New Focus Travel Magazine January - February 2012

NO:123 January / February 2012

TR AVEL MAGAZINE

Hagia Sophia

Most beautiful and magnificent architectural work in Istanbul.

Zagreb

The City with a Heart

Exhibitions WTM-London IGTM-Antalya ILTM-Cannes Tatil Ülkesi

Tunus

From the EDITOR

TH 20 Year th year 18th NO:123 January / February’2012 no: 101 May/June’08

From the Editor

New Travel Trends of 2012

Another difficulty year is passed. Economic crisis felt worldwide and especially in European countries. Thus holidaymakers become more selective and careful at their travels.According to news, the same condition will continue in world travel industry in 2012.

Holidaymakers will carefully use their travel budget, will seek value for money, and focus on different tourism products.

While tourism trends will be realized within that direction in 2012, tourism products such as cruising, adventure, exploration, learning and activity holidays will become important.

Motorcycle tours, visits to places that get popular with TV series & movies, space and Titanic tours for wealthy travelers will be realized in 2012.

According to family budgets, travelers will prefer vacation rentals in 2012 and will enjoy their holidays by renting an apartment. Holidays will be combined with incentive tours such as; businessman visiting a congress or a sports fan visiting a city will extend their stay in the city for their holiday. Travelers will travel to London, rent an apartment, follow the Olympics and have their holiday in London at the same time.

Travelers will prefer the locations that they had previously been so that they will minimize risks of having bad surprises. Advices at social media will receive more importance for future travel plans.

Cheaper destinations especially Asian Pacific countries will be ones of the most favored destinations to visit.

Hagia Sophia is one of the most beautiful and magnificent architectural work in Istanbul. We hope that you will like the history of this ‘’Great Church’’ in our first issue of the new year.

Tunusia had a light revulation just a year ago in January. But last year they felt negative results in travel business. We had a chance to visit this beautiful country in December 2011. They are going to be better in travel figures as arrivals and revenues again. We were focus on Tunusia with our eyes in this issue aswell.

Wishing all a happy 2012 with full of tourism.

Suat Tore

CONTENTS

Focus on Turkey Focus on Cover Story - Hagia Sophia Focus on World Focus on Hotels Focus on Airlines Focus on Tour Operators & Agents Focus on Exhibition Focus on Destination - Zagrep Focus on Destinasyon - Tunus Bülten Kısa... Kısa...

4 16 22 27 31 33 34 40 42 48 50

Exhibitions WTM- London, IGTM-Antalya, ILTM-Cannes

14 Zagreb The City with a Heart

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Zagreb, the capital of the Republic of Croatia, is one of the oldest European cities and is yet one of Europe’s youngest metropolises. The fact that the Zagreb archdiocese was founded in 1094 and that the city was proclaimed a free royal city in 1242, attests to its long history.

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42 Tatil Ülkesi Tunus

Türk vatandaşlarına daha bir sıcak gösteren, ailece tatil yapabileceğiniz bir Ülke Tunus. Bizim kültürümüzün izlerini taşıyan bu ülkede çocuklarınızla birlikte eğlenceli ve keyifli tatilleri güven içinde yapabilirsiniz.

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30 Hagia Sophia

Istanbul, the former capital of three successive empires, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, Istanbul today honors and preserves the legacy of its past while looking forward to a modern future.

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Focus On TURKEY NEWS

Turkey Hosted 31.4 million in 2011 Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry announced December statistics of tourist arrivals.

According to the report, a total of 1.194.729 tourists visited Turkey in December 2011; an increase of 2.47% compare to December 2010.

31.456.076 tourists visited Turkey between January and December 2011. It shows that Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry is successful last year to surpass its targets and recorded a 9.86 percent increase in tourist arrivals in 2011 compare to a year earlier.

In December 2011, following Turkish cities welcomed top tourists.

2.Bulgaria % 9,35 (111 695) 3.Iran % 8,19 (97 882) Georgia, Syria, Greece, Russian Federation, Azerbaijan, France and UK followed Iran.

On the other hand, top nationalities visited Turkey in 2011 is as follows, 1.Germany % 15,34 (4.826.315) 2.Russian Federation % 11,03 (3.468.214) 3.UK % 8,21 (2.582.054) Iran, Bulgaria, The Netherlands, Georgia, France, Syria and USA followed UK.

1- ISTANBUL %45,92 (548.591) 2- EDIRNE %14,64 (174.888) 3- ANTALYA %9,80 (117.142) 4- ARTVIN %8,21 (98.068) 5- AGRI %4,19 (50.050) On the other hand, Antalya ranked first when we look at the whole year. Top Tourist arrivals in Turkish cities between January and December 2011 are as follows: 1- ANTALYA %33,27 (10.464.425) 2- ISTANBUL %25,61 (8.056.390) 3- MUGLA %9,78 (3.076.508) 4- EDIRNE %8,59 (2.703.085) 5- IZMIR %4,36 (1.370.018) Top nationalities visited Turkey in December 2011 is as follows: 1.Germany % 12,96 (154 884)

Number of Azerbaijani Tourists in Turkey tops 500,000

In 11 months of the year the number of Azerbaijani tourists traveling to Turkey topped 500,000, while the number of

tourists coming to the country exceeded 30,000,000.

The statement came from sources in the Culture and Identification Commissariat of the Turkish embassy to Azerbaijan, Gun.Az reports.

This year the number of Azerbaijani tourists traveling to Turkey made 539,678, which is a growth of 21.17% over the same period of the last year. In 11 months of the last year, the number of Azerbaijani tourists traveling to Turkey made 445,383 people.

In November this year, the number of tourists coming to Turkey made 1,596,295, which is a growth of 7.06% over the same month of the last year. In 11 months of 2011, the number of tourists traveling to Turkey was by 10.18% higher as compared to the same period of the last year.

Visa between Turkey and Belarus to be Lifted Belarus’s foreign minister Sergey Martynov has said that Turkey and Belarus completed their works on mutual lifting of visa requirements.

Belarus’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Martynov said Friday that works on lifting of visa procedure had been completed and Turkish

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Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu was invited to Minsk to sign the agreement on visa procedure.

Martynov said that Turkish and Byelorussian citizens were waiting visa procedure to get lifted.

Turkish investors should visit Belarus and make business with Byelorussian companies, he said.

Turkey and Belarus could cooperate in several areas such as energy and tourism, he said.

Martynov said events on promotion of Belarus would be held in Turkey next year.

Focus On TURKEY NEWS

Green Globe Announces New Partnership in Turkey Green Globe Certification has announced a new partnership with OrganicEra based in Istanbul, Turkey.

OrganicEra is a leading supplier of hotel towels, bed linen and other textile items manufactured with organically certified materials.

Green Globe CEO Mr Guido Bauer said, ‘This is an interesting and exciting new partnership for Green Globe Certification.

For some time we have been looking for a new partner with experience from the travel and tourism supply chain. At the same time we have also needed a partner to cover the important tourism regions of Turkey.

‘OrganicEra offers experience in both fields and we look forward to working with Ms Nur Begen and her team in delivering sustainability certification across Turkey’, added Mr Bauer.

OrganicEra is a supplier of high quality textile products such as towels, bathrobes, bed linen made of both organic and conventional cotton. OrganicEra also supplies 100% organic clothing like t-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, underwear and sleepwear, and children’s’ toys. All OrganicEra organic products are made with pride in Turkey from the finest quality cotton certified by Control Union, a Dutch certification organization.

Turkey, Seychelles Mutually Lifted Visa Procedures Official newspaper of Turkey published the cabinet agreement of a Visa Waiver Agreement between governments of Turkey and Seychelles.

The agreement allows Turkish travelers to visit Seychelles and Seychellois passport holders to travel to Turkey visa free for a period of up to 90 days.

The agreement, which was signed by the Seychelles Foreign Minister, Mr. Jean-Paul Adam, and the Turkish Ambassador to Seychelles, Mr. Tuncer Kayalar, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seychelles in September has been described by the Ambassador as a clear indication of the growing cooperation and “the will, desire, and commitment to further enhance relations” between the two countries.

Minister Adam said that the government of Turkey has been an excellent partner to Seychelles and described the relati-

onship as that of “two emerging countries of different sizes who can achieve much together.”

The Republic of Seychelles comprises 115 islands occupying a land area of 455 km² and an Exclusive Economic Zone of 1.4 km² in the western Indian Ocean. It represents an archipelago of legendary beauty that extends from between 4 and 10 degrees south of the equator and which lies between 480km and 1,600km from the east coast of Africa. Of these 115 islands, 41 constitute the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth while a further 74 form the low-lying coral atolls and reef islands of the Outer Islands.

The granitic islands of the Seychelles archipelago cluster around the main island of Mahé, home to the international airport and the capital, Victoria, and its satellites Praslin and La Digue.

Istanbul Declared as 2012 European Capital of Sports

Istanbul has been declared as 2012 European Capital of Sports during European Flag Transfer Ceremony held at European Parliament.

Istanbul Mayor Kadir Toptaş who is in Brugge since Capital of Sports title has been awarded to Istanbul signed the Sports Quality Certificate and received 2010 Capital of Sports Award officially. European Capitals of Sports Association Chairman Gian Francesco Lupetelli, Mayor of Valencia Rita Barbera Nolla, Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Kadir Topbaş participated in the ceremony held in European Parliament conference hall. Ministry of State and EU Chief Negotiator Egemen Bağış and capped basketball player Ibrahim Kutluay, were present in the ceremony. Since it has been declared

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as 2011 European Capital of Sports, Valencia received the Flag and Sports Quality Certificate from ACES Chairman Francesco Lupetelli. Valencia will host ACES Silver Plate and the Flag in 2011.

Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Kadir Topbaş said that they carried Istanbul’s sports facilities and infrastructure to very advanced levels with the investments they made in recent years. Topbaş, who pointed out that Capital of Sports Title will serve Istanbulities to sport more, reminded that 170 thousand people participated in Eurasia Marathon and added that they want everyone to sport; women or men, old or young people.

Mayor Kadir Topbaş, who stated that sports is a very important activity area to carry the humanity to future, said that they will focus more on the sports activities in the city after Istanbul has been elected as 2012 European Capital of Sports. After his speech Topbaş received the certificate for ‘2012 Capital of Sports’ from European Capital of Sports Association Chairman Gian Francesco Lupetelli.

Focus On TURKEY NEWS

TCA, TCF Celebrate Opening of New Washington Office

The Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) and the Turkish Cultural Foundation (TCF) celebrated the official opening of their new Washington, D.C. office with a lively reception featuring minority community leaders, embassy officials, and Members of Congress.

“We are extraordinarily proud of our new home,” said G. Lincoln McCurdy, TCA President, “and even prouder of the milestone this represents for the Turkish American community. By establishing an office blocks from the White House,

Travel Professionals met in Izmir Turkey’s Aegean city of Izmir hosted travel professionals for the 5th edition of Travel Turkey Tourism Fair and Conference.

Travel Turkey Izmir took place at the Izmir International Fair Ground between 8 and 11 December 2011.

Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Ertuğrul Günay, Turkish Minister of European Union and the Chief Negotiator Egemen Bağış, Kosava Vice Minister of Industry and Trade Cüneyt Ustaibo, governors of Izmir and 12 other cities, Metropolitan Municipality Mayor of Izmir Aziz Kocaoğlu, Royalty of Netherlands Undersecretary of the Embassy Matthijs Van Der Plas, Chairman of Izmir Chamber of Commerce Ekrem Demirtaş, Chairman of Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB) Başaran Ulusoy, Chairman of Touristic Hotels and Investors Association Timur Bayındır, Vice President of Turkish Airlines Domestic Marketing and Sales Halil İbrahim Polat, Istanbul General Manager of Hannover Messe International Alexander Kühnel, Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Deputy General Manager of Izmir Fair (İZFAŞ) Ali Rıza Gülerman, senior bureaucrats, business world representatives and lots of sector professionals attended the opening ceremony on December 8th.

The violin show of Anja Bukovac and the “Hittite Clothes” fashion show have enlivened the opening ceremony.

This fair, organized by the cooperation of IZFAŞ, HannoverMesse International Istanbul and TÜRSAB, has attracted more than 600 participants from 19 countries this year.

China, Indonesia, France and Slovenia participated for the first time to Travel Turkey Izmir 2011 Tourism Fair and Conference where the Netherlands was the partner country, Greece was the honored guest country and Kutahya was the partner city. 78 foreign companies participated in Travel Turkey Fair in which Germany, Austria, Azerbaijan, China, Indonesia, France, Croatia, India, Netherlands, England, TRNC,

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in the heart of the nation’s capital, we are helping send a message: Turkish Americans have a voice, have an identity and have a place in this country. Whether the discussion is about politics, policy, the arts or other cultural issues, Turkish Americans have a role to play.”

The joint TCA/TCF office, looking out on the Washington Monument from 1510 H St. NW, has already become a central meeting place and second home for many friends and allies, particularly in the minority communities, where TCA and TCF have worked in recent years to build relationships through events, scholarships, exchange trips and public education.

In recognition of these deepening ties, the reception played host to leaders from the Native American, African American, Hispanic American, Macedonian American, Bosnian American and Azeri American communities.

Namik Tan, the Turkish Ambassador to the United States, along with a number of his embassy officials, represented Turkey at the reception.

Additionally, Congress was well represented at the reception, with 13 Members of Congress in attendance. For the last four years, TCA has been one of the most active supporters of the Congressional Caucus on Turkey and Turkish Americans, which during that time has more than doubled in size to 132 Members.

Montenegro, Kosovo, Malaysia, Slovenia, Tunisia, Turkey, Jordan, Greece and Samos, Mytilene, Mykonos, Kos and Chios from the Greece islands showed great interest.

Around 80 hosted buyers representing tour operators, tourism agencies and tourism press from India, Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Ireland, Ukraine, Russia, Sweden, Bosnia Herzegovina, Japan and Greece attended Travel Turkey Izmir Fair in cooperation with the airways sponsor of the fair Turkish Airlines.

During the first two days of the fair, “Ethical – Global Crisis and Turkish Tourism Panel”, “Malaysia Presentation”, and Bergama Governorship’s Pergamon presentation received great interest of fair visitors as well as exhibitors.

Izmir International Fair Area welcomed approximately 50 pictures of Holland with a photo exhibition that presents the different points to see in the Netherlands. In collaboration with Emine Polat; Folkloric Dolls exhibition with the dimensions of 42, 25, 35 cm was also presented in the Hall No 3. Also in Hall No 4; Halil Tuncer Tourism Photographs Exhibition and in Hall No 2, Photographs of Ataturk Exhibition took place.

Travel professionals that worked day time, enjoyed nights in Izmir. Hosted buyers and media had chance to see around with tours in and around the city. Swissotel Grand Efes in Izmir hosted the gala dinner.

Focus On TURKEY NEWS

Tourism Malaysia to re-open its Istanbul Office Malaysia Tourism Minister Dato Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen announced in Istanbul that Tourism Malaysia is re-opening its Istanbul office.

Tourism Malaysia organized an evening on November 15, 2011 at The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul to announce the opening of Istanbul office as well as inform new tourism strategies of Malaysia.

Malaysia Tourism Minister Dato Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen made a presentation to invited guests representing travel agents, airlines, and media. President of Association of Turkish Travel Agencies; Basaran Ulusoy, Turkish Airlines CEO Hamdi Topcu joined the evening.

Minister who first arrived to Izmir, Turkey expressed her joy of unforgettable moments at the Ephesus, where she experienced thousands of year’s history with her own eyes. Mrs. Ng Yen Yen said, Turkey should definitely promote itself more with its history and archeology in Asia.

“Tourism Malaysia would like to work closely, exchange knowledge, and even sometimes we exchange common officers’ visits together so that we can strengthen both countries tourism relations. It is included not just tourism but investments as well. We would like to see more Malaysians investing into Turkish tourism industry, and hopefully also Turkish people invest in Malaysia’s tourism industry,” said Mrs. Ng Yen Yen. “We would like to see more direct flights between Turkey and Malaysia, either with Turkish Airlines or Malaysian Airlines. Not just to Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur but other cities in both countries.” added Mrs. Ng Yen Yen.

