New Focus Travel Magazine July - August 2011

NO:120 July / August’2011

TR AVEL MAGAZINE

Festivals on Tourism Andaman’ın Mücevherleri Kardeşlerimizin güzel şehri, Bakü AITF-Baku ATM- Dubai TTMPlus-Bangkok BITE-Beijing

From the EDITOR

TH 20 Year th year 18th NO:120 July & August’2011 no: 101 May/June’08

From the Editor

Sustainable Tourism & Ertugrul Gunay Perhaps the first prerequisite for sustainable tourism is the continuity of people.

People should not change their positions until they complete their duties.

Therefore we desired Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Günay to continue as the minister after the elections in June.

Tourism is a vulnerable sector. Problems in the sector require fast positive results. People who have experience and knowledge about the sector can solve problems in optimum time and solution.

Successful countries in tourism work in most efficient way not only with their remaining ministers but also all staff at ministries working for many years.

Tourism Ministry established in 1957 in Turkey. Since that time, the longestserving minister is Ertugrul Günay.

Ertugrul Günay became the Culture and Tourism Minister of Turkey in August 2007 and still continues his title.

That’s why we are happy and hopeful of a better tourism in future of Turkey!

26 26 Festivals on tourism

As “New Focus Travel Magazine’’, we start a new column where we look at festivals from tourism point of view. We will study the effect festivals have for the tourism industry in the area. We will study festivals organized in other countries and in different parts of Turkey.

We will have interviews with persons organising festivals.

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Suat Tore

20 36 Andaman’ın Mücevherleri

Sonuç olarak Andaman Mücevherleri son yıllarda yaptığımız en mükemmel ve dopdolu bir fam trip olarak anılarımız arasında yerini aldı.

20 AITF-Baku, Azerbaijan Tourism Industry to Grow 10% in 2011

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CONTENTS

Focus on Turkey 4 Focus on Hotels 16 Focus on Exhibition - AITF 20 Focus on Exhibition - TTM 21 Focus on Exhibition - ATM 22 Focus on Exhibition - BITE 24 Focus on World 25 Focus on Cover Story 26 Focus on Airlines 30 Focus on Tour Operators & Agents 34 Focus on Destinasyon - Andaman 36 Focus on Destinasyon - Bakü 42 Bülten 48 Kisa... Kisa...

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42 Kardeşlerimizin güzel şehri Bakü İpek Yolu’nun en önemli duraklarından biri olan Azerbaycan’a resmi rakamlara göre yılda bir milyon kadar turist geliyor. Ancak hızla gelişmesi ile Azerbaycan’ın yakın gelecekte çok daha cazip ülke olacağına inanıyoruz. Bakü’yü çok sevdik ve beğendik. Daha iyi tanımak için en kısa zamanda tekrar gitmek isteriz.

NewFocus July & August’2011

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Focus On TURKEY NEWS

Turkey hosts 14.5% More Tourists in January-May 2011 The number of tourists visiting Turkey is increased by 14.56 percent in the first five months of this year compared to the same period of 2010.

According to the information received from Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry, some 9.25 million tourists visited Turkey in the January-May period. The number of tourists visiting Turkey in May was 3.28 million, a 4.28 percent increase over the same month of 2010. Istanbul received the highest number of tourists in the first five months with 2.78 million, while the number of tourists visiting Antalya was 2.70 million.

Germany sent the highest number of tourists to Turkey in the January-May period of this year with 1.39 million, followed

by Russia with 876,000 and Iran with 747,000 in the same period. The percentage of tourists visiting Turkey from the UK, Bulgaria, France, Georgia, the Netherlands, Syria and Greece

increased by 6.5percent, 6 percent, 4.29 percent, 4.18 percent, 3.88 percent, 3.81 percent and 2.74 percent, respectively, compared to the first five months of 2010. However, Russia topped the list of the countries sending the highest number of tourists to Turkey in May of this year with 525,301. This figure was 340,373 in 2009 and 454,369 in 2010. Russia was followed

by Germany (457,645), the UK (339,830), the Netherlands (158,893), Bulgaria (153,551), Iran (141,119), France (133,406), Georgia (101,146), Ukraine (87,349) and the US (85,745).

Currently, Turkey ranks seventh globally in terms of the number of incoming tourists it has and eighth in terms of tourism revenue it receives. According to figures provided by the Turkish Statistics Institute, Turkey’s tourism revenue exceeded $25 billion in 2010. n

Turkey Turquoise Coast Tempts GCC Tourists an area of southwest Turkey encompassing Antalya, Muğla and to a lesser extent Aydın and İzmir provinces and is a popular tourist destination.

The region is known for its pleasant and favorable climate, with more than a thousand kilometers of shoreline along the Mediterranean and Aegean Sea, housing archaeological and natural riches. This stretch of Turkish coastline is strewn with ancient cities and harbors, Turkey coastal cities have witnessed memorial tombs and warm beaches and unprecedented reservations by their local is laced with many small coves, lush hotels and resorts this summer, making forests and streams which make it a an increase by the average of 58% frequent destination for Blue Voyages. compared to the same period last year.

Mr. Sedat Gonulluoglu, Cultural & Known as the cost of “Turquoise” Information Attaché at the Turkish because of the beautiful blue green Tourism & Cultural Office in Dubai, stated waters, is the preferred destination for that: “During 2010, there were 55,000 many of the native Turkey holidays, tourists from the United Arab Emirates and as thousands of foreign visitors. visited Turkey. This year is witnessing an The Turkish Riviera or The Turquoise increased demand on hotel and resort Coast is a popular term used to define bookings for summer holidays not only

Istanbul Ranked 4th in Europe by MasterCard

30.1% compared to the previous year. Istanbul ranked at 12th place in the world and 5th in Europe at the International Visitor Expenditure (2011) with US$10.2 billion. The MasterCard Worldwide Index of Global Destination Cities — an annual survey of the world’s 132 destination cities - ranks Istanbul as No. 7 in the world, and No. 4 in Europe with the number of International visitors for 2011.

Istanbul was named as one of the world’s top performing tourist destinations in 2011, based on MasterCard’s new Worldwide Index of Global Destination Cities.

The company predicted that in 2011, Istanbul will be the city with the largest growth in tourism expenditures -- up

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After the elections in June 12, Ertuğrul Günay from Justice and Development Party (AKP) has been appointed again as the Culture and Tourism Minister in the 61st Council of Ministers.

Günay was born in northern province of Ordu in 1948. He is a graduate of

by UAE tourists but also by other GCC countries tourists where, beside Istanbul, the majority is heading towards the southern cost of Turkey and specifically Antalya and Bodrum”.

Mr. Gonulluoglu added: “as compared to last year, whilst the number of visitors coming to Antalya from the GCC Countries has increased by 50%, visitor numbers are expected to increase further by the end of this summer”.

Bodrum and Antalya are the most stunning places on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Bodrum is a paradise for its climate, sea, natural beauty, magnificent coves and history, as well as for its modern nightlife where the show goes on until sunrise. Its many resorts and hotels cater for every need of their visitors. Antalya also has a backdrop of stunning mountain scenery, and the city is set high on cliffs, with many of its grandest hotels overlooking the sea on the outskirts of the town. n

Ertugrul Gunay Continues Minister of Tourism in Turkey

the Law Faculty of Istanbul University and began his political life at the Republican People’s Party (CHP). He served as the Culture and Tourism Minister in the 60th government.

Günay is married with two children n

Focus On TURKEY NEWS

Award-winning Turkish Wines Break Records at London Wine Fair Challenge (IWC) and 31 from the International Wines and & Spirit Competition (IWSC), two of the world’s most prestigious and influential independent wine competitions; whilst 67 were awarded by the Decanter World Wine Awards 2011, the largest consumer wine competition in the world. In total, 150 medals [list of award-winning wines attached] have been awarded to Turkish wines at LIWF, held 17- 19th May 2011 in London.

Turkey has also received its first ever Decanter Regional Trophy, the prestigious award for wines best in their regions, awarded to Kavaklidere in the Southern & Eastern Mediterranean sweet fortified category for its Tatli Sert Narince 2000, made from indigenous white grape Narince.

Not only have Turkish wines beaten all previous records for the total number of award-winning wine this year, but they have also beaten their previous category records, including receiving more silver medals than ever before. Buyulubag, Kavaklidere, Kayra, Vinolus, Pamukkale, Urla and Vinkara wineries have together won 7 Silver in the IWC, 3 Silver & 3 Silver Best in Category (Kavaklidere) from the IWSC and 12 Silver Turkish wines are in the spotlight after scooping up a record from Decanter, as well as a huge array of other Bronze and number of medals announced at the London International Commended. Indeed, the 331 medals awarded to Turkish wines Wine Fair (LIWF) 2011 on Tuesday 17th May, where generic body from a range of international wine competitions between 2010 for Turkish wine, Wines of Turkey (WoT), has been exhibiting. and 2011 is evidence of Turkey’s ascent on the international 52 medals were awarded by the UK based International Wine stage. n

Istanbul to be in Top 5 Convention Cities list Istanbul Convention and Visitors Bureau (ICVB) announced their target of making Istanbul in the Top 5 convention destinations of the world in next 5 years.

ICVB organized its annual members’ luncheon at the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ICOC) Headquarters in Eminönü with the participation of Istanbul Deputy Governor Feyzullah Ozcan, Turkish Airlines’ President Temel Kotil, representatives of its member companies and organizations as well as representatives of media.

Taking the stage to make the opening and welcome speech; ICVB Vice President Yilmaz Tecmen said, “Istanbul now becomes one of the most popular convention destinations in the world. ICCA’s 2010 ranking that ranks Istanbul 6th in Europe and 7th in the world confirmed Istanbul’s popularity”.

Tecmen said that “city marketing organizations” led by Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and ICVB’s ‘convention campaign’ that started in 2007 show its results today not only in tourism sector but also in about 100 sectors that registered to ICOC. Tecmen sent his appreciation to ICOC President Murat Yalçıntaş who is also the President of ICVB since 2006 for his success. Recalling that Istanbul was only able to enter the list in the 40th spot holding nearly 20 congresses in 2000, Tecmen said, “Raising the number of congresses rapidly over the last 10 years, the city entered the top 10 across the world, which shows an important success.”

Tecmen revealed their target to bring up Istanbul in the Top 5 within 5 years.ICVB General Manager Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu took the stage after Mr. Tecmen and made a presentation of what has been done so far for Istanbul, and what Istanbul is likely

to achieve in the next years. Mrs. Fisunoğlu said that Istanbul that hosted several important events such as meeting of the world’s largest congress organizer; MCI, Istanbul continued its success stories in the first half of 2011. Mrs. Fisunoğlu added, “Thanks to this success, many big organizations including AIDS and cardiology congresses held with the participation of nearly 25,000 delegates, plan to come to Istanbul”.

After Mrs. Fisunoğlu’s presentation, Turkey’s national flag carrier, Turkish Airlines’ President Temel Kotil took the stage and presented Turkish Airlines (THY) success story.

THY, which started direct flights to Iraq’s central province of Necef recently, flies to a total of 142 destinations directly, said Temel Kotil. Mr. Kotil said that Turkish Airlines targets to destinations where most of the carriers don’t fly and also serves best possible connections for long haul flights. Within this perspective, Mr. Kotil indicated that number of carriers flying to African destinations is very low when compared to other continents. “THY has already placed orders for 10 planes to fly to African countries and is readying to start direct flights to Manila, the capital of the Philippines soon,” added Mr. Kotil. n

Istanbul on the Cover of Lonely Planet Asia

Mr. Ali Gülen; Tourism Counselor at Turkish Embassy Tourism & Information Office in Kuala Lumpur announced to FTNnews. com that Istanbul is at the cover of Lonely Planet Asia Magazine.

Leading travel publication of Asian countries; Lonely Planet Asia presents Istanbul at its May-June 2011 issue. The

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magazine promoted Istanbul with an article by Orla Thomas, titled “Cultural Encounters in Istanbul, Turkey”.

The 10 page cover story presents Istanbul as the capital of empires and shows the city’s rich history and culture as a guide for tourists that want to visit. n

Focus On TURKEY NEWS

Turkey wins Cultural Accolades in the UK Istanbul was named as a runner up in the categories of ‘Best Cultural City’ and ‘Greatest Cultural Destination’ at the recent award ceremony held in London for the Telegraph Awards.

