Antalya, Morris met with
consular staff and local authorities to discuss tourism and safety measures for
British visitors.
Morris
attributed the expected rise in tourism to the expansion of Antalya Airport,
which increased passenger capacity from 35 million to 82 million, allowing more
direct flights from major UK cities. "British people love to come for the
sea and sun, but also for cultural, nature, sports, and gastronomy
tourism," she said.
Strengthening
Bilateral Relations
Highlighting
the strong UK-Türkiye relations, Morris noted that the two countries are
strategic partners in defense, security, and trade. A new modernized Free Trade
Agreement is set to be launched in July, expanding beyond goods to include
services, technology, and digital trade.
Morris
also emphasized Türkiye's strategic role within NATO, noting its position as
the second-largest force in the alliance and its critical role on NATO's
southern flank.
Growing
Economic Ties
The
UK and Türkiye maintain robust economic relations, with bilateral trade
reaching £26 billion in 2024. Recent agreements aim to reduce costs for
businesses and improve import-export processes.
Morris
concluded by praising Türkiye's role in global diplomacy, referencing the
recent Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where leaders gathered to discuss international
security and cooperation. "Our relationship continues to grow stronger
across all sectors, making Türkiye a priority partner for the UK," she
affirmed.
Image
Credit: © AA
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