Mrs. Ng Yen Yen revealed their target of welcoming 100,000 Turkish tourists in Malaysia.

Mrs. Ng Yen Yen also congratulated Istanbul Mayor, Kadir Topbaş for his vision of making Istanbul beautiful. “I see many changes this time in Istanbul since I came few years ago. New trams, clean city and a new museum of modern art.”

Malaysian delegation welcomed and entertained Turkish guests with Malay dances and music.

At the night, 5 lucky people; including me won a sample of Malaysian textile and one executive from Qatar Airways Istanbul office won a complimentary holiday trip to Malaysia at the Tourism Malaysia lucky draw.

Award Winning Movies from African Cinema Coming Istanbul Modern

of Africa, and some are works that became world classics or Istanbul Modern Cinema presents a selection from are really striking by their innovative style. the African cinema that though considered a relatively newcomer with its continental history of cinema dating only half a century back, has already enriched the global art realm with unique film productions.

Between January 5-22, within the programme called “Africa!”, a selection of 10 films curated by Mahir Saul, a professor who is an expert in African anthropology at the Illinois University, was presented. This selection of masterpieces from the African cinema initiated in 1960’s, is made in order to expose African moviemaking to the audience in İstanbul. Films display the surprisingly wide range of variety of the African cinema from traditional arts to video and avant-garde. Some of these films are awarded works at Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO), the most important film festival

European Investment Bank Provided € 400m. for the Turkish State Railways The European Investment Bank provided EUR 400 million in favour of the Turkish State Railways TCDD as a further contribution to the country’s main transport corridor between Ankara and Istanbul.

The additional funding brings the total EIB support for the high speed railway line (HSL) to EUR 1.25 billion and the total value of EIB support for the Turkish rail system in the last decade to some EUR 2.4 billion. This facility further consolidates the position of EIB as Turkey’s key financial partner for the funding of priority railway projects and the country’s efforts to re-balance its transport mode mix in favour of the

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railways. This flagship project was first financed by the EIB in 2006. It aims at building the country’s first high speed railway between the country’s two largest cities. The project will lead to significant time gains for travelers along the corridor and will assist economic development and quality of life as well as generating significant environmental benefits.

The project constitutes a key element of the Government’s plans to increase the share of rail transport by improving productivity and effectiveness of railway operations. It will interconnect with the Marmaray Bosphorus Tunnel, enabling train connections across the two continents.

Focus On TURKEY NEWS

Over 60 Countries Join EMITT 2012 EMITT, the East Mediterranean International Travel and Tourism Exhibition, is welcoming Hungary and the Czech Republic for the first time to the 16th annual edition of the show.

Both countries are looking to increase the number of Turkish outbound tourists, and to raise awareness of their destination. The Republic of South Africa, Malaysia and Russian Federation are also planning to have a stronger presence at EMITT next year.

EMITT is an important event for the global tourism industry, and attracts tourism professionals from all around the world. The exhibition attracts National tourism agencies, tour operators and hotels, and Turkish travel agencies, who wish to showcase their countries and services to the Turkish market.

Malaysia, who recently opened a tourism office in Istanbul after a break of 3 years, will be participating at EMITT. Malaysia Tourism Office Director Bahruddin Sulaiman states, “EMITT offers a great atmosphere to meet with tourism professionals and also tourists. Every year, the exhibition has visitors and participants from all around the world. We would like to promote Malaysia at EMITT and hope this promotion will help to increase the number of incoming tourists to Malaysia.”

The exhibition takes place 9-12 February 2012, in Istanbul, and already 85% of the exhibition space has been sold.

In 2012, a higher number of visitors is expected to attend the exhibition, in 2011 52,800 attendees visited the show.

The last edition of EMITT, the exhibition grew 11.4% and demonstrates the growth of the outbound/inbound Turkish travel market and the opportunities the market poses.

Hacer Aydın, the director of EKIN, commented “EMITT has been playing an important role to create a 100-billion-dollar tourism market in Turkey. Last year, 28.5 million tourists visited Turkey. We believe Turkey will attain its goal of hosting 30 million tourists this year thanks to EMITT which creates many opportunities for both inbound and outbound tourism.”

At the 16th edition of EMITT, visitors will find many new and innovative products. Market leaders such as Hrs, Booking. com, Expedia, Gullivers and Orbitz have already reserved their places and it is projected that there will be more than 500 agencies at EMITT. EMITT is organised by EKIN (part of the ITE Group), sponsored by THY-A.O., and in partnership with TUROFED-Turkish Hotels Federation and TYD-Tourism Investors Association.

The show is also officially supported by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The first two days of the exhibition will be reserved for tourism professionals. The last two days will be open to the public.

For more information, please see www.emittistanbul.com.

“Free” Support to Tourism from Akbank Akbank has defined the tourism industry, one of the locomotive sectors of the economic growth, with comprehensive industrial research and has developed the “Tourism Support Plan” after identifying the expectations of the industry regarding the future.

Akbank has taken an important step in order to extend its support for the tourism sector, a key element of the basis of the stable future growth of the Turkish economy. Akbank has ordered comprehensive research on the industry with which to monitor the development of tourism and to define the investment trends and has moved to extend its support for the industry in light of the results of the study.

Turkey meets approximately five percent of the total accommodation capacity of the European Union, while around 50 percent of the total bed capacity of Turkey is maximum 10 years old. Turkey is among the top 10 countries in the world in terms of tourism with its total bed capacity of one million including businesses and municipality-certification.

The study, conducted at the behest of Akbank, includes all players in the sector including hotels, cafes, restaurants, agencies, and stores nationwide and reflects the existing situation of the industry as well as future expectations. According to the study, 71 percent of the business believes 2011 was a positive year. Thirty-four percent of the companies in the industry launched a renovation project or made an investment in 2011. The total sales of 53 percent of the companies in the accommodation sector have increased in the last two years.

The study concluded that the industrial expectations regarding 2012 are pretty positive. Seventy-two percent of

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the companies expect their sales to increase in the next two years. Fifty-eight percent of the companies that participated in the research believe their facilities will grow in 2012, while 67 percent think their occupancy rates will increase in two years. The study, an important resource for planning and expectations in the industry by reflecting recent developments, indicated that the number of tourists and the income from tourism will continue to grow in the coming two years despite a number of negative factors that might arise in various regions.

Focus On TURKEY NEWS

8 Million Visited Istanbul in 2011 Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry Istanbul Directorate announced the number of foreign tourist arrivals to Istanbul in 2011.

According to the report, a total of 8.057.879 tourists visited Istanbul in 2011; an increase of 16 per cent compare to 2010.

In 2011, following nationalities visited Istanbul: German:%12.2, Russian:%6.1, USA:%5.5, Italian:%5.1, French:%5.0, British:%4.9, Iranian:%4.5, Dutch:%2.9, Spanish:%2.5, Japanese:%2.1, Ukrainian:%1.9, Iraqi %1.9, Azerbaijani:%1.9, Austrian:%1.6, Turkmens :%1.7, Other nationalities: 40.1

In Brief Marti Myra Tekirova Hotel in Antalya appointed Adnan Evrim as the General Manager. ● Gazella Tourism announced the appointment of Begüm Aykaç as the new Corporate Sales and Marketing Manager. ● Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul has appointed Ralph Radtke as the new General Manager of Istanbul’s luxurious hotel. ● DIstanbul’s new hotel; Hilton Garden Inn Istanbul Golden Horn announced the appointment of Cemal Hoşgül as the hotel’s General Manager. ● Ekin Tamer has been assigned to Dedeman Hotels & Resorts International as the Purchasing Manager. ● Mehmet Mulayim has been appointed to Noah’s Ark Deluxe Hotel & Casino as General Manager as of December 1, 2011. ● Dedeman Tourism Management announced appointment of Filiz Aykan as Hotels Human Resources Director. ● Dedeman Hotels & Resorts International announced appointment of a new Sales Director.Pelin Ulusoy named new Sales Director of the company. Previously, Bulent Kayapehlivan was the Sales Director of Dedeman Hotels & Resorts International. ● Pamfilya Tourism appoints Haluk Aksoy as the Regional Manager Istanbul as of 24 September 2011. ● Istanbul Marti Hotel appoints Sedat Nemli as hotel’s new General Manager. ● Levent Özaygen appointed Doubletree by Hilton Ankara as General Manager. ● Malta based cruise company; Orange Cruises announced the appointment of Tolga Unalsin as Turkey manager. ● The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul has announced the appointment of its new General Manager.Massimiliano Zanardi has been appointed as the new General Manager of the hotel. ●

Turkey, Ukraine Agree to Abolish Visa Requirement Turkey and Ukraine signed several deals during Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Kiev in a bid to boost bilateral trade and investment and launch cooperative mechanisms for joint projects. Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych will visit Turkish Prime Minister on 22-23 December. Turkey and Ukraine will sign agreement in Turkey to abolish visa requirements.

Turkey has gained momentum in improving its economy and has developed bilateral relations with Ukraine in every sector. The Turkish prime minister set the goal of $40 billion in trade with Ukraine in 10 years and said the two countries have the potential to reach this number.

Along with other deals, Ukraine and Turkey have also agreed to cooperate in the defense and space industries. There are more than 400 Turkish firms operating in Ukraine with investments exceeding $1 billion in total.

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Adnan Evrim

Ralph_Radtke

Cemal Hosgul

Mehmet Mulayim

Pelin Ulusoy

Haluk Aksoy

Levent Ozaygen

Massimiliano-Zanardi

Focus on Cover Story

Hagia Sophia

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In 1453 Sultan Mehmed laid siege to Constantinople, driven in part by a desire to convert the city to Islam. The Sultan promised his troops three days of unbridled pillage if the city fell, after which he would claim its contents himself. Hagia Sophia was not exempted from the pillage, becoming its focal point as the invaders believed it to contain the greatest treasures of the city.

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Focus on Cover Story

I

stanbul, the former capital of three successive empires, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, Istanbul today honors and preserves the legacy of its past while looking forward to a modern future.

The history of the city of , which is known as the “Capital of the Empires”, goes back to ancient times. The city was founded by the Megaras in A.D. 658 and was named Byzantium after their commander Byzans. The city, which developed very rapidly and turned into a large trade center, existed for hundreds of years as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Today it has become Turkey’s most important tourism, trade and industrial city.

The most beautiful historical works of Istanbul are at the historical peninsula inside the city walls between the Marmara Sea and the Golden Horn. This historical peninsula is like an open air museum full of architectural and artistic works bearing the traces of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. The hills of the city are enhanced by the more than thousands of historical traces. Among these is architectural and artistic works, Hagia Sophia is one of the most beautiful and magnificent architectural work in Istanbul.

First church The first church was known as the “Great Church”, or in Latin “Magna Ecclesia”,because of its larger dimensions in comparison to the contemporary churches in the City. Inaugurated on 15 February 360 (during the reign of Constantius II) by the Arian bishop Eudoxius of Antioch, it was built next to the area where the imperial palace was being developed. The nearby Hagia Eirene (“Holy Peace”) church was completed earlier and served as cathedral until the Hagia Sophia was completed. Both churches acted together as the principal churches of the Byzantine Empire.

Writing in 440, Socrates of Constantinople claimed that the church was built by Constantius II, who was working on it in 346. A tradition which is not older than the 7th – 8th century, reports that the edifice was built by Constantine the Great. Zonaras reconciles the two opinions, writing that Constantius had repaired the edifice consecrated by Eusebius of Nicomedia, after it had collapsed. Since Eusebius was bishop of Constantinople from 339 to 341, and Constantine died in 337, it seems possible that the first church was erected by the latter. The edifice was built as a traditional Latin colonnaded basilica with galleries and a wooden roof. It was preceded by an atrium. It was claimed to be one of the world›s most outstanding monuments at the time.

The Patriarch of Constantinople John Chrysostom came into a conflict with Empress Aelia Eudoxia, wife of the emperor Arcadius, and was sent into exile on 20 June 404.

During the subsequent riots, this first church was largely burned down. Nothing remains of the first church today.

Sophia.

Third church (current structure)

On 23 February 532, only a few days after the destruction of the second basilica, Emperor Justinian I elected to build a third and entirely different basilica, larger and more majestic than its predecessors.

Justinian chose physicist Isidore of Miletus and mathematician Anthemius of Tralles as architects; Anthemius, however, died within the first year of the endeavor. The construction is described in the Byzantine historian Procopius› On Buildings (Latin: De aedificiis). The emperor had material brought from all over the empire – such as Hellenistic columns from the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, large stones from quarries in porphyry from Egypt, green marble from Thessaly, black stone from the Bosporus region, Second church and yellow stone from Syria. More than ten thousand people A second church was ordered by Theodosius II, who inaugurated were employed. This new church was contemporaneously recognized as a major work of architecture. The theories it on 10 October 415. The basilica with a wooden roof was of Heron of Alexandria may have been utilized to address the built by architect Rufinus. A fire started during the tumult of challenges presented by building such an expansive dome over the Nika Revolt and burned the second Hagia Sophia to the so large a space. The emperor, together with the patriarch ground on 13–14 January 532 Eutychius, inaugurated the new basilica on 27 December 537 Several marble blocks from the second church survive to with much pomp. The mosaics inside the church were, however, the present; among them are reliefs depicting 12 lambs only completed under the reign of Emperor Justin II (565–578). representing the 12 apostles. Originally part of a monumental Hagia Sophia was the seat of the Orthodox patriarch of front entrance, they now reside in an excavation pit adjacent Constantinople and a principal setting for Byzantine imperial to the museum’s entrance. Discovered in 1935 beneath the ceremonies, such as coronations. The basilica also offered western courtyard by A. M. Schneider, further digging was asylum to wrongdoers. forsaken for fear of impinging on the integrity of the Hagia

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Focus on Cover Story

Earthquakes in August 553 and on 14 December 557 caused cracks in the main dome and eastern half-dome.

The main dome collapsed completely during a subsequent earthquake on 7 May 558, destroying the ambon, altar, and ciborium. The crash was due mainly to the too high bearing load and to the enormous shearing load of the dome, which was too flat. These caused the deformation of the piers which sustained the dome. The emperor ordered an immediate restoration. He entrusted it to Isidorus the Younger, nephew of Isidore of Miletus, who used lighter materials and elevated the dome by «30 feet» (about 6.25 metres (20.5 ft)) – giving the building its current interior height of 55.6 metres (182 ft). Moreover, Isidorus changed the dome type, erecting a ribbed dome with pendentives, whose diameter lay between 32.7 and 33.5 m. This reconstruction, giving the church its present 6th-century form, was completed in 562. The Byzantine poet Paul the Silentiary composed a long epic poem (still extant), known as Ekphrasis, for the rededication of the basilica presided over by Patriarch Eutychius on 23 December 562.

In 726, the emperor Leo the Isaurian issued a series of edicts against the veneration of images, ordering the army to destroy all icons – ushering in the period of Byzantine iconoclasm.

At that time, all religious pictures and statues were removed from the Hagia Sophia. After a brief reprieve under Empress Irene (797–802), the iconoclasts made a comeback.

Emperor Theophilus (829–842) was

strongly influenced by Islamic art, which forbids graven images. He had a twowinged bronze door with his monograms installed at the southern entrance of the church.

The basilica suffered damage, first in a great fire in 859, and again in an earthquake on 8 January 869, that made a halfdome collapse. Emperor Basil I ordered the church repaired.

After the great earthquake of 25 October 989, which let collapse the Western dome arch, the Byzantine emperor Basil II asked for the Armenian architect Trdat, creator of the great churches of Ani and Argina, to direct the repairs. He erected again and reinforced the fallen dome arch, and rebuilt the west side of the dome with 15 dome ribs.