These awards for the 50 Greatest Cultural Destinations, held in association with Page and Moy, were voted for by a panel of judges led by the author Anthony Horowitz, as well as by the Telegraph’s readers. The Director of the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office in London, Tolga Tuyluoglu, said how proud he was to accept the awards. He said: ‘I am delighted that Istanbul’s status as a top cultural destination has been recognised in this way. These awards undoubtedly celebrate the achievements of Istanbul as a European City of Culture in 2010. They also underline the importance of Turkey’s cultural attractions to the UK market.’ These awards were followed closely by the announcement that a new Turkish site has

been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex in the former Ottoman capital of Edirne joins the nine sites already on the list. The famous architect, Sinan, himself considered this to be his best work.

Research carried out by Mintel on behalf of the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office in the UK earlier this year showed the importance of Turkey’s history and culture for the UK market.

It showed that after the weather, culture and/ or history are the second biggest draw for those who have been to Turkey or would consider visiting in the future.

It is often supposed that British visitors to Turkey are mostly interested in sun, sea and sand, however, as part of this same research British visitors who had been to Turkey were asked whether they had visited a museum or historic site during their stay – a staggering 71% had done so. n

Antalya to Host ICCA 2014 Congress

Turkey’s holiday destination; Antalya; famous with its sea, sand, sun, historical places, culture, and climate, will show

itself to meetings industry by hosting the ICCA 2014 Congress.

Antalya, which is also a sought-after congress center with a capacity to accommodate more than 50,000 delegates, hosted ICCA CEO Martin Sirk for an official inspection visit between 7 and 10 February 2011. Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau (ICVB), an active member of ICCA, shared their expertise with Antalya Convention Bureau to bring the ICCA 2014 Congress to Antalya. ICVB was a vital member of ICCA Antalya Local Hosting Commitee and joined the ICCA Board presentations on May 21 in Frankfurt before IMEX. On May 21, Antalya delegation comprise of Levent Demirel, Deputy General Director Ministry of Culture and Tourism Directorate General for Promotion, ICVB General Manager Elif Balcı Fisunoglu, ATAV President Nizamettin Şen, Antalya Convention Bureau General Manager Nurhan Erdem Tanır, and Kenes Turkey Managing Director Sadık Çağlar made a successful presentation to ICCA Board of Directors.

Antalya was announced as the host city of the ICCA 2014 Congress at IMEX-Frankfurt in 26th of May 2011. n

IEMA-2nd Tourism Summer School in Izmir, Turkey Young students, experts, professionals and people who love tourism from all over the Mediterranean, and the world, will meet in the historical city of Izmir, Turkey, between the dates of 1116th September.

The Summer School is supported by Dokuz Eylül University and the Izmir Chamber of Commerce.

This international event is organised by the Institute of EuroMed Affairs together with the Dokuz Eylul University; one of the most active universities in Izmir, which is also hosting the Third Biennial International Conference on Services Marketing during September, (07-09 September 2011). Moreover, the Izmir Chamber of Commerce is one of the most active chambers in the Mediterranean region, awarded recently for its superb work in the

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area of tourism cruises.

The Summer School academic program is geared towards the development of key analytical skills and strategic competencies applied to the tourism sector. Team-based workshops and multidisciplinary courses intend to stimulate thought and cultivate intellectual development in an international setting, offering students the opportunity to share knowledge, build on mutual understanding, and cooperate on travel and tourism destination case studies. There will also be cultural and educational visits near the location event area.

We will all be there to give you a warm welcome to Izmir, both in Greek and in Turkish, “Kalos Orisate” and “Hoşgeldiniz”!

For more information visit: www. tourismsummerschool.org

Turkey Starts Tourism Campaign in Egypt Yahya Ozen, Culture and Promotion undersecretary at the Turkish Embassy in Cairo announced that Turkey has launched a comprehensive tourism campaign in Egypt to increase the numbers of tourists visiting Turkey.

Turkey advertisements on billboards colorize many squares and streets, especially the Tahrir Square, in Cairo. Ozen said advertisements about Turkey were continuously running on television and radio channels as well as in newspapers in Egypt.

Ozen said the number of Egyptian tourists who visited Turkey in the period between JanuaryApril of 2011 increased by 14.5 percent when compared with the same period in 2010.

Noting that the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry also attaches importance to Egypt, Ozen said the budget, which was reserved to promote Turkey in Egypt, increased to $350,000 this year. Turkey hosted 16,490 Egyptian tourists between January-April in 2011. n

Focus On TURKEY NEWS

MPI Members Celebrate Expansion in Turkey new club board members have sincerely believed in the need Meeting Professionals and benefit of forming an MPI club in Turkey have worked hard International (MPI) is continuing its global and Eurasian expansion for it and are all very excited and happy to join the MPI global family. We are committed to contribute with professional with the announcement of the formation of a new club in Turkey. education and develop networking opportunities not only The announcement made at IMEX in Frankfurt was met with among Turkish MPI members but also with our MPI peers the traditional welcoming spirit of MPI and camaraderie from around the globe.”

Boyce is an industry veteran in Turkey bringing more than other professional in attendance.

25 years of experience in the meeting and event industry, a The approval of the MPI Turkey Club by the MPI Board of wealth of contacts and experience to benefit in the growth and Directors highlights two years of efforts made by meetings and events industry leaders in Turkey who recognised the need expansion of the club. for local professionals to access the best in industry education. The newly formed club has 31 members with plans to increase membership to 75 by the end of June 2012.

Bruce MacMillan, president and CEO of MPI said: “We are The Turkey club will have a member education meeting in excited to support the growth of the meetings and events the end of June 2011, bringing all their members together to industry in Turkey through education, knowledge sharing provide them an educational programme and networking as and connecting our community there to global business opportunities.” Handan Boyce, Turkey club president well as to celebrate their official MPI club establishment. n comments: “All MPI members in Turkey, especially the group of

The International Izmir Festival Celebrates 25 years The International İzmir Festival organized by the İzmir Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSEV) uninterruptedly since 1987 is 25 years old.

The International İzmir Festival, which is a respected member of the European Festivals Association, takes place June 20 – July 21, 2011.

The 25th International İzmir Festival takes place with the support of the Board of Introduction Fund of the Prime Ministry, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, İzmir Development Agency, and İzmir Special Provincial Administration, main sponsorship of Eczacıbaşı Holding, program sponsorship of the Derivatives Exchange, ARKAS and Yaşar Holding, the collaborations of Goethe Institut Izmir, the Consulate General of Greece in İzmir, the Italian Consulate in Izmir, the Consulate General of Poland in İstanbul and İzmir French Cultural Center. İKSEV, which has brought the most important artists and groups to Izmir within the past 24 years and enabled them to give concerts in the major historical sites of the city as Ephesus Antique Theater, Celsus Library, Ephesus Odeon, Bergama Asklepion, Metropolis, Çeşme Fortress, Seferihisar Inner Castle, Agora, Kadifekale and Smyrna ruins in Bayraklı, will use the Ayavukla Church restored by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, Bornova Amphitheatre and Çeşme Caravanserai this year as Festival venues for the first time.

Acknowledged as one of England’s pioneer orchestras, Philharmonia will make the opening of the Festival under conduct of Esa-Pekka Salonen , its Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, famous Finnish composer and conductor selected as ‘’The Artist of the Year’’ in 2010 by International Classical Music Awards (ICMA ) 2010 on June 20, 2011 in Ahmed Adnan Saygun Arts Center. İKSEV will host the GrauSchumacher Duo who are the world’s best piano duos ever in the 25th Festival in Celsus Library on June 22, 2011 Wednesday with the collaboration of Goethe Institut İzmir. Andreas Grau and Götz Schumacher who have established themselves as one of the ‘’bests ‘’ on classical music stage with their extraordinary recordings will play on the 200th anniversary of Franz Liszt’s birth in İzmir Festival with

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a special repertoire.

The ensemble ‘’I Musici’’ who has won all the prominent prizes of the world of classical music like Grand Prix de l’Académie Charles Cros, Grand Prix International du Disque, the Edison Award, whose recordings have become the reference of classical music listeners is here in the 25th year of İzmir Festival with the contributions of Turkish Derivatives Exchange. This unique ensemble will meet with İzmirians once again with a special invitation in Celsus Library on June 24, 2011 Friday.

The Wilanow String Quartet which is one of the most important chamber music ensembles of Poland with their rich repertoire and recordings exceeding thirty will meet with the Festival audience on June 27, 2011 Monday in Çeşme Fortress.

Flutist Elżbieta Gajewska who is one of the important names of Poland will join the Quartet who participates in the Festival with the collaboration of the Consulate General of Poland in İstanbul and contributions of ARKAS in their İzmir concert.

The traditional Turkish-Greek Art Rendezvous of the International İzmir Festival will be realized in Ephesus Odeon this year. Anagnosis Company that has reached a rightful fame in staging the antique plays which are considered as the national treasure of Greece, the favorite invitee of theater festivals will stage ‘’The Trackers’’ , the less known satyr play of Sophocles on June 30, 2011.

The 25th International İzmir Festival is hosting the giant production of the General Directorate of State Opera and Ballet, ‘’ Swan Lake’’ in the new venue of the Festival, Bornova Amphitheatre on July 4, 2011 Monday.

And one of the guests of the 25th International İzmir Festival about whom saying many words is not needed is Natalie Cole. One of the best voices of the world’s jazz stages, owner of nine Grammy Awards, whose albums have reached a sales figure over 50 million all over the world, Natalie Cole, will sing on July 12, 2011 Tuesday in Culture Park Open-Air theatre.

The 25th International İzmir Festival will end on July 21, 2011 Thursday with an incomparable Gala Night. Çeşme Caravanserai, the new venue of the Festival like Bornova Amphitheater and Ayavukla Church, will host the renowned vocal group of England, I Fagiolini. n

Focus On TURKEY NEWS

‘Tribute to Miles’ World Premiere at the Istanbul Jazz Festival by us will take place at the Zorlu Center Performing Arts Center very soon. We will continue to support activities adding value to our artistic and cultural life through our project which we realized with the aim of adding “value” to Istanbul and our country.’

Marcus Miller, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter who took the floor at the conference underlined that the project entitled “Tribute to Miles” is not a typical “tribute” tour, but they mentioned that they will interpret pieces of Miles Davis with a new and original style as Miles has thought them, without playing them exactly in the same way.

After the press conference, Marcus Miller also realized a bass guitar workshop with Sean Rickman in the publicity office of Zorlu Center. The free-of-charge workshop was attended by 50 lucky music lovers who had made a The 18th Istanbul Jazz Festival is hosting reservation beforehand via mail. a world premiere.

Marcus Miller, Herbie Hancock and On the 20th anniversary of the death Wayne Shorter who are going to of the music prodigy Miles Davis, three legendary names, Marcus Miller, Wayne continue their rehearsals in Istanbul Shorter and Herbie Hancock, are realizing until the concert date will realize the a project as an homage to the artist: The world premiere of the “Tribute to Miles” project at 21.00 on Thursday, July 7, at world premiere of the project entitled the Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre. In “Tribute to Miles” sponsored by Zorlu the concert sponsored by Zorlu Center; Center will take place within the scope of the 18th Istanbul Jazz Festival on the Herbie Hancock on piano, Wayne Shorter on saxophone, Marcus Miller on bass night of Thursday, July 7, at the Cemil guitar and bass clarinet, Sean Jones Topuzlu Open Air Theatre. on trumpet, and Sean Rickman on For the presentation of the project percussion will meet the audience with entitled “Tribute to Miles”, its music a program stretching from Miles Davis’s directorship assumed by Marcus Miller bop and cool period in the ‘50s to his whose path has crossed with Miles Davis at a young age, a press conference experimental-electrical pieces in the ‘70s and his last works in the ‘80s. was organized on Monday, July 4, in Following its world premiere at the the publicity office of Zorlu Center.

Istanbul Jazz Festival, the Tribute To Marcus Miller, Herbie Hancock and Miles” project will give eight further Wayne Shorter - in Istanbul for the last rehearsals of the world premiere of concerts throughout July, among them important festivals in Europe such as the project – participated in the press conference moderated by Yavuz Baydar, Umbria, North Sea, Montreux, Jazz a Vienne. journalist and member of the Istanbul Marcus Miller who assumes the music Jazz Festival Advisory Committee, and directorship of the project is a name described the project. closely familiar to the Turkish audience Mehmet Even, Assistant General Manager of Zorlu Real Estate, who took thanks to his successful albums and impressive technique. Having given the floor after the opening speech of Pelin Opcin, Director of the Istanbul Jazz concerts as the host of the Istanbul Jazz Festival many times before, Marcus Festival, remarked: ‘We have allocated Miller collaborated with many wellan important place for the Performing known artists such as Aretha Franklin, Arts Center embracing all the branches of culture and arts in Istanbul inside the Roberta Flack and David Sanborn alongside Miles Davis, his childhood idol, Zorlu Center. The concerts supported

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and played guitar in over 400 albums involving Joe Sample, McCoy Tyner, Bill Withers, Elton John, Bryan Ferry, Jay Z and LL Cool J. Miller who twice won the Grammy award with the albums Voyeur and Upfront together with David Sanborn released his first solo album The Sun Don’t Lie in 1993, concentrating on his own career after working as a producer and musician in session bands.

In the subsequent years, he composed soundtracks of many movies such as House Party (Martin Lawrence), Boomerang (Eddie Murphy), Siesta (Ellen Barkin), Ladies Man (Tim Meadows), and The Brothers (Morris Chestnut and D.L. Hughley).

Herbie Hancock who has been to the Istanbul Jazz Festival in 1996, 2002 and 2008 started out with the performances of classics such as Mozart and Bach and began to play with Miles Davis in his 20s.

Performing duets with the masters of his generation such as Wayne Shorter and Tony Williams, Hancock enlightened the way of the youths such as Wynton Marsalis. Alongside his compositions for the movies “Blow-Up” and “Round Midnight”, the latter winning him the “Best Soundtrack” Oscar, he was held in high esteem by electronic music and hiphop fans thanks to his hit single “Rockit” dated 1983. Winning the Grammy awards for the “Album of the Year” and “Best Jazz Album of the Year” with his album “River-The Joni Letters” released in 2007, he increased the number of his Grammys to 12.

Starting his musical career in 1959, the legendary saxophone virtuoso Wayne Shorter worked with Miles Davis for many years, appeared in numerous albums, and became one the legendary jazz artists by being one of the key members of Art Blakey’s band Jazz Messengers and Miles Davis’s famous quintet in the mid-‘60s. Founding Weather Report in 1970 together with the keyboard player Joe Zawinul who, like him, had worked with Miles Davis, Shorter released 16 albums with this band until 1985. In 1986 Shorter founded his own band and his album Atlanti released in 1986 was followed by Phantom Navigator in 1987 and Joy Ryder in 1988. Losing his wife in a plane crash in 1996 and taking a break in music for 1 year, Wayne Shorter returned to music with the album 1+1 which he released together with Herbie Hancock, his friend from the Miles Davis quartet. Spending the year 1998 together on tour, the duo released Footprints Live! in 2002. Shorter also won a Grammy Award with his album Alegria released in 2004. n

Focus On TURKEY NEWS

Join the Third International Tourism Cartoon Competition The Third International Tourism Cartoon Competition is held with the cooperation of Anadolu University Research Center for Caricature Art, Association of Tourism Writers and Journalists and Anatolia: Turizm Araştırmaları Dergisi (Anatolia: A Journal of Tourism Research).

Tourism is one of the fastest developing sectors in Turkey and all over the World.

Individuals’ various experiences during leisure travels are evaluated within the concept of tourism. Cartoonists? comprehension of tourism related issues such as accommodation, transportation, travel agencies, food and beverage, entertainment, recreation, sightseeing, museums, environment, tourist-resident relationships and also of the developmental process and of experiences of tourism, constitute the aim of this competition submission guidelines: • The competition is open to all amateur and professional cartoonists.

• Each performer is allowed to submit maximum three works.

• The cartoons submitted to the competition may be prepared as original drawings, digital printings or computer printouts. The drawing technique is

open-ended. Drawings may be colourful or black and white. On the other hand, performers are required to put signatures on their drawings.

• Drawings must be minimum A4 (21x27,7cm) and maximum A3 (29.7x42.0cm) size and potential deformation during the sending process should be avoided. Participants are responsible for any deformation caused by the posting procedure.

• Participants must write their names, surnames and adressess behind their drawings. Also, they must complete the Participant Information Form placed below in the Windows Word format and post it together with their drawings.

• Cartoons sent may be of the ones previously published somewhere but previously awarded cartoons are not allowed to submit.

• Cartoons submitted for selection will be able to be printed in Anadolu University and its units, Anatolia: Turizm Araştırmaları Dergisi, and in other printed materials of this organization such as books, catalogs, brochures, postcards, web sites and posters. All rights for any other publishing except these belong to the owner of drawing.

• Some selected part of the cartoons submitted for selection will be published in the album. Cartoonists whose drawings published in this album

will be sent a copy of the album.

• Regardless of award-winning or taking place in the album, all the cartoons submitted for selection will not be returned and will be archieved in The Anadolu University Museum of Cartoon Art. • All the cartoonists participated in the competition are implied to agree on the conditions and regulations of the competition.

• Award ceremony and the cartoon exhibition will be organized during The East Mediterranean International Tourism and Travel (EMITT) Exhibition which will be held in Istanbul between 10-13 February 2012 . Award-winner cartoonists will be hosted by the scientific committee during the EMITT. • Submission deadline is 15 November 2011. The organization committee is not responsible for any delays caused by posting process. http://www.anatoliajournal.com/ cartoon submission deadline: 15 November 2011 Postal adress Prof. Atila ATAR Anadolu University Eğitim Karikatürleri Müzesi, Akcami Mah., Malhatun Sokak, No: 6, Odunpazarı, 26030 Eskişehir/TURKEY

Feel like a Sultan at the Hagia Sophia Roxelana Hamam Hagia Sophia Hamam, which was built in 1556 by the Architect Sinan with the order of Suleiman the Magnificent, has recently regained its former splendor after undergoing fabulous restoration work.

The Haseki Hürrem Sultan Baths or Hagia Sophia Roxelana Hamam was built for Hürrem Sultan, known as Roxelana; wife of Suleiman the Magnificent.

The building is situated just opposite the Hagia Sophia Mosque in Sultanahmet, Istanbul.

The historical Hagia Sophia Hamam awaits visitors desiring to feel like a “sultan”, with a service understanding excelling in luxury and magnificence.

The Hagia Sophia Roxelana Hamam, located in Sultanahmet

and recognised as one of Istanbul’s most splendid Turkish baths, is opening its doors with all its glory, after undergoing meticulous work to restore it to its original state. This valuable Ottoman treasure actively in use until 1910, draws people who want to experience the infinite pleasures of hamam culture accompanied by luxury service, while they witness a slice of history. Hagia Sophia Roxelana Hamam, which is preparing to step onto the tourist route in end of May 2011, awaits distinguished guests who wish to enjoy a splendid view as they taste delicacies in classical Turkish restaurant and modern cafe after the invigorating experience of traditional Turkish bath rituals.

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Focus On TURKEY NEWS

15.2 % More Tourists Visited Istanbul in first half

In Brief l

Rainer Gieringer

Ali Sinan Inan

Handan Boyce

Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry Istanbul Directorate announced the number of foreign tourist arrivals to Istanbul for the first half of 2011. According to the report, a total of 773.092 tourists visited Istanbul in June 2011; an increase of 17.3 per cent compare to June 2010. The number of international tourist arrivals between January and June in 2010 and 2011 were 3.093.488 and 3.563.885 respectively. It means an increase of 15.2 per cent in the first half of the year compare to same period last year. In the first half of 2011, following nationalities visited Istanbul: German:%12.2, Russian:%6.8, USA:%5.5, French:%5.2, British:%4.8, Italian:%4.6, Iranian:%4.3, Dutch:%3.0, Spanish:%2.2, Japanese:%2.2, Ukrainian:%2.1, Azerbaijani:%1.9, South Korean:%1.8, Turkmen: %1.7, Austrian:%1.6, Other nationalities: 40.2 n

Net Holding Reopens Merit Cyprus Gardens

Rainer Gieringer named hotel manager at Hilton İstanbul.

Tijen Günyol Dilber has been appointed Grand Cevahir Hotel as General Manager. l Four Seasons Bosphorus appointed Leonardo Baiocchi as Leonardo Baiocchi General Manager. l Ali Sinan Inan has been appointed General Manager of Antalya Convention Bureau. l Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Cesme announced the appointment of Thomas Swieca as General Manager.

Thomas Swieca l Handan Boyce named Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Turkey Club President. She is also General Manager of Halic Congress Center in Istanbul. Previously, Mrs. Boyce is the General Manager of Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau (ICVB). l Ünsal Şınık, the general manager of the Elite World Alexis Atlamazoglou Istanbul Hotel since February 2008, has now been

appointed as the general manager for the whole hotel chain. l Alexis Atlamazoglou has been appointed to Conrad Istanbul as Executive Chef. l Dedeman Gaziantep Hotel & Convention Center’s Sales & Fatih Iskin Marketing Manager Fatih Işkin has been promoted to Dedeman Rize as General Manager. l Ersin Özgündogdu has been appointed as tourism advisor at Yılmaz Ulusoy Holding. l Tanju Ozalpay has been appointed General Manager at Ramada Istanbul Asia. (Wyndham Worldwide) Tanju Ozalpay l Suleyman Blum named General Manager of Ramada Plaza Gence in Azerbaijan. l Dedeman Edirne Hotel appointed Cenk Sabuncuoğlu as General Manager. l The Green Park Pendik Hotel & Convention Center Cenk Sabuncuoglu appoints Engin Efe as General Manager. l Altan Büyükyılmaz has been appointed to national carrier of Bosnia and Herzegovina; BH Airlines as General Manager. l Burcu Yatmazoglu appointed as Turkey Marketing Manager at Hilton Worldwide. l

Unsal Sinik

Ersin Ozgundogdu

Suleyman Blum

Tijen Gunyol Dilber

Burcu Yatmazoglu

Turkish Republic of North Cyprus (TRNC) will develop with tourism.

The hotel rests on a land of 40 hectares and located on 1600 meters long beach of golden sands. Merit Cyprus Gardens is 15 minutes away from the historical city of Famagusta, now called Gazi Magosa, 5 minutes away from the ruins of ancient Salamis, and 40 minutes to Ercan Airport.

The hotel has 5 villas, 13 junior suites, 81 rooms and 250 beds. Merit Cyprus Gardens offers a peaceful holiday in nature. The resort surrounded by Net Holding’s brand in tourism; botanical gardens, is more like a ranch.

Merit International Hotels & Resorts Most of the fruit, vegetable and chicken announced reopening of their property Merit Cyprus Gardens after an extensive that are served to the guests are grown by the resort itself. renovation.

TRNC’s Finance Minister Ersin Tatar who Merit International Hotels & Resorts attended the opening ceremony said that also celebrated 3rd anniversary of Merit Lefkosa Hotel at end of May. n 14 NewFocus July & August’2011

Engin Efe

Reha Arar & Mine Gurses at Merit Lefkosa Hotel 3rd Anniversary

Focus On TURKEY NEWS

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Focus On HOTELS

Swissôtel The Bosphorus Celebrates its 20th Anniversary

Swissôtel The Bosphorus leaves behind 20 years in Istanbul, Turkey with full of achievements and firsts in the sector.

Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Istanbul, which has been hosting many international organizations and many world famous celebrities, queens, statesmen with its unique service quality, adding sparkle to the city life since its establishment, bringing gourmet tastes to our lives with its elegant restaurants, as well as a new soul to Istanbul with its traditional carnivals, parties and waltz festivals, celebrated its 20th anniversary with all its friends with a magnificent party on 14th of June.

Rising in its glory on the Istanbul Strait, Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Istanbul gave its guests an unforgettable night with its decoration like a fairy tale, with a dinner festive prepared by master chefs with gourmet tastes and the music of DJ. Suat Atesdagli. The night was hosted by Meinhard Huck the President of Swissôtel Hotels and Resorts and Gerhard Struger, the General Manager of Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul and Vice President of Turkey and Middle East Region.