The extent of the damage required six years of repair and reconstruction; the church was re-opened on 13 May 994. At the end, Basil II let renovate the church’s decoration. On the pendentives he let paint four immense cherubs, on the dome was represented Christ, and on the apse the Virgin Mary holding Jesus between the apostles Peter and Paul. On the great side arches were painted the prophets and the teachers of the church.

In his book De caerimoniis aulae Byzantinae (“Book of Ceremonies”), Emperor Constantine VII (913–919) wrote a detailed account of the ceremonies held in the Hagia Sophia by the emperor and the patriarch.

Upon the capture of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade, the church was ransacked and desecrated by the Latin Christians. The Byzantine historian Niketas Choniates described the capture of Constantinople; many reputed relics from the church – such as a stone from the tomb of Jesus, the Virgin Mary›s milk, the shroud of Jesus, and bones of several saints – were sent to churches in the West and can be seen there now in various museums.

During the Latin occupation of Constantinople (1204–1261) the church became a Roman Catholic cathedral. Baldwin I of Constantinople was crowned emperor on 16 May 1204 in Hagia Sophia, at a ceremony which closely followed Byzantine practices. Enrico Dandolo, the Doge of Venice who

commanded the sack and invasion of the city by the Latin Crusaders in 1204, is buried inside the church. The tomb inscription carrying his name, which has become a part of the floor decoration, was spat upon by many of the angry Byzantines who recaptured Constantinople in 1261. However, restoration led by the brothers Gaspare and Giuseppe Fossati during the period 1847–1849 cast doubt upon the authenticity of the doge’s grave; it is more likely a symbolic memorial rather than burial site.

After the recapture in 1261 by the Byzantines, the church was in a dilapidated state. In 1317, emperor Andronicus II ordered four new buttresses (Greek:»Piramídas») to be built in the eastern and northern parts of the church, financing them with the inheritance of his deceased wife, Irene. New cracks developed in the dome after the earthquake of October 1344, and several parts of the building collapsed on 19 May 1346; consequently, the church was closed until 1354, when repairs were undertaken by architects Astras and Peralta.

Mosque (1453–1935) In 1453 Sultan Mehmed laid siege to Constantinople, driven in part by a desire to convert the city to Islam. The Sultan promised his troops three days of unbridled pillage if the city fell, after which he would claim its contents himself.

Hagia Sophia was not exempted from the pillage, becoming its focal point as the invaders believed it to contain the greatest treasures of the city. Shortly after the city’s

NewFocus January / February’2012

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defenses collapsed, pillagers made their way to the Hagia Sophia and battered down its doors. Throughout the siege worshipers participated in the Holy Liturgy and Prayer of the Hours at the Hagia Sophia, and the church formed a refuge for many of those who were unable to contribute to the city’s defense. Trapped in the church, congregants and refugees became booty to be divided amongst the invaders. The building was desecrated and looted, and occupants enslaved or slaughtered; a few of the elderly and infirm were killed, and the remainder chained. Priests continued to perform Christian rites until stopped by the invaders. When the Sultan and his cohort entered the church he insisted it should be at once transformed into a mosque. One of the Ulama then climbed the pulpit and recited the Shahada.

As written above, immediately after the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Mehmed II converted Hagia Sophia into the Aya Sofya Mosque. As described by several Western visitors (such as the Córdoban nobleman Pero Tafur and the Florentine Cristoforo Buondelmonti), the church was in a dilapidated state, with several of its doors off; sultan Mehmed II ordered the cleanup of the church and its

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conversion. He attended the first Friday prayer in the mosque on 1 June 1453. Aya Sofya became the first imperial mosque of Istanbul. To the corresponding Waqf were endowed most of the existing houses in the city and the area of the future Topkapi Palace. Through the imperial charters of 1520 -and 1547 shops and parts of the Grand Bazaar and other markets were added to the foundation. Before 1481 a small minaret was erected on the SW corner of the building, above the stair tower. Later, the subsequent sultan, Bayezid II (1481–1512), built another minaret at the NE corner. One of these crashed because of the earthquake of 1509, and around the middle of the 16th century they were both replaced by two diagonally opposite minarets built at the E and W corners of the edifice.

In the 16th century the sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (1520–1566) brought back two colossal candlesticks from his conquest of Hungary. They were placed on either side of the mihrab. During the reign of Selim II (1566–1577), the building started showing signs of fatigue and was extensively strengthened with the addition of structural supports to its exterior by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan,

NewFocus January / February’2012

who is also considered one of the world›s first earthquake engineers. In addition to strengthening the historic Byzantine structure, Sinan built the two additional large minarets at the western end of the building, the original sultan›s loge, and the Türbe (mausoleum) of Selim II to the southeast of the building in 1576 In order to do that, one year before parts of the Patriarchate at the S corner of the building were pulled down. Moreover, the golden crescent was mounted on the top of the dome, while a respect zone 35 arşin (about 24 m) wide was imposed around the building, pulling down all the houses which in the meantime had nested around it. Later his türbe hosted also 43 tombs of Ottoman princes. In 1594 / 1004 H Mimar (court architect) Davud Ağa built the türbe of Murad III (1574–1595), where the Sultan and his Valide, Safiye Sultan were later buried. The octagonal mausoleum of their son Mehmed III (1595– 1603) und his Valide was built next to it in 1608 by royal architect Dalgiç Mehmet Aĝa.

His Son Mustafa I (1617–1618; 1622–1623) let convert the Baptistery into his Türbe.

Later additions were the sultan›s gallery, a minbar decorated with marble, a dais for a sermon and a loggia for a muezzin.

Focus on Cover Story Murad III had also two large alabaster Hellenistic urns transported from Pergamon and placed on two sides of the nave.

In 1717, under Sultan Ahmed III (1703–1730), the crumbling plaster of the interior was renovated, contributing indirectly to the preservation of many mosaics, which otherwise would have been destroyed by mosque workers. In fact, it was usual for them to sell mosaics stones – believed to be talismans – to the visitors. Sultan Mahmud I ordered the restoration of the building in 1739 and added a medrese (a Koranic school, now the library of the museum), an Imaret (soup kitchen for distribution to the poor) and a library, and in 1740 a Şadirvan (fountain for ritual ablutions), thus transforming it into a külliye, i.e. a social complex. At the same time a new sultan’s gallery and a new mihrab were built inside.

The most famous restoration of the Aya Sofya was ordered by Sultan Abdülmecid and completed by eight hundred workers between 1847 and 1849, under the supervision of the Swiss-Italian architect brothers Gaspare and Giuseppe Fossati. The brothers consolidated the dome and vaults, straightened the columns, and revised the decoration of the exterior and the interior of the building. The

mosaics in the upper gallery were cleaned.

The old chandeliers were replaced by new pendant ones. New gigantic circular-framed disks or medallions were hung on columns. They were inscribed with the names of Allah, the Prophet Muhammad, the first four caliphs Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali, and the two grandchildren of Mohammed: Hassan and Hussain, by the calligrapher Kazasker İzzed Effendi (1801–1877). In 1850 the architect Fossati built a new sultan›s gallery in a NeoByzantine style connected to the royal pavilion behind the mosque. Outside the Aya Sofya, a timekeeper›s building and a new madrasah were built. The minarets were altered so that they were of equal height. When the restoration was finished, the mosque was re-opened with ceremonial pomp on 13 July 1849.

Museum (1943–present) In 1935, the first Turkish President and founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, transformed the building into a museum. The carpets were removed and the marble floor decorations such as the Omphalion appeared for the first time in centuries, while the white plaster covering many of the mosaics was removed. Nevertheless, the condition of the structure deteriorated, and theWorld

Monuments Fund placed Hagia Sophia on 1996 World Monuments Watch, and again in 1998. The building›s copper roof had cracked, causing water to leak down over the fragile frescoes and mosaics.

Moisture entered from below as well.

Rising ground water had raised the level of humidity within the monument, creating an unstable environment for stone and paint. With the help of financial services company American Express, WMF secured a series of grants from 1997 to 2002 for the restoration of the dome. The first stage of work involved the structural stabilization and repair of the cracked roof, which was undertaken with the participation of the Turkish Ministry of Culture. The second phase, the preservation of the dome’s interior, afforded the opportunity to employ and train young Turkish conservators in the care of mosaics. By 2006, the WMF project was complete, though other areas of Hagia Sophia continue to require conservation.

Today, use of the complex as a place of worship (mosque or church) is strictly prohibited. However, in 2006, it was reported that the Turkish government allowed the allocation of a small room in the museum complex to be used as a prayer room for Christian and Muslim museum staff. The museum›s hours are 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, Tuesday through Sunday; entry fee is 20 TL, or free with the use of a Museum Card.

NewFocus January / February’2012

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Focus On WORLD NEWS

Africa Travel Association Announces 2012 Congress Africa Travel Association announced five-day 2012 Congress which will be kicked off on May 18.

The Honorable Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Engineer Walter Mzembi, and Executive Director of the Africa Travel Association (ATA), Edward Bergman, announced that Zimbabwe will host ATA’s 37th Annual World Congress in the resort town of Victoria Falls in May 2012.

“It is indeed an honor to be the proud host of the ATA’s 2012 World Congress. The 37th annual Congress in Zimbabwe will afford the delegates an opportunity to experience our many attractions.” said Honorable Minister Mzembi. “We look forward to telling our story about Zimbabwe, A World of Wonders.”

The five-day congress will kick off in the world’s adventure capital, Victoria Falls, on Friday, May 18. Among the expected 300 participants are tourism ministers, tourism board heads, private sector leaders, travel industry professionals, including product buyers and sellers, travel trade media, scholars and African Diaspora leaders.

“ATA was last in Zimbabwe in 1988, when the congress was held in Harare and, after 23 years, we’re proud to be heading back,” said Bergman. “We are positive that the 2012 congress will attract leading tourism experts from across the globe. It will surpass all expectations and is an event not to be missed.”

Zimbabwe, also known as “a world of wonders,” boasts a wide array of attractions, including its own seven wonders: (1) People and culture; (2) History and heritage; (3) Great Zimbabwe

(grand medieval palace); (4) Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya); (5) Wildlife and nature; (6) Eastern Highlands; and (7) Lake Kariba.

Delegates will sample some of these wonders during the Host Country Day and by participating in pre and post congress tours.

This announcement follows a recent ATA trip to Zimbabwe hosted by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, as well as the Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Mr. K. Kaseke, where the delegation met with representatives from the tourism sector and the media.

The ATA delegation also met with Ambassador Charles Ray, US Ambassador to Zimbabwe who expressed his support with the following statement: “Zimbabwe offers a ‘World of Wonders’ to tickle the fancy and sense of adventure of the full array of international travelers…Your visit to Zimbabwe will bring a smile to your face for a lifetime. I applaud ATA’s vision in hosting its 37th Annual Congress in Victoria Falls and opening the world’s eyes to what Zimbabwe has to offer. I look forward to seeing you by the Falls in May.” The 2012 Congress will address timely industry topics such as web-based PR and on-line communications tourism promotion, and the latest travel trends in Africa. The Congress also offers a wide range of networking events, including receptions and gala dinners. ATA’s Young Professionals Program, representing travel, tourism and hospitality students and young professionals from North America and Africa, will also participate in the event.

ATA’s 36th Annual World Congress in Senegal was held in Dakar, Senegal in May 2011 under the banner “Destination Senegal: A Tourism Gateway Inspired by Culture, Heritage and Arts.”

KESİNLİKLE İLHAM VERİCİ

The Trade Show for the Asian Travel Market

itb-asia.com 7. –11. Mart 2012

itb-berlin.com

Resmi Partner Ülke

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FORUM Fuarcılık ve Geliştirme A.Ş. · Yetkili kişi: H. Ateş Atalay

Mumcu Cad. 78 · 06700 GOP-Ankara · Türkiye NewFocus Uğur January / No February’2012

Tel. 0090-312-4460822 · Faks 0090-312-4460823 · atalay@forumfuar.com

THE WORLD OF AFRICAN TOURISM COMES TOGETHER NEXT MARCH. BE THERE.

SAVE THE DATE

AFRICA TRAVEL ASSOCIATION’S 5TH ANNUAL U.S. - AFRICA TOURISM SEMINAR FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2012 WASHINGTON D.C. CONVENTION CENTER - 801 MOUNT VERNON PLACE, NW 9AM – 5PM (REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 8AM)

Come Learn & Network This one-day business building event provides government leaders and industry professionals from Africa and the USA the opportunity to learn about new products and trends, explore innovative marketing and promotional opportunities, and address industry challenges. Government tourism leaders, diplomatic community representatives, front-line sellers and buyers, African Diaspora community leaders, travel trade media, and tourism and hospitality faculty and students are encouraged to attend.

BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS AND BUSINESS

Co-sponsored by the Travel & Adventure Show, the nation’s leading travel show.

ATA Seminar attendees will receive a complimentary ticket to the Travel & Adventure consumer expo being held March 17–18 in the same location.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available: contact ATA at info@africatravelassociation.org Advance media registration/accreditation: contact ATA at info@africatravelassociation.org For more information on the conference and ATA, visit www.africatravelassociation.org Tel: +1-212-447-1357 • +1-888-439-0478

Focus On WORLD NEWS

BIT 2012: Training and Tourism as a Key to Development

Mobile Travel, Social Commerce and Travel Blogging in addition to the customer experience, social media strategy and destination marketing.

And much more. These are the “hottest” themes that make up the rich calendar of events for the 2012 edition of Bit – the International Tourism Exchange, to be held at Fieramilano in Rho from Thursday the 16th to Sunday the 19th of February.

“The rich offering of training activities – comments Marco Serioli, Director of the Exhibitions Division of Fiera Milano Spa – is even more important in this edition, marking a shift towards ‘new business’ for the International Tourism

Exchange’. In fact, we are going to discuss all of the key aspects of the profound evolution that the tourism industry is undergoing, marked by new technologies, socio-cultural changes and profound changes in the macroeconomic scenario”.

Completing the panorama of the areas dedicated to cultural exchanges are the two Destination Rooms in THE WORLD: a Destination Room in pavilion 2 and the ADUTEI Destination Room in pavilion 4, featuring the themes of the various destinations.

Bit 2012, also appearing on all of the major social networks and on YouTube, will welcome visitors in the Fieramilano district in Rho from Thursday the 16th to Sunday the 19th of February 2012.

Talib Rifai to Attend Seychelles’ Carnaval International de Victoria

Mr. Talib Rifai, Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), received at his Madrid Head Quarters in Spain on Friday 20th January 2012, a Seychelles’ Delegation.

The delegation was comprised of the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Alain St.Ange; the Seychelles director for Europe, Bernadette Wilemin; the island’s tourism head of international cooperation, Ralph Hissen-Lee and their tourism copywriter and consultant, Glynn Burridge.

The Seychelles Delegation presented to the Secretary General of the UNWTO an invitation to attend the Indian Ocean Vanilla Island’s carnival 2012 as a Guest of Honour. The Seychelles Delegation took the opportunity of the courtesy call on the world’s premier ambassador for tourism to explain the philosophy behind the ‘Carnaval International de Victoria’, scheduled to be held between 2nd and 4th March 2012, and to drum up support for the event as a platform for showcasing diversity and solidarity at a time of considerable international discord.

During the course of the hour-long meeting, the delegation explained the great value and relevance of the carnival to international tourism to the UNWTO Secretary General, Mr. Rifai and to his team, securing not only his understanding

of, and his support for the event, but also his acceptance of the invitation to attend the forthcoming edition of the carnival in person.

The Seychelles President, Mr James Michel and the La Reunion President de la Region, Mr Didier Robert both hold the tourism portfolio in their respective Governments that form part of the Vanilla Islands Group, and are jointly hosts of this 2012 carnival of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands.

Discussions by the Seychelles Delegation at the UNWTO Head Quarters also covered the damaging effects of the carbon tax on the tourism industry of long-haul destinations such as Seychelles, and on the urgent need for greater international cooperation and resolve in facing the scourge of piracy in the Indian Ocean. Another matter raised was Seychelles’ efforts to maintain air access to the islands following the cessation of services to Europe by the national carrier, Air Seychelles.