Many famous people from the high society, business and art life joined the party. The most colorful and exciting moments of the night was the performance of Sertab Erener on the stage.

The guests were welcomed by Gerhard Struger, the General Manager of Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul, at the entrance of the hotel and reached to the pool where the night was organized through the nostalgic tunnel decorated with the pictures of the last 20 years of the hotel.

20th Anniversary of Swissôtel The Bosphorus turned into a real carnival with its epic atmosphere created at the gorgeous garden designed with different concepts at each section, elegant presentations matching this atmosphere, gourmet foods served all night long, splendid sushi bars, rich seafood selection and special barbecues, gourmet tastes from the Michelin-star restaurants, colorful deserts and the cocktails prepared specifically for that night.

Surprise shows of the world-famous awarded bartenders, and the amazing laser show added even more glamour to the night.

The guests had so much fun with the amazing songs of Sertab Erener and the high-rhythm performance of Suat Atesdagli, all night long. Shining on Istanbul for 20 years, Swissôtel The Bosphorus showed once again its service quality and its passion for excellence with a magnificent party it organized on 14th of June. n

Two hotels from Turkey are at the Expedia prestigious list Two hotels from Turkey entered into the Expedia Insiders’s Select List. Hotels are listed based on quality and value, where the ranking is determined primarily

by Expedia customer reviews. Every year more than 500,000 reviews are submitted, verified and analysed to compile the Insider’s Select list. Witt İstanbul Suites and Hillside Su in Antalya are the two hotels from Turkey at the 2011 list.

The Insiders’ Select program debuted in 2007. This year, Expedia made the requirements more rigorous; the company required more reviews per property and higher scores per review to make the list. The 2011 winners are the top 500 hotels globally, out of the more than 135,000 properties offered on Expedia sites internationally. Hotels that made the 2011 list received an average review score of 4.7 and a 98.2% recommendation rate.

Three components are considered when ranking a hotel: • Customer Reviews: Reviews are the most powerful testament to the quality of a hotel. Travelers submit reviews after completing a stay at a given hotel. Expedia verifies that each review is legitimate. The company has a comprehensive method of ferreting out fake reviews. More than 500,000 hotel

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reviews were analyzed over the past year.

• Market Manager Input: Expedia employs hundreds of market managers in cities across the globe. These market managers work closely with Expedia’s hotel partners to maximize the value the hotels get from Expedia’s global online travel marketplace [and to maximize the value that hotels offer to Expedia’s consumer base].

• Value Rating: Expedia compares each property’s average daily rates to those of similar properties, to assess the hotel’s relative value. This makes it easy for busy travelers to identify hotels that deliver an excellent experience at a comparatively good value. Hotels that routinely exceed customer expectations – in their customer service, amenities, competitive pricing and more – see that emphasis reflected in their rankings.

Expedia Turkey Market Management Director Marilena Zagana added, “Insider Select scores are primarily determined by our customers. Every year, hundreds of thousands of travelers take the time to share their experiences with Expedia and with one another. The 2011 Insiders’ Select List reflects that collective wisdom. We hope to see more and more hotels from Turkey at the list every year.

To see the complete list of winning hotels and for more information on Insiders’ Select, visitwww.expedia.com/ insidersselect. n

Focus On HOTELS

Raffles Arrives in Istanbul with Zorlu Center

Zorlu Center picks Raffles, the premium luxury hotel chain, as the hotel to be located within the project as it is prepared to host the most famous brands in the world.

Raffles, the winner of the Condé Nast Traveler “World’s Best Places to Stay” and Travel & Leisure World’s Best Awards, will be opened in the last quarter of 2012. Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center, which will be opened with an investment of approximately 175 million dollars except the land value, is set to serve Istanbul with its concept of excellent and premium service. The notion of “impossible” is not included in Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center’s premium luxury service concept.

The premium hotel chain that will operate within Zorlu Center, Turkey’s first and only mixed-use project with five functions has been revealed at a press conference on May 11th, 2011. Zorlu Center, which will bring business, finance and art communities together with its unique Bosporus view, will include Raffles, known as ‘sophisticated, enchanting and charming’ in the countries it operates and the owner of the World’s Best Places to Stay of Condé Nast Traveler, one of the world’s leading magazines, and World’s Best Awards of Travel & Leisure.

The hotel, which will begin its operations under the name Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center in the last quarter of 2012, will redefine the concept of luxury in Istanbul with its concept of “personified service”.

Providing premium services such as appointing a specialized butler to each one of its guests, Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center will operate with the perception of becoming the best hotel of Istanbul. Nothing is impossible in the Premium luxury service concept of Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center.

Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center is set to offer its “personified service” concept, specialized butlers and to draw attention with its world renowned SPA covering a space of approximately 3,000 square-meters. Like in other hotels of the chain, the logo of the Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center will be the palm tree with fan-shape which is believed to bring good luck to the travelers, serves as a compass in East and West directions and accepted as unique with such characteristics.

The new address of Raffles, one of the leading representatives of the “Business & Leisure” concept, built in Zorlu Center, is aimed at reflecting the historical and characteristic features of Istanbul while keeping Raffles’ traditional values seen in other hotels of the brand.

Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center will be developed with an investment over 175 million dollars except the land value and will have 180 rooms, including 130 standard and 50 suites. The size of the rooms is over average with standard rooms will have a space of 65 square meters while the suits are designed with a maximum space of 370 square meters in order to ensure a peaceful, comfortable and luxurious experience of the unique beauty of Istanbul.

Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center will have a ballroom with a capacity of 1,200 people, suitable to organize exclusive events, and will include two exclusive restaurants and bars as well as open and closed swimming pools and a heliport. n

Maritim Hotel Grand Azur in Turkey wins the Certificate of Excellence 2011 Maritim Hotel Grand Azur in Turkey wins the Certificate of Excellence 2011 A few days ago, the Maritim Hotel Grand Azur in Marmaris, Turkey received the renowned Certificate of Excellence 2011 from the internationally known TripAdvisor hotel assessment portal.

Based on the assessments provided by hotel guests and members of TripAdvisor, the Turkish Maritim Hotel Grand Azur Marmaris received the coveted Certificate of Excellence 2011 very recently.

Among other things, the assessments refer to the categories Food & Beverage, Friendliness, General Impression, Sports and Leisure Activities, Cleanliness and Location. The Maritim Hotel Grand Azur was assessed as “Excellent” and “Very Good” by 83 percent of the guests.

The Maritim Grand Azur in Marmaris has been operated by Maritim since 2007. It has 288 luxurious rooms, including 27 suites, several swimming pools on two levels and a varied leisure and sports program. The hotel is located on the Aegean coast of Turkey, directly on the beach on the outskirts of the port of Marmaris.

TripAdvisor was established nine years ago and has since become one of the world’s largest platforms for hotel and travel assessments on the Internet, with more than 30 million assessments and experience reports. The portal belongs to the travel agency Expedia, which is listed on the stock exchange. n NewFocus July & August’2011

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Focus On HOTELS

The Madison Hotel has changed its Concept

The Madison Hotel located in Taksim, Istanbul announced its concept change.

The hotel, which operated as a family hotel, changed its concept according to the customer profile of hotels in Taksim area.

The Madison Hotel General Manager Ali Imdat Uçar said that the hotel has undergone an extensive renovation and all hotel rooms are renovated according to the needs and comfort of businessmen.

Working desk, broadband internet, Digitürk TV are added to the rooms.

Bathrooms decorated with glass design

and soft and relaxing colors are used at rooms. A new menu is introduced at the new r“A completely different bar and glazed, spacious cafe joins lobby with the street. Turkish Bath, indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, and gym are located at the lower floor,” added Mr. Uçar.

Meeting rooms and technology room is renewed according to business hotel concept. The new concept and design of the Madison Hotel is done by architect Ece Baba. estaurant with winter garden.

The new menu brings food related with the Ottoman Cuisine. n

ABTA Health and Safety Programme Trains 500 in Turkey ABTA’s Destination Services Manager, Angie Hills, Donna Boucher ABTA Destination Services coordinator and Health & Safety expert Ian Greaves from IGI have returned from running a ten day health and safety seminar tour in Turkey’s most popular resorts. The collaborative project, supported by the Turkish Tourist Office, Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Transport trained 500 hotel managers, food and beverage managers, transport companies and local authority personnel over ten seminars in the resorts of Antalya, Fethiye, Bodrum, Marmaris and Kusadasi between 13 and 23 May 2011.

The project involved delivering five seminars on accommodation health and safety and five transport seminars, all of which were simultaneously translated into Turkish. The delegates were provided with copies of presentation material; and the FTO codes of practice in Turkish to encourage further training to be cascaded amongst accommodation and transportation staff and help their

teams and other staff to ensure that best practice is spread as widely as possible.

Hotel personnel were trained in the areas of Food & Water, Swimming Pool Safety, Accommodation Safety, Fire Safety, and Security & Incident Management.

Transport delegates were taken through a new Transportation Code of Practice covering issues including vehicle quality, the selection of drivers, service maintenance, driver hours and emergency procedures. Delegates were taken through a desk top assessment so that systems used by transport companies can be tested and safety monitored effectively.

Angie Hills, ABTA’s Destination Manager said: “We are very grateful for the support of the Turkish Authorities for our seminar programme, as it demonstrates the commitment Turkey has to ensure that their tourism products are of high standards. By promoting good practice, seminars such as these will help to ensure that holidaymakers from all over the world will get a great holiday in Turkish resorts.”

Mr Tolga Tuyluoglu Director of the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office said: “We

were very excited to work with ABTA on this programme to raise awareness and increase understanding of health and safety issues in the Turkish tourism industry and we would also like to take the opportunity to thank the Hoteliers Association which helped us organise the events. We look forward to continuing the co-operation in the future.”

On behalf of Members, ABTA works proactively with hoteliers, suppliers, destination municipalities and Governments around the world to improve Public health, infrastructure, and safety of the environment, which is beneficial for both customers and local populations As well as designing and delivering health and safety seminar programmes, ABTA’s Destination team has produced a range of useful material for companies with responsibilities for health and safety in overseas destinations – for example, ABTA’s Preferred Code of Practice – Health & Safety and ABTA’s modular training DVD Safe and Sound. Both are available to purchase from ABTA email destinations@ abta.co.uk to find out more. n

Dedeman Hotels Relaunches The 45th Year Campaign

Turkey’s biggest hotel chain Dedeman Hotels & Resorts International which had started its hotel business operations on June 6, 1966 with its first hotel located in Ankara, is celebrating its 45th year. Dedeman Hotels & Resorts International has been hosting its guests with the Traditional Dedeman

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NewFocus July & August’2011

Hospitality for almost half a century, and now relaunches the special 45th year campaign due to the strong interest towards the campaign. The campaign that will be relaunched simultaneously in all 18 hotels, both domestic and abroad, of Dedeman Hotels & Resorts International, will offer great advantages for Dedeman guests. As part of this campaign, the guests will receive %45 discount for their accommodations until the end of 2011. n

Focus On HOTELS

Water - Splashing Festival at Crowne Plaza Beijing Sun Palace Every year this Water Splashing Festival is celebrated at Crowne Plaza Beijing Sun Palace where colorful Yunnan costumes and decor creates the celebratory atmosphere.

This year cultural dances staged in the lobby and the traditional Yunnan cuisines specially prepared at the Rainbow Yunnan Restaurant between 6th April - 29th April, 2011.

The annual Water Splashing Festival of the Dai ethnic minority falls during the New Year celebrations of the Dai Calendar. It is the most important festival observed by the Dai

ethnic people of Xishuangbanna in Yunnan and similar to neighboring Thailand›s Songkran Festival.

It involves three days of celebrations that include sincere, yet light-hearted religious rituals that invariably end in merrmaking, where everyone ends up getting splashed, sprayed or doused with water. Held during the sixth month of the Dai calendar, usually falling in the middle of

April, it is also known as the Festival for Bathing the Buddha. The water splashing, however, is more than just good-natured fun; it also contains a religious element water is regarded by the Dai as a symbol of religious purity and goodwill among people. Therefore, by splashing a person with water during festival, whether a close neighbor or a fellow villager or even a stranger, is bestowing good luck and prosperity to that person.