‘Mr. Rifai’s deep understanding of all the matters we discussed and his pledge of support are invaluable’, stated Alain St.Ange the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board ‘... and his acceptance of Seychelles’ invitation to be present at the next carnival is a wonderful endorsement of our region›s tourism efforts. Enlisting the understanding and support of Mr. Rifai, the UNWTO Secretary General, in all that we are doing is most encouraging for our tourism industry.’

UNWTO and Tunisia to hold International Conference UNWTO and the Ministry of Tourism of Tunisia will organize an international conference on the future of Mediterranean tourism on the island of Djerba (16-17 April, 2012).

The news was announced at the Tourism Investment Forum for Africa, INVESTOUR, held during the international travel fair, FITUR (Madrid, Spain, 19 January).“While the Mediterranean may be the most visited region in the world, with over 200 million tourist arrivals a year, it also faces numerous

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NewFocus January / February’2012

challenges; political, environmental and social,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. The conference in Djerba would offer an opportunity to tack stock of tourism trends in the region, he said, and adopt a “shared vision” to adequately face these challenges.

The conference will convene tourism stakeholders from the Mediterranean region and beyond to address how the region can continue to attract large numbers of visitors in the face of sustainability challenges and competition from other world regions. The two-day event is the sixth in UNWTO’s series of destination management conferences.

BEIJING INTERNATIONAL TOURISM EXPO 2012

9TH INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION FOR BUSINESS & LEISURE TOURISM

China National Convention Centre, Beijing China 1 5 – 17 June 2012 (Friday to Sunday) www.bitechina.com.cn

Why participate at BITE 2012?

Learning & showcase opportunities in abundance!

• A value-added platform to showcase & effectively market your products & destination routes; share and be kept abreast of industry trends and developments through the comprehensive line up of forums, presentations and seminars.

Focused platform teeming with business networking opportunities!

• Buyers Program: Forge new business relationships and enhance your business interaction with our wide pool of key local and international buyers.

• B2B Industry Portal (www.tourism-gateway.com): A formidable channel for industry professionals to interact, network, share and discuss the most up-to-date trends and developments of the travel & tourism industry. Incorporating the formidable online Pre-Scheduled Appointment (PSA) Program, our exhibitors can gain new business contacts; form alliances and make appointments with our wide pool of local and international buyers.

Booking & Reservation enquiries Within China: Contact Person: Ms Lily Zhang Tel: (86) 10 8447 6820 | Fax: (86) 10 8447 6822 | E-mail: lily@cemschina.com.cn Outside China: Contact Person: Ms Vivi He Tel: (65) 6278 8666 | Fax: (65) 6278 4977 | E-mail: vivi@cems.com.sg Hosted Buyers enquiries Contact Person: Ms Ruby Liu Tel: (86) 10 8447 6820 | Fax: (86) 10 8447 6822 | E-mail: ruby@cemschina.com.cn

Organiser

International Organisers ®

Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development

CEMS (Beijing) Conference & Exhibition Co., Ltd

Conference & Exhibition Management Services Pte Ltd (CEMS)

Focus On WORLD NEWS

World Travel Awards Grand Final – Qatar

World Travel Awards (WTA) capped its year-long search for the world’s most successful travel and tourism brands with its glittering Grand Final Gala Ceremony in Doha, Qatar on 11 January 2012. The most important decision-makers in global travel and tourism attended the show, which was held in partnership with Qatar Tourism Authority at Katara Cultural Village, Doha’s ground-breaking new arts and exhibitions complex. Turkish award

winners at this year’s World Travel Awards Grand Final are: World’s Leading All Suite Hotel & Spa: Hotel Les Ottomans, Turkey World’s Leading Design Hotel: Adam & Eve at Belek, TurkeyWorld’s Leading Fully Integrated Resort: Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa, Turkey World’s Leading Hotel Spa: Mardan Spa, Mardan Palace, Antalya, Turkey World’s Leading Luxury Resort: Mardan Palace, Turkey

The ITB Berlin Convention in 2012

ILTM Asia 2012 to be held in Shanghai

All the expert knowledge at a glance: as of now visitors to the ITB Berlin Convention 2012 can click on www. itb-kongress.com/program for a first look at the programme of the three-day convention.

As the tourism industry’s main think tank the ITB Berlin Convention 2012 has again been able to secure the attendance of prominent speakers. From 7 to 9 March, at the ITB Berlin Convention, part of the world’s leading travel trade show, leading speakers from the tourism industry and other sectors will be highlighting the latest trends and discussing the opportunities and challenges facing the global travel industry in the future. Admission is free for trade visitors with tickets to ITB Berlin. Each of the three days features a special topic. Day one is devoted to the major trends in tourism, business and society at the ITB Future Day. The high-ranking members of the Executive Cruise Panel will be examining the current and future fortunes of the international cruise industry. Larry Pimentel, President & CEO Azamara Club Cruises; Peter Shanks, President & Managing Director Cunard Line; Pier Luigi Foschi, Chairman Costa Cruise Lines; Michael Bayley, Executive VP International Operations Royal Caribbean International and Enzo Visone, CEO, Silversea Cruises will be discussing the latest growth in demand as well as challenges in the context of environmental protection and social responsibility. Dr. Bernd Fauser, Head of Global Top Accounts Travel Google, will deliver a keynote on innovations such as the Google Hotel Finder and Google Offers, and how in the future revolutionary technologies can help to sell tours. Another speech will deal with a survey by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and on future tourism prospects in the Mediterranean, with a look towards 2030. Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of UNWTO, is expected to guest on the panel. In the light of recent events the programme will also include discussion rounds on the current financial debt crisis.

Parallel with the afore-mentioned events the ITB Destination Days will also be taking place for the entire duration of the ITB Berlin Convention 2012. These will be dealing mainly with the challenges facing destination management. In addition to the burgeoning Asian markets the focus will also be on types of travel with high growth potential, such as health and cultural tourism. The internationally acclaimed health expert Keith Pollard will be talking about the opportunities presented by this major tourism trend, particularly against the backdrop of demographic change.

Other sessions will dwell on the Arab Spring and its impact on the travel industry as well as the expanding gay and lesbian travel market.

The newly introduced ITB Young Professional Day, which includes topics such as vocational training and university courses for tourism, the Business Travel Days and the Travel Technology Conference PhoCusWright@ITB, will round of the programme of the ITB Berlin Convention 2012.

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NewFocus January / February’2012

LTM (International Luxury Travel Market) Asia, the only luxury travel event dedicated to luxury travel buyers from across the Asia-Pacific region, will welcome over 400 high-end travel experiences to meet the burgeoning and diverse demand from the region at the 2012 event, 4 - 7 June 2012, Shanghai.

The latest ILTM Global Trends Report revealed in December 2011, showed that despite the financial climate, nearly 90% of luxury travel business leaders from the Asia-Pacific are currently finding business conditions better or much better than expected. This level of optimism across the region, together with the relative youth of many of the specific markets, has created a leading role for ILTM Asia to introduce both new and classic luxury travel solutions to luxury travel buyers from across the region.

The event identifies regional luxury travel trends and information, facilitating ideas and education – vital for any company wishing to increase business from across the diverse Asia-Pacific region.

Alison Gilmore, ILTM and ILTM Asia Exhibition Director commented, “The Asia-Pacific is driving growth in the luxury travel industry. There are an estimated 250 million people from China now defined as ‘buyers of luxury’, and notably appearing to be following the Western trend of ‘spending for experiences’ in their travel preferences. With Japan and Australia as established and integral outbound markets within the region, our research shows strong outbound luxury travel growth from other key markets including India and South Korea.”

ILTM Asia is exclusively created for Asia-Pacific buying elite: planners and designers of luxury travel to meet directly with the world’s leading – as well as the latest – luxury travel suppliers in a series of bespoke pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings and build on or develop long-term relationships. To ensure a one-to-one ratio of arranged meetings throughout the event, 400 elite travel experiences from across the world are invited to meet with a similar number of discerning buyers from the Asia Pacific alone at the event. These elite suppliers represent hidden luxury to wild escapes, authentic to gastronomic experiences, elite transportation to wellness retreats and spas, pampered luxury to philanthropy.

With ILTM also renowned for identifying insights into the future of the luxury travel industry, ILTM Asia 2012 will host a series of valuable educational programmes to assist buyers and suppliers with understanding specific regional markets and their wealthy clientele as well as increasing luxury travel sectors.

ILTM Asia 2012 has already confirmed a spectrum of elite exhibitors who recognise the vital role the event plays in increasing business within the region. These include Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Jumeriah Hotels & Resorts, Trails of Indochina, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Ritz-Carlton, &Beyond, Abercrombie & Kent, Cox & Kings, Relais & Chateaux, Fregate Island, Cheval Blanc Courcheval and the Capri Palace Hotel & Spa in Naples to name a few.

Focus On HOTELS

A’JIA, a Jewel on the Bosphorus A distinguished boutique Hotel, A’jia Contributing to the overall experience is a traditional Ottoman mansion of its valued guests, each room is that jewels the Asian shores of the a delight to discover as they are Bosphorus. With a well appointed uniquely designed, furnished and contemporary interior design, and its equipped with all the latest gimmicks centuries old architecture the venue and amenities blending in perfectly oozes trend and excitement. When with the timeless elegance of the you add the extraordinary attention to 1800’s. detail, individualized service and HIP The A’jia restaurant is an exclusive aspect in the mix, hotel experience is venue with a gusto that is happy duel simply redefined. any “gourmet” to perfection. And With its 16 rooms that feature private events are a treat, with a breathtaking scenes from the unique approach in offering exquisite Bosphorus, A’jia truly offers a menus and creative ideas. private hideaway with easy access to Whether you drive or take the historical and cultural attractions of complimentary A’jia boat shuttle it is a the city. feast on eyes.

For more information: Ahmet Rasim Pasa Yalisi Cubuklı Cad. No 27 34812 Kanlica / Istanbul / Turkey Phone: +90 216 413 9300 Fax: +90 216 413 9355 info@ajiahotel.com www.ajiahotel.com

Focus On HOTELS

Istanbul Hoteliers Enjoy Significant Increases in Profitability The latest HotStats survey by TRI Hospitality Consulting shows that despite a 1.5 percentage point decline in room occupancy, hoteliers in Istanbul were able to successfully record a 17.6% increase in achieved average room rate to €193.97.

Budapest, Istanbul and Paris registered strong increases in profit per room for November led by robust yearon-year growth in achieved average room rate, according to the latest HotStats survey by TRI Hospitality Consulting.

In contrast to Istanbul, in addition to increases in achieved average room rate performance in both Paris (+6.1%) and Budapest (+8.4%), these capital cities also successfully recorded room occupancy increases of 7.7 percentage points and 4.9 percentage points, respectively, which contributed to significant increases in Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR).

Paris hosted a number of key events throughout the month of November, including the Tennis Masters, which generated significant demand for hotel accommodation and resulted in the French capital achieving room occupancy of 81.3% at an average room rate of €204.06, the highest achieved rate recorded this month of the European cities polled.

Despite a relatively weak room occupancy performance in the Hungarian capital, at just 65.5%, an increase in demand from the conference sector helped to boost the achieved average room rate for hoteliers in Budapest to €91.89 from €84.77 during the same period in 2010.

Conversely, profit per room in London declined for the third

time in 2011, by 2.5% to €114.69. Whilst a 1.8 percentage point decline in room occupancy led to a drop in both rooms revenue and total revenue performance levels, to €155.72 and €222.93, respectively, profit levels in the UK capital were further impacted by rising costs.

“For the first time this year we have seen a consecutive month-on-month decline in profit per room in the London four and five-star hotel market. Whilst we fully anticipate the London market to end the year ahead of 2010, the recent sustained lull in performance levels confirms there has been a softening in demand,” said David Bailey, deputy managing director, TRI Hospitality Consulting.

Murat Dedeman, Turkish Hotelier of the Year

Chairman of Dedeman Hotels & Resorts International and President of Dedeman Holding; Mr. Murat Dedeman is named hotelier of the year in Turkey.

Central Asia & Turkey Hotel Investment Conference (CATHIC), which will take place in Istanbul 6 to 8 February 2012 at Ceylan Intercontinental, will honor Mr. Dedeman with the CATHIC 2012 Leadership Award.

Jonathan Worsley, Chairman, Bench Events and co-organiser of the CATHIC said, “The Leadership Award is presented to an individual acknowledged by the hospitality sector as someone who has significantly contributed toward the

development, success and growth of the industry”.

Dedeman Hotels & Resorts International has been serving its guests for over 40 years in 22 prestigious hotels situated in some of the most prime and sought after locations.

Murat Dedeman has been Chairman of Dedeman Holding since 1992. The Dedeman Community which continues its activities in the same path of Mehmet Kemal Dedeman has focused on hotel management and mining, has realized new investments and consolidated its leader position in the Turkish Hotel Management under the Presidency of Murat Dedeman. Moreover, Dedeman has gained the characteristic of being Turkey’s first hotel chain which operates under its own brand on the international stage with the hotels put into service in Cyprus, Moldova and Uzbekistan.

Dedeman Hotels & Resorts International has been hosting its guests with the Traditional Dedeman Hospitality for almost half a century, will celebrate its 46th year in 2012.

Surmeli Efes Hotel Received Award from Hotels4u Thomas Cook’s Hotels4U held their 7th Annual Thanks2U awards for suppliers and partners on November 8th in London, UK. Hotels4U used the event to thank both partners and staff for their contribution to another year of record growth. Turkey’s Sürmeli Efes Hotel received the top honors; “Leading All Inclusive Hotels” award by showing a great success by getting the award for the second

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consecutive year.

The hotel’s General Manager Sadun Alp who received the award, sent his appreciation to all top management and employees. Mr. Alp said that hotel’s high quality service, Sürmeli hospitality, and all-inclusive concept will be improved. Within this perspective he believes that Sürmeli Efes will continue to receive similar success in coming years.

NewFocus January / February’2012

Focus On HOTELS

Wyndham Hotel Group Announces 2nd Wyndham in Turkey Wyndham Hotel Group announced the signing of an agreement to open a second franchised Wyndham Hotels and Resorts® property in Turkey, the Wyndham Istanbul Kalamis Marina. Michael Poynter, Wyndham Hotel Group’s senior vice president and managing director of EMEA, and Mr. Celal Yuksel, Chairman of the Board, Reisler Deri Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Siketi, celebrate the signing of Wyndham Istanbul Kalamis Marina, the second Wyndham branded hotel set to debut in Turkey in autumn 2012. The hotel, owned by Reisler Deri Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Siketi, is due to open in autumn 2012.

The signing of the Wyndham Istanbul Kalamis Marina adds to Wyndham Hotel Group’s steady growth in the country, following last month’s announcement that Turkey’s first Wyndham® hotel, the Wyndham Petek Istanbul, is set to debut

in 2012. Wyndham Hotel Group currently has seven hotels open and operating in the country under the globally renowned Ramada® brand. “Turkey plays an important role in our plans to expand Wyndham Hotel Group’s portfolio in Europe and the Middle East and continue providing travellers with first-rate accommodations around the world,” said Eric Danziger, president and chief executive officer of Wyndham Hotel Group. “The opportunities in Istanbul make for an exciting time to introduce a second Wyndham hotel here. With its incredible location and five-star offerings, the addition of Wyndham Istanbul Kalamis Marina further demonstrates our commitment to work with respected partners to bring high-calibre products to key, vibrant markets.”

With stunning views of the Marmara Sea, this five-star property will be located directly across from the exclusive Kalamis Marina on the Asian side of Istanbul. The hotel will feature 211 rooms over five floors, one presidential suite and eight meeting rooms. A large spa and fitness centre will offer 12 treatment rooms, one indoor pool and one rooftop pool. Dining options will include three restaurants: one offering all-day dining and two speciality restaurants. A lobby bar and room service will also be available.