NewFocus July & August’2011

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Focus On EXHIBITION

Azerbaijan Tourism Industry to Grow 10% in 2011 The 10th edition of the Azerbaijan International Travel and Tourism Fair (AITF) is kicked off on Thursday April 28, 2011 in Baku.

Focus on Travel News and New Focus Travel Magazine - only media partner of AITF 2011 from Turkey – attend the AITF 2011.

Azerbaijan Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfaz Garayev announced that the country’s tourism industry will continue to grow in 2011 and added that he expects 10% growth

Suleyman Blum introduced us Babakisiyev Rasim Celal oglu (2nd from left) and informed a new tourism complex on an island.

in tourism industry this year. “In 2010 the country’s tourism sector increased by 6-7%. The world financial crisis is gradually overpassing. In the last 5 years tourism has started to develop and this indicator is high enough,” Garayev said. Azerbaijan aims to attract at least 3 million tourists in a year.

Garayev also informed media that a total of 45 more hotels are under construction and will open very soon.

Azerbaijan has a total of 499 hotels in the country. Garayev said, “The priority for tourism development in Azerbaijan is still the summer &

winter complex Shahdag”.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is expected to visit AITF 2011 on Friday.

Baku is not only hosting the international tourism fair of AITF but also Ukraine’s President Viktor Yanukovich is also in the city for the 3rd meeting of the Council of Presidents of Azerbaijan and Ukraine.

At the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Viktor Yanukovich of Ukraine signed the Protocol of the meeting and the Plan of Action on multifaceted cooperation between the two countries for 2011-15

Gokhan Haciibrahimoglu represents Turkish Airlines at AITF

Suat Tore is together with Mahir Gahramanov from Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture and Tourism

Cosqun Yaqubov,Yaqut Agayeva, and Suleyman Blum represent Ramada Plaza Gence.

Irade Huseinova from Globus Tour is together with Ozgur Tore

from left: Atilla Cetinbas (Qafqaz Riverside Resort Hotel), Suleyman Blum, Aydin Aytug, Halil Duru (Gilan Tourism), Serife and Ali Kaya (Agne Tours)

Naila Musayeva (right) and Days Hotel team at AITF

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NewFocus July & August’2011

Turkey stand at AITF

Focus On EXHIBITION

TTM Plus Celebrates 10th Year The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s new “balanced strategy” is to be meticulously followed during the three-day event with a good mix of doing business sessions as well as a focus on environmental preservation under the theme of “Caring for the Earth”. As of 18 May, 2011, a total of 368 seller organisations had registered

for the event, including 268 hotels and resorts, 36 travel agents and tour operators, 3 ecotourism and adventure operators, 2 wellness and spa, 2 airlines, 13 entertainment, theme park, culture products, 2 golf courses, 9 associations, 15 companies from the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), 7 other travel services and 11 from Chiang Mai Creative City.

They had an opportunity to meet with 335 buyers from 54 countries. This year, the TAT has focused on inviting new buyers who do not operate tours to this part

Suat Tore, Wiyada Srirangkul (TAT Rome director) and Pongsathorn Kessasamli (TAT Bangkok),

of the world. It has also paid particular attention to new and emerging markets; such as, Eastern Europe (Serbia, Slovenia, and Czech Republic), Baltic region (Estonia and Lithuania), South America (Peru, Argentina, and Brazil), as well as the Middle East and South Africa markets.

Pre-tours (half-day) held for buyers and media, followed by the business functions on 8-10 June at the IMPACT Exhibition Centre Challenger Hall 5-6. Additional post-tours for buyers and media held on 11 June 2011.

Wiyada Srirangkul (TAT Rome director), Pongsathorn Kessasamli (TAT Bangkok), Denduen Luengcheng (TAT Bangkok)

Viktor and his colleagues from Royal Cliff Holtels

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Focus On EXHIBITION

ATM-Dubai Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2011 the region’s leading travel industry showcase, which opened its doors on Monday 2 May, welcomed over 2,200 exhibitors from 69 countries, covering more than 20,000 square meters of floor space, highlighting the underlying strength of the regional tourism

Avsar Koc (Kempinski Hoteliers) and Suat Tore

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NewFocus July & August’2011

industry.

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the Middle East currently receives more than 36 million visitors per year, with this figure set to climb to 69 million tourists by 2020, an average growth rate of 6.7% even before factoring in the substantial positive impact of Qatar’s successful 2022 FIFA World Cup bid.

In the UAE, the number of hotel guests in Dubai grew by 10.7% during

Ozgur Tore and Suat Tore is together with Alain St.Ange, Elsia Grandcourt; CEO and Deputy CEO of Seychelles Tourism Board

2010, while Abu Dhabi saw visitor growth of 18% in 2010.

Qatar has $100 billion programme of infrastructure expansion includes 80,000 new hotel rooms by 2022.

In Oman, leisure tourism is already booming, with 10% average annual growth in hotels stays. Oman’s business tourism is also primed for growth, with the beginning of construction on the new $1 billion Oman Conference and Exhibition Centre in Muscat.

Seychelles awarded all exhibitions in 2011.

Focus On EXHIBITION

Ersan Atsur represents Orion Tour at ATM-Dubai every year.

Suat Tore and Sedat Gonulluoglu (Cultural & Information Attache

Meral Ozcelik - Hilton Dalaman Golf Resort & Spa

Birol Kaymas - Hotel Celik Palas, Convention Center & Thermal Spa

Halil Duru attends ATM; representing Gilan Tourism

Numan Durmus, Serdal Kuyucuoglu, Murat Demir promote city of Mersin that will host 17th Mediterranean Games in 2013

Nur Bilgin (left) promotes Divan Istanbul & Divan Istanbul City at ATM

from Left: Zeliha Oksuz, Seref Karakan, and Tahsin Topuzayak from Spa Hotel Colossae Thermal located in Pamukkale, Turkey.

Hoteliers from Belek Region

Dilara Hepsen Oztekin and Ceyda Noyan represent the Sofa Hotel & Residences

Mardan Palace attends ATM with its own stand. Cumhur Ozen represents the luxurious hotel.

Muberra Eresin and Banu Mutlu from Eresin Hotels, Istanbul.

Pierre Andre Pelletier - Amari Watergate, Bangkok and Suat Tore.

Friends met in Dubai.

Virat Chatturaputpi represents Marwin Tours Thailand at ATM

Bora Ozgen promotes tours to North Cyprus

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Focus On EXHIBITION

BITE-Beijing One of China’s most important travel fairs, BITE Beijing started with a Gala Dinner at June 16 and exhibition ended at June 19. Russian pop singer, composer, actor, and fashion designer; Vitas or known in China with the nickname “Dolphin Voice Prince” performed his pop-opera music and got big applause from the audience.

More than 200 invited buyers from 60 countries and about 800 exhibitors attended the BITE that held at China National Convention Centre. Beijing International Tourism Expo, popularly known as BITE is taking place for the eighth edition between 17 and 19 June 2011. Staged at a new venue – the China National Convention Centre (CNCC) BITE will take China’s tourism industry by storm during its 3-day presentation. n

BITE organized at New Convention center this year.

Mustafa Kartopu (Aristo tours), Ilknur Yigit (Turkish Tourism Director of China), Tolga Yimaz (Tourism Ministry from Ankara) and Volkan Cavusoglu ( Sirene Golf Hotel, Antalya)

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NewFocus July & August’2011

Edward Liu (Managing Director of BITE & CEMS ) together with Suat Tore

Focus On WORLD NEWS

International Sport Tourism Conference, 28th September – Bangkok WSDE Sport Tourism Expo to host the prestigious 2011 International Sport Tourism Conference at September 28 in Bangkok. The ground breaking programme will have a strong focus on specialist Sport Tourism knowledge, analysis and market leader insights and will provide thought provoking and invigorating content. This blockbuster conference will feature a world class line-up of leading experts and decision makers in sporting events and Sport Tourism and will govern a blue-chip audience as well as considerable global media attention.

Key themes and topics to be addressed include: How to successfully leverage the Sport Tourism boom - a step by step strategic road map Destination marketing in the era of Sport Tourism Successfully identifying new growth markets and how to attract the 21st Century Sport Tourist The future potential of Sport Tourism unlocking long term growth

Attracting sporting events - a strategic think tank “We are looking forward to attending this event to conduct new business, to add to our growing portfolio and to forge new long-term business relationships.”

Nathan Wilson, Managing Director, TUI Sport “We predict that this will be the era of Sport Tourism and those not positioned to take advantage of this phenomenon are urged to quickly align – or lose out.”

Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General, United Nations World Tourism Organisation “If you represent a destination eager to win the rights to host more major sporting events, if you are a destination offering Sport Tourism facilities, if you are a purchaser of Sport Tourism, or a member of the international Sport Tourism community, I urge you to participate in this must attend global event.”

Gianni Merlo, President, International Sports Press Association In Collaboration with Major World Travel Organisations this 2 day Conference programme is gaining momentum. With just over 3 months to go this is your

opportunity to successfully leverage the Sport Tourism Phenomenon. Act now and book your space.

2 Day Conference Programme Opening Minister Thailand Major World Travel Orgnisations Conference Chair Geoffrey Lipman Keynote speakers from Tourism Organisations & CEO’s from Travel and Tourism Authorities Understanding the Sport Tourism Phenomena Panel discussion with travel and sports federations and tour operator associations Other segments to include New Growth Markets - Attracting the 21st Century Sport Tourist The Future Potential of Sport Tourism unlocking long term growth Attracting Sporting Events - a Strategic Think Tank Growth Leisure Tourism and Participation Tourism Futurism – The Sportification of society over the next three decades Closing ceremony

The My Planet Travel Awards 2011 promotional campaign is in full throttle as the high profile marketing and voter recruitment campaign is driven by Moya Planeta TV who are broadcasting the

awards advert 20 times a day to their 25 million subscribers. The video can be viewed on YouTube.

Unique visitors to this website has just passed 25,000 as word spreads around the world thanks to international media partners and Nominees who are proactively recruiting their contacts.

That number is set to soar as the award’s Internet Partner, Mail.Ru –

the largest Internet company in the Russian-speaking world and the leading Internet company in Russia – begins promoting the awards this month.

With guests from Russia and around the world, awards ceremony and dinner will take place at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Moscow’s most prestigious venue, on 22 September 2011 in Moscow.

My Planet Travel Awards Promotional Campaign Hits Top Gear

World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony is in Antalya Oscars of the travel industry, The World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony will be held in Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa in Antalya, Turkey at September 2.

The World Travel Awards was launched in 1993 to acknowledge and recognise excellence in the world’s travel and tourism industry.

Celebrating its 18th anniversary, the awards is regarded as the very highest achievement that a travel product could ever hope to receive.

Votes are cast by 213,000 travel professionals which include travel agencies, tour and transport companies

Attended by senior executives from major travel companies, operators and destinations, WTA events are universally respected as providing established, top level networking opportunities, regionally and globally.

The World Travel Award’s official list of worldwide media partners includes Focus on Travel News –www.ftnnews. com and New Focus Travel Magazine from Turkish media.

This year the Europe Gala Ceremony will be held at Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa in Antalya, Turkey.

Programme and tourism organizations in over 160 countries across the globe.

Votes are cast globally by industry professionals in over 1,000 different categories.

18:30 Registration Opens 19:00 Cocktail Reception 20:00 Gala Dinner & Show 23:00 Carriages Attire Black Tie NewFocus

July & August’2011

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Focus on Cover Story

Festivalson

Tourism

by Maija & Omer Kocaman

A

s “New Focus Travel Magazine’’, we start a new column where we look at festivals from tourism point of view. We will study the effect festivals have for the tourism industry in the area. We will study festivals organized in other countries and in different parts of Turkey. We will have interviews with persons organising festivals. We will also handle items like financing, enrichning the activities withing

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NewFocus July & August’2011

festival program and sponsoring.

An other item we focus is the professional management of festivals. In Turkey most of the festivals are arranged by municipalities or foundations.

We will have interviews with local authorities and mayors.

The main reasons to arrange a festival can be divided in three different groups.

1 - To improve local economy.

Festivals like “Apricot Festival”

or “Garlic Festival” are good examples of this group.“ City festivals” which have been arranged in Anglo-Saxon countries for centuries, can be considered as first models of modern festivals. At that time towns were surrounded by strong walls and fortifications for security and yearly festivals in a way improved the economy in these from each other isolated towns. To improve the selling of local products,

Focus on Cover Story

programs like magicians, acrobats and musicians were part of the festival.Visitors from neighbor towns created a considerable income. Festivals like this, were also very important fort he local eartists.

2 - Festivals aming to create tourism in the area.

In many parts of the world festivals are organized to create and improve tourism in the area. One of the best examples of this group is “San Fermin�

festival in Pamplona, Spain. It is an old tradition to run with bulls and during these days more that 1,5 million people visit Pamplona.

500.000 people took part in Woodstock festival year 1969.

Festivals following Woodstock cathered together millions of people in England.

Allthough with more modest numbers, festivals in numerous places all around the world cather together considerable amounth of people.

Festival in Salzburg, Edinburg Festival in Scotland , Summer Festival in Barcelona, Festival in Athens, Beethoven Festival in Bonn, Savonlinna Opera Festival in Finland, Granada Festival in Spain, all of them are hosting thousands of people every year.

These festivals have also a great impact to local tourism. It has been noticed that both music festivals and art festivals are increasing tourism in the area. As an example we can NewFocus July & August’2011

27

Focus on Cover Story

Besides festivals in big cities, festivals in Bodrum, Side and Aspendos are most important and famous festivals in Turkey.

Program of these festivals consist mostly of classical music.

mention Biennale in Venice, and Art Festival in Moscow.

Already for a long time it has been arranged festivals also in Turkey and they are followed by conciderable high number of audiences.

The most important of these is without doubt Ä°stanbul Music Festival.

Music Festivals in Ankara and Izmir are also worth of mentioning.

Besides festivals in big cities, festivals in Bodrum, Side and Aspendos are most important and famous festivals in Turkey.

Program of these festivals consist mostly of classical music.

As an example of local festivals arranged yearly are festivals in Silifke, Bergama and Artvin KafkasĂśr. On these ones we will concentrate more in detail later.

An example of festival aming to improve tourism in the area is Kaustinen Folk dance and Folkmusic Festival in Finland. In this article we will shortly tell more about this festival and later on we will have an interview of Mr. Viljo Maattala, the Honorary Chairman of the Festival Committee.. This festival has been chosen by Unesco as one of the best 5 festivals of all times.

Kaustinen is a small municipality with many small villages and has a population of 4.500 people. About 70.000 people are visiting daily Kaustinen because of this festival. To reach this, is a result of professional team working full time. Normally the festival committee finalises program two years in advance. Income of the festival is and addition to the budjet of municipality and used to support for ex. local museum, library, schools and fire department. All of this is arranged in co-operation and with the support of the government.

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NewFocus July & August’2011

Focus on Cover Story During festival days there is a press office and 30-40 newspapermen from Finland and abroad are following the festival. News about the festival are published in newspapers and magazines, shown in TV-news.

Politicians and states men from Finland and neighboring countries visit the festival in Kaustinen.

One of the remarkable things in

this festival is the participation of local residents. Many families open their homes for visitors to stay, they work as cleaners, guides and hosts of the events.

Festival souveniers are made in local workshops. Selling these souveniers during the festival provide a remarkable income.

Also in our country there has been great improvement during last years. In coming issues we

will introduce to you in detail festivals in Mersin and Side.

These festivals are directed in a professional way by former General Manager of State Opera and Bale, trumpet player Mr Remzi Buharalı and we will have an interview with him.

We wish that both festival lovers and festival organisers will enjoy to chare ideas in these articles.

Festivals aming to create tourism in the area.

In many parts of the world festivals are organized to create and improve tourism in the area.

One of the best examples of this group is “San Fermin” festival in Pamplona, Spain.

An example of festival aming to improve tourism in the area is Kaustinen Folk dance and Folkmusic Festival in Finland. In this article we will shortly tell more about this festival and later on we will have an interview of Mr. Viljo Maattala, the Honorary Chairman of the Festival Committee.

NewFocus July & August’2011

29

Focus On AIRLINES

Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport Awarded at Routes Europe 2011

Istanbul’s second airport; Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SGIA) announced that as it was in last year, SGIA has been awarded as “Highly Commended” in Southern Europe category at the Routes Airport Marketing Awards.

The Routes Airport Marketing Awards have become synonymous with recognising and rewarding the highest standards of marketing activities undertaken by airports. They work on the core principal that the people who are best placed to judge an airport’s marketing activities are its primary users: the airlines themselves.

After being nominated by airlines, the airports are then asked to submit details about their route development activity and results. A panel of judges considers these submissions and scores them based upon how it matches the entry brief, route development content, evidence of relationship with airlines, innovative ways of marketing to airlines, results, effectiveness and creative application The European regional awards are split into four categories. In the first covering Scandinavia and the Baltics, the shortlisted airports included Helsinki and Riga International. Highly commended was Stockholm Arlanda Airport, which has attracted new services to Doha and New York, but the winner was Copemhagen. “The airport has claimed

to have performed the largest percentage increase in passengers in 2010 amongst the major European airports,” said Nigel Mayes. “They have attracted three of the big Gulf carriers in the past 15 months and finally are opening a dedicated low-cost terminal, with a €3 discount in passenger charge.”

In the second regional category covering Western Europe, the shortlist included Munich and Zurich airports. Two were highly commended – Hamburg, which is “celebrating its 100th birthday” this year and has demonstrated “an innovative approach to working with tour operators” and Brussels where there have been ten new airlines arrivals in the past 12 months and which offered “one of the most creative approaches to our submission process,” according to Nigel Mayes. The winner in this “highly competitive” section was Amsterdam Schiphol which according to the judging panel “clearly demonstrated both growth and results through their route development activities”.

In the Mediterranean and Southern Europe category there were five shortlisted candidates including Antalya and Istanbul Ataturk, both in Turkey. Also from the country, Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International, was highly commended, alongside Athens International, which was praised for the attitude of the airport’s marketing team, which “worked hard to develop the facility through creative route development activities” during a difficult year due to the economic problems in Greece. The winner in this section was Barcelona which was praised for securing new carriers in the form of Pakistan International Airlines and Singapore Airlines and their traffic growth across

the first three months. “Their route development committee is a benchmark of how tourism authorities, local government and airports should work together,” added Nigel Mayes.

The overall winner came from the final section, Central & Eastern Europe, where it competed with Airports of Montenegro, Skopje Alexander the Great, Prague and Warsaw Chopin for the regional prize. Highly commended in this category were Prague and Warsaw which were credit for changes to the fee structures and their creative use of marketing, including social media strategies.

Full details are below: Scandinavia and the Baltics Helsinki Airport (Finland) Riga International Airport (Latvia) Highly Commended: Stockholm Arlanda Airport (Sweden) Winner: Copenhagen Airport (Denmark) Western Europe Munich Airport (Germany) Zurich Airport (Switzerland) Highly Commended: Brussels Airport (Belgium) Highly Commended: Hamburg Airport (Germany) Winner: Amsterdam Airport (The Netherlands) Mediterranean & Southern Europe Antalya Airport (Turkey) Istanbul Ataturk Airport (Turkey) Highly Commended: Athens International Airport (Greece) Highly Commended: Istanbul Sabiha Gökcen International Airport (Turkey) Winner: Barcelona – Aeropuerto de Barcelona (Spain) Central & Eastern Europe Airports of Montenegro (Montenegro) Skopje Alexander the Great Airport (Macedonia) Highly Commended: Prague Airport (Czech Republic) Highly Commended: Warsaw Chopin Airport (Poland) Winner: Budapest Airport (Hungary)

Croatia Airlines begin Flights to Istanbul after 12 years Croatia Airlines began flights from Zagreb to Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport on Wednesday after an interval of 12 years.Croatia Airlines’ Airbus A319 passenger jet arrived in Istanbul Wednesday carrying Turkish and Croatian flags.

The passengers of the Croatian jet were greeted at the Ataturk International Airport with flowers.

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NewFocus July & August’2011

Speaking at a ceremony to mark Croatia Airlines’s first flight from Zagreb to Istanbul, Croatia Airlines President Srecko Simunovic said that flights from Zagreb to Istanbul would contribute to the friendship between Turkey and Croatia, strengthen cooperation and boost mutual tourism.

Croatia Airlines’ flights between Zagreb and Istanbul would take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. n

Focus On AIRLINES

Turkish Airlines Awarded “Best Airline Europe” associated with air travel excellence in the 21st century, providing unique expertise to the world airline and airport industry through the most professional Audit and Service Benchmarking programs of Product and Service Quality.

Turkish Airlines wins “Best Airline Europe”, “Best Premium Economy Seats” for its Comfort Class seats and “Best Airline Southern Europe” at the World

Ceremony took place in Paris, France and the award was handed over to Turkish Airlines’ General Manager Temel Kotil Ph.D. by the CEO of Skytrax, Edward Plaisted.

One of the fastest growing airline company, Turkish Airlines received several awards by Skytrax which is known as “Passengers Choice Awards” and marked its name in the world aviation industry. The airline won Skytrax Award for the “Best Airline in Southern Europe” also in last year, as the airline achieved the same great success by winning the “Skytrax World Aviation Award 2009” known as the Oscar of Aviation industry.

According to the Skytrax results of the evaluation 2010, Turkish Airlines Turkish Airlines has been also named has been named the “Best Airline in as the winner of the categories, “Best Airline Awards.

Southern Europe” and the best quality in Premium Economy Seats” and “Best During the 10 month survey period, 18.8 economy class with the inflight service Airline Southern Europe” by Skytrax. million airline customers from over 100 which is being served by Turkish Do&Co. According to the results of the evaluation different nationalities participated in this Meanwhile the airline marked its name 2011, Turkish Airlines has been chosen as customer satisfaction survey. on the 3th place in the best airline the winner of the 3 categories by Skytrax The Skytrax World Airline Awards companies in all Europe countries. n which is a world recognized brand

Turkish Airlines Joins the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO)

AACO Executive Committee has approved of Turkish Airlines’ application to join AACO on June 13th, 2011.

Turkish Airlines, the leading flag carrier in Turkey, has joined AACO as Partner Airline of this regional airline association.

The partnership will provide the Arab airlines members of AACO and Turkish Airlines with opportunities of creating synergies through the joint projects that AACO launched during the past years as well as accessing its event and publications. As it prepares for its Partner Airline membership, Turkish Airlines intends to develop bilateral links with a number of AACO’s established partners, which includes some of the leading names in the airline industry.

Turkish Airlines already operates code-share flights with AACO partners, Egyptair, Etihad Airways, Royal Air Maroc and Syrian Arab Airlines.

Turkish Airlines’ General Manager Mr. Temel Kotil, Ph.D. said: “AACO is an important association for us to be incorporated into this collaboration. I believe that this cooperation will provide great opportunities and will be beneficial for us and all the member airlines.”

Mr.Abdul Wahab Teffaha, Secretary General of AACO said: “the Arab region and Turkey have been coupled by geography and by human relations for millennia. It is only natural that cooperation between the Arab airlines and Turkish Airlines continues to flourish.

Turkish Airlines is already a great partner to the Arab airlines and now will become a great partner to AACO itself. AACO is proud that Turkish Airlines has chosen to be a Partner Airline.”

Turkish Airlines will mainly participate in Annual General Meeting which is one of the most important aviation events in the Arab world and meets annually highlighting high-level industry issues. Turkish Airlines will be proud to contribute to AACO by sharing mutual experiences and knowledge with member airlines. By being a part of this important regional association, Turkish Airlines would not only aim to enhance existing benefits and develop new ones for our customers but also focuses on creating new future opportunities between this region and the rest of the world. n

Air Arabia Increases Turkey Flights Air Arabia, announced the expansion of service to the Turkish city of Istanbul, from the carrier’s primary hub in Sharjah from June 10. The airliner will offer 7-weekly flights, an addition of three flights to the existing schedule, making it easier and more convenient for passengers to visit this historic locale.

On Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays flights will depart Sharjah International Airport at 20:45 arriving at Istanbul Sabiha Airport at 00:15. Return flights will depart Istanbul at 01:10 arriving Sharjah at 06:15 (local

time). On Tuesdays and Thursdays flights will depart Sharjah International Airport at 11:20 arriving at Istanbul Sabiha Airport at 14:45. Return flights will depart Istanbul at 15:50 arriving Sharjah at 20:45 (local time). “We are extremely pleased to announce the expansion of service between Sharjah and Istanbul, which will further enhance the air travel options for the residents of both States,” said AK Nizar, Head of Commercial Department at Air Arabia. “In 2010, Air Arabia carried over 43,000 passengers on this route; this number reflects the ever

growing appeal for Air Arabia flights between the two cities and we look forward to offering our customers with the best value for money travel options.” n

NewFocus July & August’2011

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Focus On AIRLINES

Air Arabia Flies from Sabiha Gokcen to Alexandria Air Arabia Egypt, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, announced the launch of its flights from Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Alexandria, Egypt.

A statement by Sabiha Gokcen Airport said on Saturday that a ceremony was held at the airport with participation of

officials from Air Arabia Egypt. Sabiha Gokcen Airport CEO Gökhan Buğday said that passenger traffic at the airport increased by 28 percent in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of last year.

Air Arabia Egypt will fly to Alexandria from Sabiha Gökçen on Fridays and

Sundays. Air Arabia Egypt only flies new aircraft of the type Airbus A320. On its entire network, Air Arabia Egypt offers full economy class with an average seat pitch of 32 inch and a free baggage allowance. Food and Beverage can be bought during the flight. n

Atlasjet Executive Board Chairman Murat Ersoy held a press conference

on Tuesday, May 17. Ersoy presented company’s achievements in the last 10 years.

He said Atlasjet’s capital increased from 4.2 million Turkish Lira (TL) in 2001 to 36 million TL in 2010, while its net annual turnover rose from 45.6 million TL to 516.7 million TL. (1 USD equals 1.58 TL) He added that Atlasjet became the airline company which paid the highest tax in 2010 with 9.9 million TL. Number of employees working in the

company also increased from 235 to 944 and the number of planes from 3 to 15. Ersoy said that they are introducing new destinations every year not only in Turkey but also abroad such as Irbil, Sulaymaniyah, Pristina, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Tehran, Medina and Jeddah. Ersoy revealed that they have plans to set up an airline company in Russia and Iraq which are scheduled to complete in 2012. n

Atlasjet to Extend Russia and Iraq

Air Transat Starts Direct Flights between Canada and Turkey

Schedule is as follows; Route

Depart

Arrive

Days

IST – YUL

13:20

16:55

Every Monday

YUL – IST

17:45

10:15*

Every Sunday

IST – YYZ

13.20

19.15

Every Monday

YYZ - IST

15:25

10:15*

Every Sunday

YUL = Montreal, Canada YYZ = Toronto, Canada IST = Istanbul Ataturk Airport, Turkey Istanbul - Montreal

Canada’s leading holiday travel airline; Air Transat is starting direct flights to Turkey from Canada as of May 16, 2011.

Air Transat, which carries some 3 million passengers annually to nearly 60 destinations in 25 countries, introduces Istanbul flights with AiRep. AiRep will sell Air Transat tickets for flights from Istanbul to Toronto and Montreal.

Departure

Res. Code

Return

Res.Code Fare

VAT

Total Fare

23 May

Q

29 May

T

318 EUR

297 EUR

615 EUR

13, 20, 27 June

Q

10, 17, 24 July

H

278 EUR

297 EUR

575 EUR

4 July

Q

10,17,24 July

H

278 EUR

297 EUR

575 EUR

K

04,11,18 September

O

468 EUR

297 EUR

765 EUR

29 August 26 September

T

02, 09 October

Q

338 EUR

297 EUR

635 EUR

03 October

S

09 October

Q

508 EUR

297 EUR

805 EUR

Departure

Res. Code

Return

Res.Code Fare

VAT

Total Fare

23 May

Q

29 May

T

318 EUR

297 EUR

615 EUR

13, 20, 27 June

Q

10, 17, 24 July

H

278 EUR

297 EUR

575 EUR

4 July

Q

10,17,24 July

H

278 EUR

297 EUR

575 EUR

29 August

K

04,11,18 September

O

468 EUR

297 EUR

765 EUR

26 September

T

02, 09 October

Q

338 EUR

297 EUR

635 EUR

03 October

S

09 October

Q

508 EUR

297 EUR

805 EUR

Istanbul - Toronto

For more information and ticketing call AiRep Istanbul office from +90 212 334 2900.

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NewFocus July & August’2011

Please Contact - Email: info@sporttourismexpo.com / Tel: +44 (0)20 7925 0000 or Turkey - Email: suattore@smpublication.com / Tel:+ 90 216 391 37 95

Focus On TOUR OPERATORS & AGENTS

East Macedonia and Thrace Workshop Evros, and the islands of Thassos and Samothrace came to Istanbul from 17 to 19 June 2011. A place of unrivalled beauty, endowed with crystal-clear sea water, virgin forests, archaeological sites of unique interest, with byzantine citadels, ottoman monuments and traditional settlements that take the visitor back to time, East Macedonia and Thrace is an exceptional gateway to the history and culture of Europe and the Balkans.

During this event, the visitors had the chance to informed about local establishments, folklore and archaeological museums in East Macedonia and Thrace, the Wax Museum in Kavala and the silk museums in Soufli, as well as enjoy traditional music and dance performances. There was a lottery and the winners won free accommodation in selected hotels in East Macedonia and Thrace.

The Consulate General of Greece in Istanbul and the Periphery of East Macedonia and Thrace organised at the Sismanoglio Megaro a three-day event and workshop dedicated to the tourist destinations, attractions and culture of East Macedonia and Thrace. Under the motto “We are next to you”, the prefectures of Drama, Kavala, Ksanthi, Rodope and

B2B Meetings In addition to the three-day event, on 20 and 21 June 2011, from 10:00 to 18:00, special Business-to-Business meetings was held at the Sismanoglio Megaro. The B2B meetings were for professionals strictly. And Turkish travel agents and media met with the Greek colleauges for future travel programmes. n

Environmentally Cooperation with Setur Marinas and Turmepa With the partnership between the Turkish construction sector’s leading company, MAKYOL, and Turkish marine leader Setur Marinas, Kaş Marina takes its anticipated place in the marina sector. In cooperation with the DenizTemiz Turmepa Association, Kaş Marina cleaned its waters to prove just how polluted our seas are.

As the newest destination of sailing enthusiasts; Kaş Marina took the initiative in collaboration with DenizTemiz Turmepa, to clean its sea bottom and shores around the marina, a first amongst the marinas in Turkey.

With this environmental initiative Kaş Marina aims to set an example for other marinas in the region. During World Environment Week 2011, Kaş Marina hosted students from Kaş Elementary School to inform them about coastal protection and keeping our waters clean.

BEDS AND BLANKETS EMERGE FROM THE SEA The Kaş Marina – DenizTemiz Turmepa Association team set a new standard for the Turkish marine sector, covering a 2000m2 area with a depth of 12m. PF Marine Underwater Technology divers removed items ranging from paint boxes, an iron and motor pieces, plastic chairs, truck tires, tins, cardigans, a bed and blankets through to closets, carpets, plates, paint brushes, plastic cases, radio, glasses and a tape recorder…

STUDENT’S ARE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS After the cleaning initiative, the

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NewFocus July & August’2011

collected rubbish was displayed at Kaş Marina and training for students about cleaning the environment organized. In order to draw attention to the problem of sea pollution and the importance of keeping our waters clean educating the younger generation is imperative.

mainland waste, 40% cigarette butts, 5% sea wastage and 3% waste poured into the sea.

KAŞ MARİNA… SETTING ITSELF APART WITH ENVIRONMENTALISM Respect for the environment and working together with it not against OVER 1 MILLION SEAGULLS AND it, set Kaş Marina apart from other 10.000 SEA TURTLES DIE EVERY YEAR marinas. The marina buildings are Marina Manager Tuncay Özses, “Every designed to use minimal electricity and hour 67.000 kilograms of rubbish is air conditioning. While decreasing the thrown into the sea and half of this consumption of electricity in the marina is plastic; which equals 6 million tons with specific design and materials used per year. Sea life die because of this for the buildings; the architectural plastic; over 1 million seagulls, 100,000 design of them also allows air cooling sea mammals and 10.000 sea turtles thanks to the optimum amount of are killed per year.” According to 2002shade provided by the building walls. n 2006 ICC Reports, pollution in the Mediterranean Sea results from 52%

Focus On TOUR OPERATORS & AGENTS

TourCrafters Offers Land-Only Turkey Highlights Tour for $890

There’s a reason for tourism to Turkey increases by leaps and bounds each year. The people are welcoming, the food is delicious and the countryside is like an open-air antiquities museum. Now TourCrafters is offering a land-only 5-night/6-day Highlights of Turkey tour that costs only $890 and includes arrival and departure transfers (at any time), accommodation in 4- and 5-star hotels, daily breakfasts, three dinners, professional tour guides, luggage handling in hotels, museum entrance fees and local taxes.

Days one and two are spent in Istanbul—the exotic city on the Bosphorus that bridges East and West—with a guided sightseeing tour that takes in the city’s most famous monuments: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the 550-year-old Grand Bazaar with its thousands of shops. Then there’s a trip to the capital, Ankara, and a visit to the mausoleum and museum of Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the modern Republic of Turkey. On to Cappadocia to see the ancient Kaymakli Underground City and Goreme’s rock-carved houses and churches, as well as carpets, tiles and other local handicrafts.

The tour continues to the 13th-century Seljuk masterpiece, the Sultanhan Caravanserai; the Mausoleum of Mevlana (original home of the Whirling Dervishes) in Konya; .and Pamukkale, to visit the ruins of the ancient spa-city of Hierapolis, the Necropolis and the terraces and pools of the dazzling limestone cascade. The tour ends in Marmaris, where you can catch a flight from the airport or a ferry to the Greek island of Rhodes.

Another option: Transfer to Antalya, to enjoy the nearby beach resorts (a supplement applies).

The tour starts in Istanbul on most Fridays from now through March, 2012. All prices quoted are per person, double occupancy, and are subject to availability. Reservations must be paid for within 72 hours of booking. For additional information on this and other packages and tours to Italy, France, Spain and Greece, visit www.tourcrafters.it. n

Mosaic Holidays Launches New Turkey Brochure for 2011/12

Mosaic Holidays has launched its largest ever Turkey brochure for 2011/12 with a similar, high quality look and feel to the operator’s other brochures.

The brochure runs through to December 2012 and there is focus on style, luxury, boutique, rustic, discovery, rest and relaxation, spa, multi-centre, tailormade and trendy.

Consistent with the operator’s newest brochures, key facts and tips about places of interest have been introduced

as well as category headings including Must See, Explore, Chill Out and Adventure, with “Our Man In” once again included offering expert insight and useful tips. The operator has also included a QI section with fascinating and interesting historical facts about Turkey.

Said Sabina Shaida, Managing Director of Mosaic Holidays: “Our Man In” leads the way – we empower the travel agent through

inside knowledge – that is what being a specialist is about.

The QI section has come about through an astonishing lack of knowledge about countries being visited.”

Sporting options offered include river rafting in the Antalya National Park, scuba diving, golf and skiing at Saklikent near Antalya, between January and April.

A special feature is skiing in March and April in the mornings while being able to go to the beach sunbathing in the afternoons on the Mediterranean.

Just Ground has been added to the operator’s programme, offering travel agents the opportunity to book flights themselves separately, or book the ground arrangements with Mosaic Holidays if the clients have already booked their own flights. It is available for all hotels and can be tailor-made.

“This is about offering absolute flexibility and being the agents’ friend,” said Sabina Shaida. n NewFocus July & August’2011

35

Destinasyon Andaman

Andaman’ın Mücevherleri

T

ayland’lıların düzenlediği en önemli turizm fuarı her yıl Haziran ayı başlarında gerçekleşen TTMPlus’dır.

Geçen yıl olaylar nedeniyle Eylül ayına ertelenen bu fuar, bu yıl her zamanki zamanında, yine eski havaalanı yakınlarındaki şehir merkezine uzak ama son derece modern ve her yıl yeni bölümleri ilave olan fuar ve kongre merkezi Impact salonlarında yapıldı.