W Istanbul Introduces OKKA From the inspired alchemy of master chef Tolga Atalay, W Istanbul presents OKKA. OKKA, named after the food weight measurement unit from the Ottoman Empire, welcomes locals and international guests with classic Turkish cuisine in a contemporary bistro setting within the W Istanbul.

Abundant mezes heat the palate with a fierce pastrami steamed in parchment paper (en papillote) and refresh with a creamy white cheese whipped with yoghurt and mint.

Twenty five flavorful options of kebap with local ingredients from their namesake towns and regions offer diners the ability to sample the best of Turkey without ever leaving the table. Guests may also choose to enjoy entrees including pomegranate marinated chicken or lamb tenderloin. Rose petal crème brulee is as delicate as it is decadent and creamed date ice cream needs no additional endorsement. While boasting Istanbul’s grandest cellar of locally produced wines, OKKA bows to conviviality with a self pour Raki service An intimate space of 95 seats featuring supple leather seating, an alabaster marble bar, etched smoked mirror inlays,

and glowing azure columns. With cutting edge technology, a 3D holographic belly dancer raises pulses and curiosity.

Burnished leather wallpaper ornamented with a pyrographic (heated etching) tableau of an Ottoman banquet invites the appetite as guests indulge in an alluring feast of classic Turkish cuisine.

Zeynep Golf Resort Becomes SENTIDO Brand SENTIDO Hotels & Resorts, the Thomas Cook AG hotel brand, is continuing to expand. As of April 1, 2012 Zeynep Golf Resort joins to the SENTIDO Hotels & Resorts.

The SENTIDO Zeynep Golf & Spa, with its own 18-hole golf course, is located 5 km from Belek. The newly-built beach hotel offers 164 double rooms and 14 suites, including eight suites with direct pool access and two honeymoon suites.

Directly alongside is the SENTIDO Zeynep Resort, which features a 50-metre long Olympic swimming pool, an aquapark with water slides and an indoor pool. The spacious familyoriented hotel offers 319 double rooms, four suites, 10 large family rooms, 32 family suites with two bedrooms as well as six villas. For meetings and conferences there are 11 meeting rooms that can also be combined to create larger meeting spaces.

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Focus On AIRLINES

Turkish Airlines starts Wi-Fi Service Onboard Turkish Airlines, together with Panasonic Avionics Corporation, has added high-speed Wi-Fi broadband Internet access to its existing live, inflight television service on TransAtlantic flights using its IFE platform, PLANET. Passengers are now able to access high-speed, unlimited Internet with laptops, tablets, smartphones or any other device that is WLAN-enabled. Business travellers can also access their company’s Virtual Private Network (VPN). The high-speed Internet service will initially be provided free of charge as an introductory offer.

After this period, passengers will be able to access the Internet via an access code, which will be available for credit card purchase on board the aircraft via the service provider‘s portal pages.

Together with the new high-speed Internet service, seatback screens will continue to provide passengers with live TV, the latest news, as well as online services related to Turkish Airlines’ loyalty program Miles&Smiles and access to customer relations connections.

On September 23, 2011, Turkish Airlines was the first airline to offer Live TV on commercial transatlantic flights, with the introduction of its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

PLANET GCS is now active on 1 B777-300ER aircraft with plans to quickly expand the availability of this system to the 11 additional Boeing 777-300ERs and 10 Airbus 330-300 aircraft in its fleet as quickly as possible.

Delta Air Lines celebrates the 20th anniversary of its maiden flight between Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport, via Frankfurt, Germany.

“This flight marked a milestone in Delta’s history, as well as providing strong business and tourism opportunities between Turkey and the United States,” said Esra Solak, Delta’s sales manager for Turkey. “Twenty years later, Delta is the only U.S. flag carrier serving Istanbul and we have carried over 2 million passengers since we launched service.”

Initially, the flight was operated via Delta’s Frankfurt hub using a Boeing 727 aircraft which carried up to 150 passengers. The flight became a nonstop service between Turkey and the United States in May 1997. Delta now operates year-round nonstop service between Istanbul and New York-JFK using Boeing 767-300 aircraft which carry up to 246 passengers in a three class configuration, BusinessElite, Economy Comfort and Economy class.

Twenty years ago, the launch of the Istanbul service marked an expansion of 21 Delta flights across the trans-Atlantic from New York, following the acquisition of the majority of Pan Am’s European routes. This growth represented the largest one-day international expansion in Delta’s history.

Since that date, Delta now operates to 59 countries on six continents and more than 40 percent of all Delta’s network capacity is now on the international network.

Delta flights between Istanbul and the United States and destinations beyond are available for booking via travel agents, Delta and Air France KLM’s dedicated Turkey

reservations teams on 90 212 3101999 or online via the respective websites.

Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year, and was named by Fortune magazine as the most admired airline worldwide in its 2011 World’s Most Admired Companies airline industry list. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 338 destinations in 59 countries on six continents.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs 80,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 700 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry’s leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 13,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. The airline’s service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, a world-class airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and more than 50 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Delta is investing more than $2 billion through 2013 in airport facilities and global products, services and technology to enhance the customer experience in the air and on the ground.

Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and review flight status at delta.com.

Delta Air Lines Celebrates 20 years in Turkey

Singapore Airlines Offers Promotional Fare from Istanbul – Athens

ingapore Airlines will commence new flights between Istanbul and Athens from 31 October 2011. To celebrate this event, Singapore Airlines is offering to its valued customers a very special, all inclusive promotional return fare of Euro 189. This promotional fare is available immediately till 15 November 2011. Travel must be completed by 31 December 2011. Tickets are valid for 1 month from date of departure. Customers can purchase tickets via the Singapore Airlines website, sales office or travel agencies.

Detailed Istanbul - Athens flight schedule is below;

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NewFocus January / February’2012

ISTANBUL - ATHENS SERVICE (All times local) Flight no. Days of operation

Depart IST

Arrive in ATH

392

0615hrs

0740hrs

Flight no. Days of operation

Depart ATH

Arrive in IST

391

1100hrs

1220hrs

Mon, Fri and Sun

Mon, Fri and Sun

For further enquiries please call; Singapore Airlines Istanbul Tel: 0212 463 18 00

Focus On AIRLINES

Turkish Airlines to Increase Russia Flights Turkey’s national flag carrier; Turkish Airlines (THY) will increase the number of its destinations in Russia to eight as of March, 2012. THY Russia Director General Mefail Deribas stated media that THY’s new destination in Russia would be Novosibirsk. THY had been flying to only Moscow till 2005, said Deribas, adding that the number of destinations in Russia increased to seven till 2011.

The number of passengers carried between Russia and Turkey was 60,000 in 2005, and it increased to 700,000 in 2011, he said. Turkish Airlines operates scheduled services to 146 international and 41 domestic cities (38 domestic airports), serving a total of 187 airports, in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. THY carried 32.6 million passengers in January-December, 2011.

Air Astana has Added a Fifth Boeing 757 Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s principal carrier has added a fifth Boeing 757-200 to its fleet, with the latest aircraft arriving in Almaty on 17th January 2012. The Boeing 757 will serve on domestic trunk routes and international services to Asia, Europe and the Gulf. Following completion of all post deliver checks, the aircraft will operate its first Air Astana commercial flight from Almaty to Aktobe on January 21st, 2012. The leased aircraft has a 16 business class/ 150 economy class seating configuration and has a maximum range of 7,250 kilometres. “Air Astana first introduced the Boeing 757 in 2003 and over the past nine years has proven to be a highly efficient and reliable aircraft. The Boeing 757-200 features advanced technology to achieve low fuel burn and noise levels, a comfortable passenger cabin and excellent operational performance,” commented John Wainwright, Senior Vice President – Engineering, Air Astana. Air Astana will also continue to expand its new Embraer E-190 fleet in 2012, with three additional aircraft joining the first three aircraft delivered in 2011. The fleet of E-190s will gradually replace the six Fokker 50s by the end of 2012. The airline will also start taking delivery of a new fleet of six Airbus A320s this year. Air Astana currently operates a fleet of 26 aircraft comprising two Boeing 767-300, five Boeing 757-200, ten Airbus A321/A320/A319, three Embraer

E-190 and six Fokker 50. The airline serves 22 domestic and 27 international destinations.

Air Astana is a full member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the only airline in Kazakhstan certified to perform aircraft maintenance to European standard EASA/Part 145. In September 2011, Air Astana passed its third IATA Operational Safety Audit, without any findings.

Air Astana is a joint venture between the National Welfare Fund “Samruk-Kazyna” JSC and the British company BAE Systems, with shares of 51% and 49% respectively.

Air Astana Launched Istanbul – Samara flights Air Astana announced that Istanbul – Samara, Russia flights are on sale now through the GDS system.

The Istanbul - Samara fares are starting from €320.

Istanbul - Almaty flights will be realized with A320 aircraft and Almaty - Samara flights will be realized with Embraer 190 aircrafts.

Air Astana flight departs from Istanbul at 11.20 and arrives Almaty at 20.40 Air Astana flight departs from Almaty at 21.45 and arrives Samara at 23.30 For more information and reservation, please call Air Astana at +90 212 343 49 60

TAV Airports to Operate Izmir Airport Domestic Terminal TAV Airports will operate Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport Domestic and International Terminal until 2032.

General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMI) has awarded TAV Airports Holding for leasing the operating rights of Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport Current International Terminal, CIP, Domestic Terminal and auxiliary structures. A new company has been established and registered under the name of “TAV Ege

Terminal Yatırım Yapım ve İşletme A.Ş.” in order to conduct the operations.

TAV Airports Holding Inc. holds 100% shares of the company which has a capital of 1,000,000 TL. The leasing contract for granting the operational rights by leasing has been signed between the recently established TAV Ege Terminal Yatırım Yapım ve İşletme A.Ş. and DHMI. A concession fee of 610 million Euros shall be paid to DHMI excluding VAT for the airport operating rights until the end of 2032. The new company will also invest 250 million Euros for the construction of the new Domestic Terminal.

NewFocus January / February’2012

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Focus On TOUR OPERATORS & AGENTS

Başaran Ulusoy Once Again TÜRSAB President The 20th General Assembly of TURSAB Association of Turkish Travel Agencies was held in Istanbul 3-4 December 2011.

The 20th General Assembly of TURSAB started on Saturday at Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Center. About a thousand of TURSAB members attended the General Assembly which was also honored by the Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay, Turkish Culture and Tourism Promotion Director Cumhur Güven Tasbasi, Istanbul Culture and Tourism Director

Prof. Ahmet Emre Bilgili, Istanbul Deputy Governor Kazım Tekin, TUROB President Timur Bayindir, TUREB President Serif Yenen, and TUROFED Vice President Gürel Aydın.

Başaran Ulusoy elected for the 7th time as the President of TURSAB. Ulusoy said on Saturday that this is the last time he will be a candidate for the Presidency.

New Board Members are as follows:

Executive Committee Full Members

1- Başaran Ulusoy- Türhol Turizm , İstanbul 2- Talha Görgülü - GTI /Karakartal/ Kayı Tur , Antalya 3- Günnur Özalp – Eurasia, İstanbul 4- Burak Tonbul – Diana, Kuşadası 5- Bülent Katkak – Eman Turizm, İstanbul 6- Firuz Bağlıkaya – Detur, İstanbul 7- Ertuğrul Karaoğlu – İntra Turizm, İstanbul 8- Mehmet Hikmet Selçuk – Alesta , Fethiye 9- Muammer Güner – Eltra Tur, İstanbul

Turkish and Greek Ministers Announced Measures to Boost Cruise Tourism Turkey’s award winning cruise specialist; Tura Turizm successfully hosted Seatrade’s 2nd Winter Cruising Forum in Istanbul from 5 to 7 December 2011.

Government ministers from Turkey and Greece both made announcements on the opening day of in Istanbul that will give cruising in the region a major boost. Delegates in Tuesday’s opening session heard from George Nikitiades, Greek Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, that Greece’s cabotage restrictions are to be lifted, an action long awaited by the cruise community. New reforms include an amendment to the 2010 cabotage law on non EUflagged vessel home porting, whereby the obligation to sign a contract with the Greek state for home porting in the country is completely withdrawn. Adonis Georgiades, Greek Deputy Minister of Development, Competitiveness and Shipping reiterated Mr. Nikitiades’ announcement in this morning’s conference session,

stating that the new law was with the cabinet and would likely be passed by 20 December.

Turkey’s Minister of Transport, Marine Affairs and Communications, Binali Yıldırım, also addressed forum delegates, announcing reductions of up to 50% in certain port and service fees for cruise ships calling in Turkey from January 2012. He said that the reductions would equate to $10m governmental financial support to the sector. Yıldırım also spoke about the country’s tourism strategy through to 2023, “where we are planning the redevelopment and expansion of ten cities and nine cruise ports plus four new airports and new road and transport infrastructure.” He addressed the need to grow cruise tourism in Turkey, particularly in the winter months, “We have a climate that is conducive to cruising 365 days a year, especially in the Aegean, and we hope our announcements will assist this.”

Winter and year-round cruising are under the spotlight in Istanbul; where over 180 delegates and speakers are gathered for this timely event, with the region poised for a surge in cruise deployment over the coming years.

ABTA announced that Turkey is to host its Travel Convention in the luxury resort of Belek, Antalya, from 10-12 October 2012.

With a flying time of less than four hours from London to Antalya, it will be the first time that the Convention is hosted in an all-inclusive resort. The Convention was last hosted in Turkey in 1996, in Istanbul. Speaking from the closing session of the 2011 Travel Convention in Palma Mallorca, Tolga Tuyluoglu, Director of the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office in London, said: “I am absolutely delighted that ABTA will be coming to Turkey next year. We are very excited to be hosting such a prestigious event in Belek in Antalya, one of our premier resorts.

“We last hosted the ABTA Travel Convention in Istanbul in

1996. Then we had just over 750,000 arrivals – now it is closer to three million! The UK is such an important market for us and this is a great opportunity for us to show the UK travel trade the new face of Turkish tourism.”

Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive said: “We are very excited to be able to announce Turkey as the hosts of the 2012 Travel Convention. Turkey has had a meteoric rise in the last few years as a tourist destination of choice for British holidaymakers. The resort of Belek offers outstanding, five-star facilities that will provide first rate support for The Convention’s programme of business, social and sporting activities. It is the first time that we will host The Convention in an all-inclusive resort, enabling delegates to enjoy The Convention and plan budgets effectively.”

ABTA Convention in Antalya at October 2012

Great Interest to New Year Tours of Prontotour Prontotour customers showed great interest to welcome New Year in several countries. Mr. Ali Onaran, CEO of leading outgoing travel agency of Turkey, announced that Prontotour prepared special tour programs for New Year Holiday.

Prontotour offered tours to

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Budapest from €299, Prague from €349, Vienna from €529, Rome from €369, Venice-Florence, Rome from €399, Catania-Palermo from €399, and Beirut from €449. Prontotour also will organize different tours and programmes for Turkish holiday lovers.

NewFocus January / February’2012

Focus On TOUR OPERATORS & AGENTS

VIP Tourism Opening Doors of Space

Having pioneered groundbreaking initiatives in Turkish tourism sector since 1968, VIP Tourism will open the doors of space to everyone. Thanks to an investment by zero2infinity, a Spanish company, amounting to Euro 20 million, travelers can take a 4-hour-trip to Near Space by a specially-designed balloon called as Bloon. A press meeting was held with the participation of Ceylan Pirinçcioğlu, CEO of VIP Tourism and José Mariano López-Urdiales, the founder and CEO of zero2infinity with the occasion of launching of Bloon Project at Istanbul’s Edition Hotel. VIP Tourism has assumed the media representation of the project. “The human being has always wondered the space and hungered for discovering its mysteries and obscurities.

We are members of a generation who just watched movie-like competition on the space between USA and the Soviet Union during Cold War years. Now, we provide the large masses with Spaceflight, which until now has been specific to a minority being sent to the space by great powers. We, as VIP Tourism, are also very happy to making a new groundbreaking contribution steering the future of tourism sector” Ceylan Pirinçcioğlu said. Pirinçcioğlu emphasized that guests, who

will travel by Bloon, will see with their own eyes on the point where the Earth and the universe comes into contact with each other that the Sun and stars blaze day and night. “I believe that Bloon Project is a pivotal and leading project since it will enable to see the Earth from a wide angle and will set an example for Spaceflights” Pirinçcioğlu said.

According to the information given by Pirinçcioğlu, they will collect the applications of those who desire to travel by Bloon starting from January 1st, 2012. Of the total amount Euro 110 thousand, Euro 10 thousand will be collected in advance while remaining will be paid in two equal instalments in 2013 and 2014. Experimental flights with Bloon will be continued up to 2014 when the first real flight will be realized. It is targeted to launch the Bloon 100 times and bring together 400 persons with Spaceflight in the first year.

Pirinçcioğlu also underlined that they desire to launch the Bloon, which is still planned to be launched from Madrid, from a city suitable for launching such as Konya and Eskişehir.

Emphasizing that the Bloon is the first system being specifically designed for private journey since day one, Jose summarized the experience to be offered by the Bloon as follows: “It is a journey of about four hours from lift off to touch down. After a 1-hour ascent she will cruise for about two hours at an altitude of 36 km, from where it will start her gentle one-hour descent. That altitude has been selected because it offers the most rewarding view. During the flight accompanied by expert pilots, our guests will witness the marvel on the border where the atmosphere, also called as ‘Near-Space” is observed as thin and brilliant blue. Passengers will also have the opportunity to experience delicious meals to be prepared by Michelin Star Chef. We believe that we fly high enough to offer basic views that space travellers of 21st Century would desire to see. Our aim is not only to make people live exceptional experiences but also to raise awareness of planets.”

Thomas Cook Travel Agents Meet at Sentido Zeynep Golf Resort Belek Antalya is hosting ‘Travel Games’ organization to be attended by the travel agencies of Europe’s second largest tour operator Thomas Cook. Thomas Cook Travel Games that is attended by nearly 500 Thomas Cook agents will take place in April 2012 in Antalya. The agents will be accommodated at Belek’s 5-star Sentido Zeynep Golf Resort Belek. Within the part of Travel Games, the program will include workshop, hotel visits, and sightseeing tours.

Italy Workshop in Istanbul Italian Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Italian Chamber of Commerce Milano-Promos organized workshops on 22 and 23 November 2011.

Two tour operators and three hoteliers from Italy met with their Turkish colleagues at Istanbul’s Richmond Hotel in Taksim.

Bertel Travel, My Special Guest, Ramada Plaza Milano, Straf Hotel & Bar, Grand Hotel et de Milan were the participants of workshop.

NewFocus January / February’2012

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Focus On EXHIBITION

Tu rkey Bec am e Des tinat i on Par t ner of Li ver pool Football Cl ub at W TM Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry officially announced the partnership agreement with Liverpool Football Club at a press conference on the first day of World Travel Market 2011.

Turkey continues promotions in football with famous teams. Earlier in

August, Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry announced the Exclusive Partnership with Germany’s Hertha Berliner Sport-Club.

After continuing promotions at German Bundesliga, with the new partnership Turkey will be advertised widely in Barclays Premiere League during the games of Liverpool.

Moreover, Turkey travel package

prizes will be given to Liverpool fans with lucky draws at the matches.

Director of the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office in London; Tolga Tüylüoğlu said that UK Market for Turkey grows 10 percent in 2010. Mr. Tüylüoğlu revealed interesting facts about how Turkey is known in UK.

New Focus Travel Magazine, one of the media partners of World Travel Market, is distributed at WTM Media Village as well as at Turkey stand.

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NewFocus January / February’2012

Focus On EXHIBITION

NewFocus January / February’2012

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Focus On EXHIBITION

Turkey, the IAGTO Best Golf Destination, is hosting International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) in Belek-Antalya.

More than 400 leading resorts, golf courses and DMCs (destination management companies) from over 50 countries are taking part at the IGTM 2011, hosted by Betuyab (Belek

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Tourism Investors Association). More than 50 golf resorts, clubs and hotels from Turkey took part at IGTM 2011.

The event, which officially kicked off with a welcome reception at Hotel Maxx Royal in Belek on Monday night, is expecting a record attendance when it ends on November 17, 2011.

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the newly formed South Africa Golf Tourism Association, the

NewFocus January / February’2012

Egypt Tourism Authority and Cyprus Tourism Organisation are among the first time exhibitors at the IGTM. IGTM organizers; Reed Travel Exhibitions announced The Algarve region of Portugal is to host the 15th edition of the world’s premier global event for golf tourism suppliers, buyers and media, from November 12-15, 2012.

Focus On EXHIBITION

NewFocus January / February’2012

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Focus On EXHIBITION

ILTM- Cannes International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) facilitated almost 50,000 individual meetings between the industry’s elite when it took place in Cannes. By introducing over 1250 high-end travel suppliers to over 1250 VIP buyers, the 10th anniversary edition of ILTM demonstrated that it is the only meeting point for the industry’s movers and shakers.

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NewFocus January / February’2012

“ILTM goes from strength to strength. 2011 has been the best yet. It remains one of the most well organised and relevant trade shows for the luxury travel industry,” added Mike Bonner, General Manager UK, Ireland & Middle East at Silversea Cruises.

Turkey attended with a better location this year. Turkey represented with 32 companies at ILTM. Suat Tore represented New Focus Travel Magazine and MeeTurkey Incentive Magazine at ILTM – Cannes

Focus On EXHIBITION

NewFocus January / February’2012

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Destination Zagreb

Zagreb The City with a Heart

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agreb, the capital of the Republic of Croatia, is one of the oldest European cities and is yet one of Europe’s youngest metropolises. The fact that the Zagreb archdiocese was founded in 1094 and that the city was proclaimed a free royal city in 1242, attests to its long history. Zagreb was founded in a place where the last hills of the Alps merge towards the edge of the Panonian valley, making it an ideal spot for building a city within the Medvednica mountain hills and along the Sava River valley.

Zagreb is the administrative, economic, diplomatic and cultural capital of the country, with a population of almost one million. It is also a university center with forty higher education schools and over 40,000 students, it is a city that is proud of its long history of education -in the second half of the 16th century, Zagreb had its first university.

Zagreb is a city of science and culture.

The city has approximately fifty museums and galleries, as well as private art collections and about

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twenty theatres and musical venues.

In 1895, the city’s oldest theatre, the Croatian National Theatre, with its neo-baroque architecture was opened by the Austro-Hungarian emperor Franz Joseph I. Despite being a Central European city in geography, culture and baroque architecture, in many ways, Zagreb has a Mediterranean way of life. Thanks to its many influences, the city has a special charm and hospitable feel generated by its open-hearted people.

Many say that nothing compares to this city!

A walk through Zagreb is an interesting and pleasant journey that encapsulates both history and modern day life. Ilica, the longest street in Zagreb, divides the city into the old romantic Upper Town and the young, busy and business orientated Lower Town. For some, the most recognizable place in Zagreb is its neo-gothic Cathedral situated at Kaptol. Although it took many centuries to build, the Cathedral that stands today was completed at the

NewFocus January / February’2012

end of the 19th century. Amongst the city’s many monuments is the oldest Zagreb cemetery called Mirogoj, which was opened in 1876. Thanks to its monumental neo-renaissance arcades, tombs of many famous Croatians from political and cultural life lay there.

Numerous grave stones have been built by famous artists. Mirogoj is a mustsee place for visitors to the city. Zagreb is also the site of many cultural and international events. Many open air events and exhibitions are organized from spring to autumn. They create a very special atmosphere in the city and are a true tourist attraction.

The journey through Zagreb is a never ending story. You may best learn about it by walking down the city streets and enjoying a cappuccino in one of its many city cafes. The biggest value of this city is its atmosphere and the people who never allow you to feel alone. Zagreb has a story to tell and it has a heart, a big heart.

Destinasyon Tunus

Tatil Ülkesi Tunus

T

unus’a ikinci gidişimiz. Bundan 6 yıl kadar önce ilk kez gittiğimiz Tunus, geçen yıl başında yeni demokrasi hareketiyle geçirdiği sıkıntılı günleri çabuk atlatmış. Önceden olduğu gibi turistleri eski güvenli ülke imajı ile ağırlamayı sürdürüyor.

Bu yıl ülkemizi de kapsayan bölgenin direktörü Mohamed Bachar, ülkemizden 5 gazeteci ile birlikte Tunus’a ziyaret teklifinde bulundu. Aradan geçen uzun zaman diliminde nelerin değiştiğini merak da ederek, Aralık ayının sonlarında bu kez daha uzun ve daha dolu bir programla bu sıcak ülkeyi tekrar ziyaret etme fırsatı bulduk. İlk ziyaretimizde de yazdığımız gibi; Konukseverliklerini

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Türk vatandaşlarına daha bir sıcak gösteren, ailece tatil yapabileceğiniz bir Ülke Tunus. Bizim kültürümüzün izlerini taşıyan bu ülkede çocuklarınızla birlikte eğlenceli ve keyifli tatilleri güven içinde yapabilirsiniz.

Tunus, 3000 yıllık tarihiyle medeniyetlerin kesiştiği bir Akdeniz ülkesi. Zengin tarihinin yanında, çok renkli coğrafyası ve Dünyaca ünlü otel zincirleriyle kaynaşan tatil köylerine dünyanın hemen her ülkesinden her yıl 6 milyonu aşkın turist ziyaret ediyor.

Macera turizmcilerinin gözdesi olan, güneyden başlayan sahara, sapsarı kumları kuzeye bağlarken yeşilleniyor.

Güneş ve deniz tutkunu turistler kuzeyde

NewFocus January / February’2012

Akdenizin lacivert sularını tercih ediyor.

Denizle bütünleşen bitki örtüsünün ağırlığını zeytin ve hurma ağaçları, üzüm bağları ve palmiyeler oluşturuyor. 1300 km ‘yi bulan ince kumlu plajları, golf sahaları, ülkenin kıyı bölgelerine dağılmış olan dalış merkezleri, casinoları ile Tunus, çok çeşitli turizm alternatiflerini sunuyor.

Turizm bakanlığı genel direktörü Habib Amima ve ülkemizi de kapsayan bölgenin direktörü Mohamed Bachar‘ın verdiği rakamlara goreTunus 2010 yılında 7 milyon turist ağırlarken 2.8 milyar USD de gelir elde etmiş. 2011 yılının başındaki siyasi olaylar bu yılın turizmini doğal olarak olumsuz etkilemiş.Ancak Temmuz ayından itibaren turrist rakamları

yükselmeye başlamış. Bu yıl geçen yıla gore daha düşük rakamlar ile kapanacak ama turizm Tunus ekonomisinin can damarı olma özelliğni sürdürmeye devam edecek..

Tunus’un gözde turizm merkezlerini ve turizm çeşitlerini bu kez önceki gezimize gore tam ters bir programla gerçekleştirdik. İlk gelişimizde 5 günde yaptığımız ve yorucu geçen turumuzu bu yıl 7 günde tamamladık. Tabii daha az yorularak daha keyif aldık.

Bu fam trip’imize yine Başkent Tunus ile başlayarak bu kez sırayla El-Jem, Matmata, Douz, Tozeur, Kairoun Sousse Monastir, ve Hammamet kentlerini

turistik yönleri ile gördük.

Tunusair ile 2 saat.15 dakika kadar süren bir yolculuk ile varabileceğiniz başkent Tunus şehrininin küçük ama sevimli Kartaca havaalanından Türk vatandaşlarına vize aranmadığı için kısa sürede ayrılıp 15-20 dakika içinde şehir merkezindeki otelinize ulaşabilirsiniz.

Başkent Tunus’da zincir oteller ile birlikte çeşitli fiyatlarda otel odası bulmak mümkün.

Tunus’un Champ Elysee’si olan Habib Burgiba bulvarının devamindaki otelimiz Tunus’un en büyük otel zincirlerinden Golden Yasmin grubunun Tunisia Palace gerek lokasyonu gerekse konforu ile

önereceğimiz 4 yıldızlı bir otel. Eski bir banka olan tarihi binanın renovasyonu ile 47 odalı bir otele dönüşen adres bilgileri şöyle: Tunisia Palace 13, Avenue de France 1000 TUNIS. Tel: (+216) 71 242 700 Fax: (+216) 71 242 555 tunisiapalace@goldenyasmin.com Geceleri renkli ışıklandırması ile Avrupa şehirlerini andıran Habib Burgiba bulvarı başkentin modern mağazaları ile de en önemli alışveriş caddesi. Eski şehir Medina’ya yürüyerek ulaşıp bizim kapalı çarşıya da benzeyen sokaklarda turistik alışverişinizi yapabilirsiniz.

NewFocus January / February’2012

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Destinasyon Tunus

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Turumuzun ilk gününde Roma ve Portekiz Collosseum’larının ardından Dünyanın 3 büyük Collosseum’u. olan MS.230-238 yılları arasında yapılmış El-Jem Colosseum’unu ziyaret ettik.

Konaklamamızı yapacağımız Douz şehri için yapacağımız 550 km’lik ilk günkü yolculuğumuzun ikinci durağı Matmata kasabası oldu. İlk ‘’star wars’’ Yıldız Savaşları filmlerinin doğal setleri olan Matmata için, Geleneksel Berberi troglodit kavminin yeraltı binaları ve berberi çadırlarını,

toprak altı evlerindeki yaşamlarını ilginç notlarımız arasına kaydettik.

Douz : Geçen seyahatimizde konaklamadan geçtiğimiz bu şehirde bu kez 2 gece geçirdik. Gezimizin belki de en ilginç günlerini de bu şehirde yaşadık.

44.Uluslararası Sahara Festivali ni de izleme şansını yakaladık. Ama festival öncesi develere binerek saatlerce uçsuz bucaksız kum tepelerini arşınlayıp Sahara’da sanki kaybolduk. Berberi kiyafetlerimizle fotolar çekip, birbirimize şakalar yaptık. Sonra da Tunus

Cumhurbaşkanı Monsef Marzuki’nin açılışını yaptığı onlarca Afrika ülkesinin de katıldığı Sahara Festivalini ilgiyle izledik.

Japonya, Çin ve Kore’nin dışında çeşitli Avrupa ülkelerinden gelen gazeteciler ve turistler bir hafta sürecek bu festival için Douz’a gelmişlerdi. Ülkelerin yerel giysileri ile yaptıkları geleneksel dansları, olağan yaşamlarını tasvir ettikleri ve deve, köpek, tavşan, koyun, keçi, at gibi hayvanlar ile yarattıkları savaş, oyun ve yarışma sahneleri tüm izleyiciler için çok ilginç ve farklıydı. Hayatlarında ilk kez

gördükleri böyle bir festivali anılarının arasına kattıkları için de çok şanslıydılar.

Douz’da yine bir Golden Yasmin grubu otel olan Mehari – Douz da konakladık.

Mehari – Douz Hotel BP 96 Zone touristique 4260 Douz Tel :+216 75.47.10.88 Fax :+216 75.47.15.89 mehari.douz@goldenyasmin.com Douz’dan sonraki durağımız Tozeur şehri olarak programlanmıştı. Ancak yol üzerinde yine ilginç bir olay yaşayacaktık.

Chott Ell Jerid tuz gölünün tam ortasından geçeçektik. Yol boyunca tuz kümeleri ve çeşitli tuz adacıkları gördük ve sık sık 4 çeker ciplerimizi durdurarak

fotograflar çektik.

Gölü geçtikten sonra Cezayir sınırına çok yakın olarak sıralanmış Atlas dağlarının eteklerindeki yaşamları ve uçsuz bucaksız çöle açılan bu dağ eteklerindeki kaynak sularının etrafındaki yeşil palmiyeleri gördük. Çöllerde kaybolup ‘’su.. su…’’ diye inleyen film kahramanlarının gördükleri serapların yeşillik alanlardaki su gölleri bunlar olmalıydı.

Ve sonra bir başka macera başladı.

Paris Dakar rallilerinin ciplerindeydik.

Saatlerce çölde kum tepelerinde zıplayarak, kayarak, kumlara gömülerek usta şoförlerimizin inanılmaz direksiyon hakimiyetleri ile ‘’ Jeep Safari’’ yaptık.

Sonunda kum tepelerinin birinde aniden

çığlıklar attik. Cipimizin ön tekerlerinin altında 90c ye yakın diklikte ve en az 100 m yükseklikte bir kum tepesinde durmuştuk. Aramızdaki yaşlı ama usta fotografcımız korkusunu gizlemek için ‘’ben yürüyerek aşağıya ineyim oradan fotograf çekeyim’’diyemeden şoförümüz yine usta el ve ayaklarını konuşturdu, adrenalinlerimizi tavan yaptırarak cipimizi bu 100m lik dik tepeden aşağı indirdi. Uçsuz bucaksız çölde grubumuzun diğer araçlarını beklerken cipimizin hanım üyesi Allahın Çölünde nereden geldiğini anlamadığımız bir berberi çocuğun elindeki küçük zeytin çekirdeklerinden yapılmış kolyeyi satın alarak bize pes dedirtti. Kadınların

NewFocus January / February’2012

Daily Flight from ISTANBUL

tunusair.com info@tunusairturquie.com Tel: 0090 212 225 88 53

Destinasyon Tunus

shopping meraklarının yer ve zaman tanımadığını daha başka hangi örnek gösterebilirdi ki?

Grubun diger araçları da katıldıkdan sonar ilk ‘’Star Wars’’ filminin komik uzay merkezini gördük. Aklımıza Cem Yılmaz’ın Gora filmi geldi.Komutan Lazar’a selam söyleyerek Tozeur şehrindeki İspanyol Eldorador işletmesi olan 4 yıldızlı Ksar Rouge oteline yerleştik.

Bir haftalık gezimizin en iyi oteline gelmiştik. Duşumuzu yapıp çöl kumlarından arındıktan sonra geceleri 0 derecelere kadar düşen soğuk havaya karşı otelin güzel barında yakılan

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şöminenin karşısında, hem içimizi hem de dışımızı ısıtarak yorgunluğumuzu attık, duygularımızı gevşettik !

Eldorador Ksar Rouge BP 110 – 2210 Tozeur Tel: +216 76454933 Fax:+216 76453163 eldorador.ksar@planet.tn Ertesi gün yolumuzun yönü saharının başlangıcındaki Tozeur şehrindenTunus’un doğusunda Akdeniz kıyısındaki sahil şehirlerine çevirildi.

Yol üstünde Afrika kıtasının ilk camiisi olan Kairoun şehrindeki Okba İbn Nafaa camii’sini ziyaret etmelisiniz.

NewFocus January / February’2012

Hz.Muhammed’in berberi olan Oqba Ibn Nafii, ülkesine dönerken peygamberimiz kendisine bir camii yaptırtmasını buyurmuş. Hac için Kabe’ye gelmeye gücü yetmeyen Afrikalı müslümanların bu büyük camii etrafında da dönerek hac vazifelerini yapabileceklerini da eklemiş.

MS.670 yılından buyana dini önemi büyük olan bu şehir de çok sayıda dini eserleri nedeniyle ziyaret ediliyor.

Kairoun’un ardından Tunus’un kurucusu Habib Burgiba’nın Monastır kentindeki Mozalesi ziyareti ile Sousse kentine ulaştık. Kentin deniz kıyısındaki modern marinası El Kantaoui de yemek için

Destinasyon Tunus

deniz mahsullerinin zengin çeşitlerini tadabileceğiniz çok sayıda restoran bulacaksınız. Ama bizim kesinlikle tavsiyemiz La Daurade restoran olacaktır.

Son durağımız Tunus’un yaz ayları boyunca tüm reklamlarında yer alan Hammamet ve hemen yanıbaşındaki turistik Yasmine Hammamet.

Başkent Tunus’a karayolu ile 1 saat kadar uzaklıkta yer alan tatil bölgesi Hammamet modern tesisleri ve düzenli şehir planlaması ile ülkenin de en önemli turistik merkezi.

Sahilde yer alan zincir tesislerin yanısıra şehir içinde Medina turistik kompleksi, çarşısı, restoranları, café ve barları, otelleri, kongre merkezi ve Disneyland’ların küçük kopyası şeklinde tanımlayabileceğimiz eğlence parkı ile turistlerin en gözde mekanı.

Grubumuzun konaklaması için Yasmine Hammamet’de Vincci Otel zincirinin 4 yıldızlı tesisi Vincci Lella Baya ayrılmış.

Vincci Lella Baya Zone Touristique Yasmine Hammamet, 8058 Hamammet Tel: (+216) 72 240 888 reservation.lellabaya@vinccitunisia.com

Çok sayıda restoran arasında 1001 gece eğlenceleri yaşatan Sheherazade’yi size showlu bir akşam yemeği için öneririz. Öğlen Hammamet Marina Yassmine içinde bulunan La Bouillabaisse iyi bir restoran seçeneği olacaktır.

Disney park atraksiyonlarının bir bölümü aynen Medina’nın eğlence parkı Carthage Land’de da yer alıyor. Disney’in Epcot centerındaki hem eğlence hem de eğitici ülke atraksiyonlarının benzeri Barbarosa adıyla burada da yer alıyor.

Hammamet bu yüzden ailece gidilecek bir tatil şehri.Çocuklar için alternatif eğlenceler çok iyi organize edilmiş.Hem de Disney’in parklarına göre çok ucuz. Önceki yazımızda ‘’Tunuslu turizmci dostlar reklamlarında Carthage Land’i daha fazla ön plana çıkarmalılar’’ diye yazmışız ve yine tekrarlıyoruz.

Hemen her köşesinde satılan otantik ürünleriyle, zengin alışveriş olanakları, Akdenizin zengin balık ve deniz mahsullerini çok ucuza güzel servisleri ile sunan modern restoranları tatilseverler için çok uygun.

Deniz ve sahil olanakları için mevsim nedeniyle fazla birşey yazamıyoruz.

Ancak 2 gün gibi kısaca gezebildiğimiz Hammamet ve Yasmine Hammamet bölgeleri tatillerinde güneş ve deniz

arayanların uygun fiyatlar ile ailece tatil yapabilecekleri destinasyonlar diye düşünüyoruz.

Dönüş uçağımız için tekrar başşehir Tunis’a dönüyoruz. Başşehri keşfetmeyi sürdürüyoruz.

Dünyaca ünlü Roma Antik kenti olan Kartaca’nın kalıntıları ve mavi ve beyaz renkleriyle boyanmış evleriyle artist ve yazarların uğrak yeri olan, güzel manzaralı restaurant ve kafeleri ile Sidi Bou Said semti gezilmesi gerekli yerler arasında. Sidi Bou Said’de size çok şık bir restoran önereceğiz.Mükemmel manzarası, servisi ve yemekleriyle Dar Zarrouk’ a mutlaka öğle yada akşam yemekleri için gidin, çok memnun ayrılacaksınız.

Renovasyonda olduğu için geçici olarak kapalı olan ve bu kez göremediğmiz başkentin mutlaka ziyaret edilmesi gerekli bir yeri de Dünyanın en büyük ve zengin mozaik müzesi olan Bardo Müzesi dir. İkinci kez ziyaret ettiğimiz Tunus, tarihi ve kültürel açıdan çeşitli dönemlere ait zengin arkeolojik kalıntıları, yeni tesisleri, çeşitlendirmeye başladığı turizmi ile geçen yıl kaybettiği turizm ivmesini kısa sürede tekrar yakalayacaktır.

NewFocus January / February’2012

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Focus On BÜLTEN

Uluslararası Turizm Karikatürleri Yarışması’nda 1.İranlı sanatçı Abbas Naaseri Türkiye’nin dünya turizm alanındaki bilinirliğinin artırılması ve çizerlerin dünyasından turizm olgusunun nasıl göründüğünü anlamak için düzenlenen Uluslararası Turizm Karikatürleri Yarışması’nın üçüncüsünü kazanan karikatüristler belli oldu.

Anadolu Üniversitesi Karikatür Sanatını Araştırma ve Uygulama Merkezi, Turizm Yazarları ve Gazetecileri Derneği ile Anatolia: Turizm Araştırmaları Dergisi’nin işbirliği, Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı desteği ve OTI Holding ana sponsorluğuyla gerçekleştirilen yarışmaya 39 ülkeden 163 sanatçı toplam 405 eserle katıldı. Bayram Hacızade ( Azerbaycan Karikatürcüler Birliği Başkanı) Hüseyin Çakmak (FECO-Karikatürcü Örgütleri Federasyonu Kıbrıs Başkanı), Yoshiaki Yokota (FECO-Japonya Karikatürcü Organizasyonları Federasyonu Başkanı), Nezih Danyal (Karikatür Vakfı Başkanı), Eray Özbek (Karikatürcü), Bülent Çelik (Karikatürcü), İbrahim Yazar (Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı Tanıtma Genel Müdür Yardımcısı), Fehmi Köfteoğlu (Turizm Yazarı) , Osman Nihat Aydoğan (TUYED Genel Sekreteri) ve Prof. Dr. Nazmi Kozak’tan (Anatolia: Turizm Araştırmaları Dergisi Editörü) oluşan Jürinin değerlendirmesi sonucunda Birincilik Ödülü’nü İranlı karikatür sanatçısı Abbas Naaseri, İkincilik Ödülü’nü Avustralya’dan Louis Pol ve Üçüncülük Ödülü’nü de Avusturya’dan Gerhard Gepp kazandı.

Yarışmanın fikir babası olan ve geçen yıl kaybettiğimiz Anadolu Üniversitesi Karikatür Sanatını Araştırma ve Uygulama Merkezi Müdürü Profesör Atila Özer için konulan Özel

Ödül’e de Türkiye’den Mehmet Kahraman layık görüldü. Jüri ayrıca, Türkiye’den Ömer Çam, Almanya’dan Helmut Jacek, Hırvatistan’dan Damir Novak, Bulgaristan’dan Trayko Popov, Çek Cumhuriyeti’nden de Jiri Srna’nın eserlerini mansiyonla ödüllendirdi. Yarışmada dereceye girenlere ödülleri 9 Şubat 2012, Perşembe günü, İstanbul Beylikdüzü TÜYAP’ta başlayacak olan EMITT Turizm Fuarı’nda verilecek.

Lufthansa Şirketler Grubu bünyesindeki havayolu şirketlerinin toplam yolcu sayısı geçtiğimiz yıl 106 milyon kişiyi aştı / Passage Airline Grubu – konjonktürdeki hız kaybı nedeniyle - 2012 yılı için sadece yüzde 3 oranında büyüme bekliyor. Lufthansa Şirketler Grubu bünyesindeki havayolu şirketleri 2011 yılında taşıdıkları toplam yolcu sayısıyla rekor kırdılar. 2011 yılında toplam 106,3 milyon yolcu Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, bmi veya Germanwings havayolu şirketleriyle uçmayı tercih etti. Bu rakam bir önceki yıla kıyasla yüzde 7.5 oranında bir artışa denk geliyor. Şirketler Grubu 2011 yılında arzını yüzde 9.8, satışlarını ise yüzde 7.0 oranında artırdı.

Uçakların ortalama kapasite kullanımı – bir önceki yıla kıyasla – yüzde 2 azalarak yüzde 77.2 düzeyine geriledi. Satışlarda sonbahar aylarında görülmeye başlanan gerileme yılın son aylarında da devam etti: Satış artışı – yılın ilk aylarına kıyasla – hız kaybetti. Bu gelişmeye ve konjonktürel belirsizliklere dayalı olarak Lufthansa Şirketler Grubu 2012 yılı için arz edilen

koltuk kilometreyi yüzde 3 oranında artırmayı planlıyor. Söz konusu artış seferlerde daha büyük uçakların kullanılması ve Avrupa dahilindeki uçuşlarda yeni Avrupa Kabini uygulamasının başlatılması suretiyle gerçekleştirilecek. 2011 yılında Lufthansa havayolu şirketi uçaklarıyla taşınan yolcu sayısı – bir önceki yıla kıyasla – yüzde 11.1 artışla 65,5 milyon kişiye yükseldi.

Lufthansa geçtiğimiz yıl arzını yüzde 11.8 , satışlarını ise yüzde 8.8 oranında artırdı. Uçakların doluluk oranı ise yüzde 77.2 ile – bir önceki yıla göre - yüzde 2.2 gerilemiş oldu. 2011 yılında SWISS havayolu şirketi 16,4 milyon kişi, Austrian Airlines 11,3 milyon kişi taşırken, bmi havayolu şirketini tercih eden yolcu sayısı 5.7 milyon, Germanwings tarafından taşınan yolcu sayısı ise yaklaşık 7.5 milyon kişi oldu. Lufthansa Cargo 2011 yılında taşınan cargo miktarını yüzde 5 oranında artırdı. Geçtiğimiz yıl içinde toplam 1.9 milyon ton yük ve posta taşındı. Arz yüzde 8.6 oranında artarken, satışlardaki artış yüzde 6.5 düzeyinde gerçekleşti. Buna dayalı olarak doluluk oranı yüzde 1.4 azalarak yüzde 69,5 düzeyine geriledi.

Lufthansa Grubu 2011’i Yolcu Rekoruyla Tamamladı

Tura Turizm’in ev sahipliğinde “Seatrade 2.Kış Kruvaziyer Forumu” 6-7 Aralık’da İstanbul’da Gerçekleşti

Tura Turizm’in katkılarıyla İstanbul’da ilk defa düzenlenecek “Seatrade 2.Kış Kruvaziyer Forumu” 6-7 Aralık 2011’de Çırağan Sarayı’nda gerçekleşti. Kış Kruvaziyer Forumu denizcilik ve kruvaziyer sektörünün uluslararası temsilcilerini misafir etti. Forumda şirketlerin yanı sıra birçok devlet yetkilisi de ağırlandı. Ulaştırma, Denizcilik ve Haberleşme Bakanı Binali Yıldırım, Acaristan Özerk Bölgesi Başkanı Levan Varshalomidze, Yunanistan Kültür ve Turizm Bakanı Yardımcısı George Nikitiades de etkinlikte bulundu.

“Seatrade 2. Kış Kruvaziyer Forumu İstanbul” ile Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Carnival Corporation & plc, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, SeaDream Yacht Club, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines, Silversea Cruises Ltd., TUI Cruises GmbH gibi dünya devleri İstanbul’da ağırlandı.

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NewFocus January / February’2012

Focus On BÜLTEN

Zeynep Golf Resort SENTIDO Hotels & Resorts Üyesi Oluyor 1993 yılında açılan ve Sun Zeynep adıyla uzun yıllar faaliyet gösteren Belek – Taşlıburun Mevkiinde 12 ay hizmet veren, 2011 yılı itibarıyla Zeynep Resort ve Zeynep Golf & Spa ismini alan tesis 1 Nisan 2012 itibariyle uluslar arası otel zinciri olan SENTIDO Hotels & Resorts resmi üyesi oluyor. İki farklı konaklama seçeneği ile 2011 yılında tamamı yenilenen 371 odalı 5 yıldızlı Zeynep Resort oteli ve Temmuz 2011 yılında hizmete giren 5 yıldızlı delüks Zeynep Golf & Spa oteli 131 dönüm içerisinde, geniş bahçeleri, denize sıfır kum plajı ile akdenizin derin mavi sularını kucaklamaktadır. Aile odaklı hizmet veren SENTIDO Zeynep Resort (179 ana bina standart odası, 140 bungalow standart odası, 4 süiti, 10 aile odası, 32 aile suiti ve 6 villası ile) 5 yıldızlı bir tesiste aranan her türlü konfor, spor aktiviteleri ve açık hava etkinlikleri ile hizmet vermektedir. Profesyonel animasyon ekibinin tüm günü kapsayan etkinliklerin yanı sıra, profesyonel eğitmenler tarafından yönetilen çocuk kulübü minik misafirlerin tatillerini daha keyifli hale getiriyor. 1 Temmuz 2011 tarihinde yeni açılan SENTIDO Zeynep Golf & Spa oteli, SENTIDO Zeynep Resort ve Carya Golf sahası arasında alıyor. Her biri özenle döşenmiş geniş 111 standart odası, 53 superior odası, 2 balayı süiti, 6 teras süiti, bahçe terasından göl havuza bağlantılı 6 dubleks lake süiti ve 2 champion süiti ile hizmet vermektedir. Açık ve kapalı yüzme havuzları, Spa merkezi, Türk hamamı, sauna ve buhar odaları ve özenle seçilmiş ekipmanları ile bir spor salonu bulunmaktadır.

Her iki tesiste konaklayan misafirlerin ihtiyaçlarını karşılamak üzere açık ve kapalı yüzme havuzları, restoranlar, snack bar’lar, tenis kortları (6 adet), spa merkezleri ve çeşitli bar’ların yanı sıra, ortak kullanıma açık 5 adet a’la carte restoran, anfitiyatro, disko, 300 metre uzunluğunda kumsalı ve iskelesi ile tatilcilerin ihtiyaçlarına hitap etmekle birlikte, toplantı grupları için

Setur ile Vizeler Online

Setur Türkiye’de bir ilki gerçekleştirdi ve vize başvurularında online dönemi başlattı. Setur müşterilerine rahatlık sağlamak amacıyla sektörde bir ilke imza atarak vize hizmetini online›a taşıdı. Vize başvuru sistemini kolaylaştıran Setur’un bu sistemiyle bir tık uzağınızda olan online vize başvuruları için seturvize.com’a girmeniz yeterli olacak. Setur öncülüğünü yaptığı online vize başvuru sistemiyle;

1400 metrekarelik kongre merkezi bulunmaktadır. SENTIDO Zeynep Resort – Golf & Spa spor tutkunlarını da unutmadı. 18 delikli Carya Golf sahasına tesis içerisinden direk geçiş imkanı, Golfçüler için özel tasarlanmış Golf bar’ı, nizami futbol sahası ve tam olimpik ısıtmalı yüzme havuzu ile kış aylarında ulusal ve uluslar arası misafirlerine alternatifler sunabilmektedir.

SENTIDO Hotels & Resorts 2009 yılında kurulmuş bir uluslararası otel markasıdır. 4 yıldızlı ve üzeri işletmeleri bünyesinde toplayan SENTIDO Hotels & Resorts Nil Nehri üzerinde 2 Cruise gemisi, 40 oteli ve tatil köyü ile 10 ülkede (Mısır, Yunanistan, Kenya, Fas, Karadağ, İspanya, Tayland, Tunus, Türkiye ve Kıbrıs) hizmet vermektedir. Oteller franchise sözleşmeleri kapsamında faaliyet göstermektedir. Kavram olarak, kalite ve hizmet, aynı zamanda geniş kapsamlı bir spor ve eğlence programı ile birlikte sağlık bilincine sahip mutfak ve sağlıklı yaşam imkanlarına değer veren seçici tek‘ler, çiftler ve küçük aileler hedeflenmektedir. Otellerin tümü tanınmış uluslararası tur operatörü programları içerisinde sunulmaktadır. Şirket, Thomas Cook turizm grubun bir parçasıdır. Merkezi, Frankfurt am Main yakınlarında, Oberursel Almanya‘dadır.

başvuru sürecine kadar olan hazırlık süresini kısaltmak, işlemleri hatasız ve etkin hale getirerek sonuçlandırmayı amaçlıyor. Online vize başvurularında, başvuru için gerekli evraklara ve formlara ulaştıktan sonra ödeme işlemlerine kadar tüm süreç Setur tarafından yürütülüyor. Başvuruların durumunu yineonline takip etme şansı sunan Setur, müşterilerinin vize başvuru ve takip süreçlerini uzun zaman harcamadan, yorulmadan, rahatlıkla tamamlamalarını sağlıyor.

İstanbul’a Gelen Turist Sayısı 8 Milyon 2011 yılını sonu itibarıyla İstanbul’a gelen yabancı ziyaretçi sayısında, geçen yıla göre artış gözlendi. Önceki yıl 6.960.980 olan yabancı ziyaretçi sayısı bu yıl 8.057.879 olarak gerçekleşti. Önceki yıla göre % 16 lık bir artış ortaya çıktı. Milliyetlerine göre incelediğimizde ilk beşte; %12.2 ile 986.099 Almanın, %6.1 ile 489.766 Rusun, %5.5 ile 444.894 Amerikalının, %5.1 ile 407.183 İtalyanın, %5.0 ile 399.620 Fransızın İstanbul’a gelmiş olduğunu görmekteyiz. Ülke bazında incelediğimizde, 2010 yılı ile karşılaştırdığımızda 2011 yılında; Japonya, İspanya ve İsrail’den gelen ziyaretçi sayısında bir azalma görülmektedir. Diğer ülkeden gelen ziyaretçi sayılarında ise artış görülmektedir. Bunların başlıcaları; Rusya (%2), Fransa (%17), A.B.D (%23), İran (%33), Güney Kore (%28), Türkmenistan (%20), İsviçre (%21) ve Çin (%26)’dir. Tabloda yer alan ülkelerin artış ortalaması %13 tür. Rusya, İran, Güney Kore, Çin, Yunanistan gibi ülkelerden İstanbul’a gelen ziyaretçiler son iki yıldır düzenli olarak artmaktadır.

NewFocus January / February’2012

49

Focus on KISA...KISA...

KISA KISA

New Focus Mart / Nisan 2012

Tesisler

• NG Hotels & Resorts, 50 milyon dolarlık yatırımla * ITB - Berlin * MATTA – Kuala Lumpur mart ayında açılacak Türkiye’nin en büyük termal * Intourmarket - Moscow * MITT - Moscow oteli Güral Afyon Wellness & Convention da * UITT - Kiev * AITF - Baku dahil olmak üzere 2015’e dek yeni markası altında toplam 8 otele ulaşacak. NG Hotels & * KITF - Almaty Resorts, Samsun’da gerçekleştireceği Turizm fuarlarında dağıtılacak. yeni oteli başta olmak üzere bu dönemdeki Haber ve Reklamlarınız için son gün turizm yatırımları için 400 milyon TL ayırdı.

24.Şubat.2012 • Holiday Inn Express Istanbul-Ora oteli, Bayrampaşa’da açıldı.

• 31 Mart 2012 tarihine kadar Dedeman Konya’da konaklama yapan Dedeman Loyal Club üyeleri çeşitli fırsatlar yakalıyor.

• İskenderun Limanı’nın Limak Yatırım’a 36 yıllık devri gerçekleşti. Limak, limana 5 yılda 250 milyon dolar yatıracak.

• Voyage Bodrum yenileniyor.

• The Marmara Collection,Bodrum Açıkdeniz Yelken Kulübü (BAYK) Kış Trofesi yarışlarının ana sponsoru oldu.

• Elite World İstanbul Otel bünyesindeki Jazz Company, bu yıl da her Cuma ve Cumartesi caz severleri buluşturacak.

• Makyol, Le Meridien Etiler’i Ocak ayı sonunda açıyor.

Yöneticiler • Dr. Ahmet Bolat THY Genel Müdür (Yatırım ve Teknoloji) Yardımcılığı’ na getirilirken, Genel Müdür Ticari Yardımcılığı görevine de Abdullah Soner Akkurt getirildi.

• Murat Dedeman CATHIC tarafından “En İyi Otelci” seçildi.

• TÜRSAB Side-Manavgat BYK Başkanı yeniden turizmci Ahmet Özden oldu.

• Canan Yonsel Yaşar, Martı İstanbul Otel Genel Müdür Yardımcılığı’na, Mustafa Tolga Akıncı Martı İstanbul Otel Satış ve Pazarlama Müdürlüğü’ne, Okan Öztürk ise Martı İstanbul Otel Teknik Servis Müdürlüğüne atandı.

• Bülent Karaboncuk FICC – Uluslararası Kamp ve karavan Federasyonu yönetimine tekrar seçildi.

• Levent Özaygen Doubletree by Hilton Ankara genel müdürü oldu.

• Malta bandralı Orange Cruises Tolga Unalsin’ının Türkiye müdürlüğüne getirldiğini duyurdu.

• Dedeman Turizm Filiz Aykan nı insan kaynakları müdürlüğüne atadı.

• Haluk Aksoy Pamfilya Turizm İstanbul bölge müdürlüğüne getirildi.

KISA...KISA...

Acentalar • Prontotour İtalya’nın dünyaca ünlü kayak pistleri Cortina D’Ampezzo, Courmayeur ve Passo Tonale, İsviçre’de Zermatt ile Avusturya’nın Zell Am See ve Fransa’da Val d’Isere’de kayak merkezlerine cazip kayak turları düzenliyor.

• Bu yıl 20.yaşını kutlayan Etstur hedef büyüttü, 220 bin kişi erken rezervasyon ile tatil yapacak.

• Corendon’un bu yılki hedefi 420 bin Hollandalı turist.

• Setur 2012 kış sezonu için tatil severlere birbirinden özel programlar sunuyor.

• FEST Travel 26 Mart - 1 Nisan tarihleri arasında “Mistik İsrail, Kutsal Kudüs” gezisi düzenliyor.

• OTİ’nin 2012 hedefi % 22 artışla 1 milyon 680 bin kişiye ulaşmak.

KISA KISA...

Havayolları

Yöneticiler • Harun Bilgiç Bodrum Green Beach Resort otel müdürü oldu.

• Ali Barutile Concordia Celes otel genel müdürlü¤üne atand›.

• THY, Thai ve Brezilya TAM Havayolları codeshare anlaşmaları imzaladı.

New Focus Mart/Nisan ’08 • Faik Kaptano¤lu ALTAV - baflkanl›¤›na yeniden secildi.

• THY, İstanbul’dan Üsküp, Priştina,• Tiran, Podgorica, Zagreb, Ljubljana, Belgrad, Saraybosna, Kişinev, Mustafa K›z›l Alkoçlar otel, Uluda¤ genel müdürlü¤üne atand›.

• Riza Epikmen ve Feyyaz Yalçin UKTAS yönetimine seçildi.

ITB Sofya’ya - Berlin gidiş-dönüş herşey Bükreş ve dahil Sungate 99 Avro’ya uçuruyor.

• Serap Garipo¤lu Port Royal otel pazarlama müdürü oldu.

TUR - ‘’Flaş Goteburg • Suat Kantacio¤lu Ankara Radissonbaşlattı.

SAS as F&B müdürü oldu.

• Air France Fiyatlar’’ adı altında bir kampanya - ParisGökçen Uluslararası Havalimanı Yatırım Yapım ve İşletme A.Ş. (İSG), terminal binası ve • İstanbulMAP Sabiha MITT - Moscowişletme hakkı için,Havayollar› eklerini kapsayan 76 milyon 514 bin 851 Euro’luk ikinci kira ödemesini gerçekleşti.

• Air France ABD uçufllar›nda promosyonlar Ve yıla özel “Merhaba 2012” • Emirates yeni kampanyası ileuyguluyor.

Afrika, Avustralya-Yeni Zelanda, Hint Okyanusu, Orta • Pegasus Airline yeni bir Boeing 737-800 u filosuna katt›.

UITT -Doğu Kiev ve Hint Yarımadası’nı bafllad›.

• SunExpress ‹zmir - Samsun uçufllar›na Doğu, Uzak kapsayan destinasyonlara özel fiyatlarla uçacak.

• Pegasus uçak içi promosyonlar› uyguluyor.

Turizm fuarlar›nda. Zürih havaalanında • SWISS Havayolları yolcularını yeni salon ve yeni otobüs hizmetiyle karşılıyor.

• AmericanBusiness Airlines 2008 de ABD uçufllar›nda özel tarifeler uygulayacak.

Haber veMiles reklamlar›n›z›n Turkish Airlines Garanti Hatay ucuslari basladi.

• THY’nin & Smiles kredi kartı•• ihalesini Bankası tekrar kazandı.

British Airways Antalya-London ucufllar›na bafll›yor.

yay›n› için son gün 22.fiubat.2008

New Online Travel Gazette for Russian Market

Ücretsiz abone olun Focus on Travel News Art›k Hergun Bilgisayar›n›zda www.ftnnews.com

Acentalar

Transorient turizm kurucusu eski Tursab ba kanlarından Ferit Epikmen a abeyimizi Kasım ayı ba ında kaybettik. Ailesi ve Turizm sektorümüzün ba › sa olsun.

İngilizce ve Arabca Haberlerinizi bekliyoruz!

www.rustourismnews.com

FUARLAR

• • • • • • •

Tesisler Polat Renaissance ‹stanbul IT Servislerini yeniledi.

Carlton otel arazisi sat›ld›.

Bentley otel yeni y›l› özel bir partiyle kutladi.

Hilton otelleri erken rezervasyonlara özel iskontolar uygulayacak.

Sheraton Istanbul Turob üyelerini Kas›m ay›nda ag›rlad›.

Ceylan InterContinental ‹stanbul Brasserie Restaurant da yeni tatlar menuye eklendi.

16-18 Holiday &SPA - Sofia Sarabi Beyo¤lu 9 y›l›n› kutlad›.

Ocak

Şubat

10-15 Travel - Utrecht 10-16 ATF -Monadu 18-22 Fitur - Madrid 19-22 Matka - Helsinki 26-29 TIP Lubiyana

08-12 Reisen - Hamburg 09-12 EMITT - Istanbul 17-19 TOUREST - Talinn 09-12 Holiday World - PragueFuarlar 23-26 IFT - Belgrad Ocak 10-12 BALTTOUR Riga 29-04 - Lisbon 16-20 04-06 Tourisma -BTL Magdeburg 2009 Turizm Pazarlaman›z için 16-19 BIT - Milan 08-13 Vakantiebeurs - Utrecht 17-20

World Travel Guide & Diary'09 - Dünyadaki tüm turizm örgütlerinin Adres, tel,fax, web ve e-mail adresleri.

- Türkiye ile turizm ilişkileri olan 50 ülkenin tüm turizm bilgileri - 2009 yılında Dünyada gerçekleşecek 1000 turizm etkinliğinin tarih ve başvuru adresleri… gibi bilgileri bulacağınız

10-13 10-13 11-13 11-20 12-20

GO - Brno Reiseliv - Oslo Travel Mart - Monte Carlo Boat Show - London CMT - Stuttgart

17-20 17-20 18-20 18-26 30-03

Online Newsletter

Arab Turkish Travel Gazette www.arabturkishtravel.com

• OTI grub 2008 de 600 bin yabanci turist getirmeyi hedefliyor. www.ftnnews.com

Tüm Arab Ülkeleri ve Türk Turizmi Arasında bir Köprü Kurduk

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01-03 Mahana - Bordeaux 15-17 TOUREST tel,fax, - Talinn - Dünyadaki tüm turizm örgütlerininAdres, web ve e-mail adresleri.

05-06 IMTM – Telaviv 20-24 Holiday - Sofia - Türkiye ile turizm ilişkileri olan 50 ülkenin 06-10 Reisen - Hamburg 21-24 BIT - Milantüm turizm bilgileri 08-10 BALTTOUR - Riga UTAZAS - Budapest - 2012 yılında Dünyada gerçekleşecek28-02 1000 turizm etkinliğinin tarih ve başvuru World Travel Guide & Diary'09 12-14 Confex - London 29-02 VIVATTUR - Vilnius 14-17 EMITT - Istanbul 29-02 NATAS -SINGAPORE adresleri…

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January/February’08

World Travel Guide & Diary 2012 Aldınız mı? fiubat

January / February’2012

50.-Tl ( KDV dahil)

TH 20 Year th year 18th 18 year NO:123 / February’2012 101January May/June’08 no: 101 May/June’08 no:

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