Sakın ola ki bizim Tüyap fuar alanımız ile mukayesesini yapacağımızı beklemeyin Tayland’lılara çok ayıp olur. Öncelikle Impact şehir merkezine daha yakın, yollar Tüyap’ın izbe yolları gibi değil, park alanı Tüyapcıların gelip görmelerini gerektirecek kadar güzel, fuar salonları, konferans merkezleri, fuayeler, yeme içme alanları için ise Tüyapcıların gelmelerine hiç gerek yok, nasilsa daha 15-20 yıl böyle bir merkez yapamazlar, gelip görürlerse de sadece üzülürler.( Belki de Beylikdüzündeki salonlar nedeniyle utanırlar.) ABD deki fuar ve kongre merkezleri ancak Impact ile mukayese edilebilir,onlar bile eksiklerini Impact’da görüp, sonra tamamlayabilirler!

Impact’da inşaatlar da sürüyor.Novotel tamamlanmış, yeni oteller de hızla

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NewFocus July & August’2011

inşaatlarını sürdürüyor. Gelecek yıllarda merkez büyüklüğü daha da adından söz ettirecek. TTMplus ile ilgili haberleri bu sayımızdaki diğer sayfalarımızda okuyabilirsiniz. Biz simdi fuar sonrası organize edilen turlardan bizim seçtiğimiz Andaman’ın Mücevherleri’ni sizlere aktaracağız.

Fuar sonrası organize edilen bu turu yazmaya başlamadan fuar öncesi gerçekleştirilen yarım günlük turumuzdan söz edelim. Bangkok içersinde gerçekleşen bu turlar şehrin değişik özelliklerine göre hazırlanmış.

Bangkok bir alışveriş, kültür, eğlence, yeme içme ve sağlık şehri. Her yıl

15 milyonu aşkın yabancı turist, bu şehrin hem yüzen teknelerdeki otantik nehir alışverişlerine, hem modern alışıveriş merkezlerine geliyor, Budist tapınaklarını geziyor, 24 saat süren her zevke uygun eğlence merkezlerini dolaşıyor ve özellikle Asya ülkelerinden binlerce turist güzellikten diş bakımına,

cinsiyet değişiminden hertürlü cerrahi müdahaleye elverişli modern sağlık merkezlerine uğruyor. Sağlık turizmi son yıllarda özellikle Bangkok’da çok gelişti bu yüzden artık Avrupalı turistler de bu şehre sağlık turizmi nedeniyle gelmeye başladı. TTM’in organize ettiği fuar öncesi yarım günlük Bangkok turları da

şehrin bu özelliklerine göre 5-6 değişik turdan oluşmuştu. Bangkok’la bir diğer özdeşleşmiş özellik de masajlarıdır.

Masaj okullarında özel olarak eğitim alan uzmanlar tüm Tayland’da mesleklerini sürdürürler. Yalnız Bangkok da sayıları 1 milyonu aşkın masaj salonu var. Kimi çok lüks, kimi yollarda ayaküstü ama her NewFocus July & August’2011

37

Destinasyon Andaman Bangkok’la bir diğer özdeşleşmiş özellik de masajlarıdır. Masaj okullarında özel olarak eğitim alan uzmanlar tüm Tayland’da mesleklerini sürdürürler. Yalnız Bangkok da sayıları 1 milyonu aşkın masaj salonu var. Kimi çok lüks, kimi yollarda ayaküstü ama her keseye uygun.

keseye uygun. Siz hiç 2 saate kadar süren yalnızca ayak masajı duydunuz mu ? Ya da sadece enseye yapılan 1.5 saatlik masajı ? Sadece turistler değil Taylandlılar içinde masaj adeta ibadet gibidir. Sabah akşam masaj salonlarını dolduranların çoğunluğu hep Taylandlılardır. İşte biz de bu kez bir masaj turu seçtik. ‘’Health and Wellness’’ adını taşıyan bu turumuzda Bangkok’un merkezindeki 5 yıldızlı Grande Centre Point Ratchadamri otelin içinde bulunan RarinJinda Wellness Spa’yı tanıdık. Bir spa zinciri olan Rarinjinda spaların en lüksü olan bu merkezde sağlık bölümlerini gezdikten sonra 1 saatlik bir vücut masajı ile bir gün önce geldiğimiz uzun uçak yolculuğumuzun yorgunluğunu attık.

Fuar sonrası turumuz Tayland ile Hindistan arasındaki denizin adı olan Andaman’ın Mücevherleri idi.

Sabah erken pırıl pırıl Suvarnaphumi Havalanının ferah girişinde tura katılacak olan diğer yabancı turizmcilerle buluştuk.

Havaalanında bizim TAV’cıların da kulaklarını çınlatmayı unutmadık.( TAV’cılar neyse ki Atatürk Havaalanındaki hapisane kapılarına

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benzeyen tuvalet kapılarını kaldırıp biraz modern görünüşlü tuvalet girişine başlamışlar. Umarız bu metal görüntülü çirkin kapıların tümünü yakında kaldırırlar!)

Thai Havayolları ile 1 saat 20 dak. lık bir yolculuk sonrası sevimli Phuket Havaalanına inip turumuza başladık. İlk durağımız Thalang ve Krabi yolları üzerindeki eski Portekiz sömürgesi olan yerleşim bölgelerindeki evleri ve yapıları gezmek oldu. Daha sonraki yıllarda Çin ve Tayland mimari stillerinin de katılımı ile değişik mimari örneklerin bulunduğu bu caddelerde hoşgeldin içkimizi China Inn Café’de taze sıkılmış tropik meyve sularını içerek aldık. Yol üzerindeki farklı kültürlerin sanat eserlerini, antika ve tekstil ürünlerini satan mağazaları gezerek otobüsümüzle Ao Po Grand Marina’ya ulaştık. Modern yat ve teknelerin arasından bizi Andaman denizindeki mantar gibi dikili Panak, James Bond ve Tum Lod adlarını taşıyan topluca Phi Phi adaları diye anılan adalar arasında gezdirecek super motor yatımız M/Y Olympia’ya ulaştık. Sezonuna gore günlük kirası 4.000 USD ile 7.000 USD arasında

Destinasyon Andaman

Krabi’nin Phang Nga nehri üzerindeki Sea Land kampında bizleri nehrin azgın suları üzerinde rafting, Tone Pariwat şelalesi altında yüzme ve filler üzerinde nehir geçişi de dahil olmak üzere 1 saatlik jungle gezisi bekliyordu. değişen ve günlük 20 kişiye, 4 kamararsı ile konaklamalı 8 kişiye kadar servis verebilen ultra lüks teknemizde çok zengin bir büfede öğle yemeğimizi yiyerek gün batımına kadar Andaman denizindeki yüzlerce ada arasında turumuzu tamamladık.

M/Y Olympia için bilgi: www.andaman-cruise.com Konaklamamız ve akşam yemeğimiz için bölgenin en sakin yerleşim yeri olan Khao Lak’da Laguna Resort ilk gecenin oteli olarak bize hizmet verdi.

Khao Lak Laguna Resort için bilgi: www.khaolaklaguna.com Turmuzun ikinci günü macera sevenlere ayrılmıştı. Krabi’nin Phang Nga nehri üzerindeki Sea Land kampında bizleri nehrin

azgın suları üzerinde rafting, Tone Pariwat şelalesi altında yüzme ve filler üzerinde nehir geçişi de dahil olmak üzere 1 saatlik jungle gezisi bekliyordu. Öğle yemeğimizi de bu kampta aldıktan sonra bölgenin en lüks ve doğal olarak pahalı tesislerinden biri olan Rayavadee Premier Resort 2.gecemiz için güzel servisi ile bizi ağırlamaya hazırdı.

Sea Land kampı için bilgi: www.krabisealand.com Kara yolu ulaşımına elvermeyen dik dağlarla çevrili bir yarımadanın sakin üç koyuna yerleşik olan Rayavadee adlı tesisimize ulaşmak için tesisin tekneleri bizi otelin resepsiyon bölümündeki koyuna ulaştırdı.

Ancak Andaman denizinin karekteristik özelliği ile gün batımında çekilen deniz

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bindiğimiz en küçük uçak olan, sadece 2 yolcu ve 2 pilotdan oluşan planör ile 3 gün boyunca dolaştığımız adalara üzerinden alçak uçuş ile yarım saatlik tur.

Mangrove ağaçlarının oluşturduğu yemyeşil jungle’lar arasında süzülen nehirde, kano ile Tham Lod ve Phee Hua Toh mağaralarının keşfi.

suları teknelerin rıhtıma varmadan kumsala oturmasına sebeb oluyor. Burada da otelin denizin içine girip teknelere yanaşan traktör servisi devreye giriyor. Hoşgeldiniz içkilerini daha tamamlayamadan programa uymak üzere Rayavadee’nin ünlü spasında masaj randevumuz olduğu ve 1 saatlik masaja davet ediliyoruz. Masajın ardından gün batımı tesisin bir diğer koyunda ve akşam yemeği de yine tesisin içindeki mağara girişindeki naturel ama lüks restoranında.

Sabah kahvaltısından sonra, son gün programı çok erken başlayacağından, erken yatıp, erken kalkarak Rayavadee’nin bir diğer koyundaki plaj ve müthiş manzaralı havuzundan faydalanmak üzere, yüksek sezonda Tayland için inanılmaz bir rakam olan geceliği 500.-€ dan başlayan dublex suitlerimizin yolunu tutuyoruz.

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Rayavadee Premier Resort için bilgi: www.rayavadee.com Son günümüz yine macera dolu. Mangrove ağaçlarının oluşturduğu yemyeşil jungle’lar arasında süzülen nehirde, kano ile Tham Lod ve Phee Hua Toh mağaralarının keşfi. Ve öğle yemeğinin ardından Krabi havalalanına gidip bugüne kadar bindiğimiz en küçük uçak olan, sadece 2 yolcu ve 2 pilotdan oluşan planör ile 3 gün boyunca dolaştığımız adalara üzerinden alçak uçuş ile yarım saatlik tur.

Bu organizasyon için bilgi: www. absolutelyfantasticholidays.com Sonuç olarak Andaman Mücevherleri son yıllarda yaptığımız en mükemmel ve dopdolu bir fam trip olarak anılarımız arasında yerini aldı.

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Destinasyon Bakü

Kardeşlerimizin güzel şehri

Bakü 42

NewFocus July & August’2011

Türklerin Azerbaycan’a gelişleri tahmini ve M.Ö. Saka-Iskit döneminde başladığı ileri sürülmekte ve M.S. 395 te Hun Türkleri Balkanlar’a inerken bir kısmının Kafkaslar yoluyla Anadolu’ya ve Azerbaycan’a geldikleri biliniyor. Selçuklu Türkleri’nin Azerbaycan’da görülmeleri ise 1015-1021 yılları arasında. Sultan Alpaslan zamanında Azerbaycan’da Türkmenler sayesinde Azerbaycan’ın Türkleşmesi gerçekleşmiş. Azerbaycan daha sonra Ilhanilerin egemenliğine girmiş ve bir süre «Altınordu» devletinin hakimiyetinde kalmış, Akkoyunlu ve Kara Koyunlular döneminde Türk nüfusu bakımından en yoğun dönemini yaşamış. Daha sonra Azerbaycanıda Safeviler, Afşar ve Kaçarlar hüküm sürmüş.

Bundan sonra, sırasıyla Şeki, Gence, Bakü, Derbent, Kuba, Nahcivan, Revan, Tebriz, Urmiye, Erdil Hanlıkları dönemi başlamış.

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Destinasyon Bakü

N

isan ayının son günlerinde gerçekleşen ATF nedeniyle bugüne kadar bir türlü göremediğimiz Azerbaycan’nın başkenti Bakü’ye nihayet fuar takviminin de uygun düşmesi ile gidebildik. Bakü havaalanına daha inince duvarlarda okuduğumuz duyurulardan bize çok yakın bir ülkeye geldiğimiz anladık. Yakınlık pasaport kontrolünden başlayarak dönüşümüze kadar hep rastaladığımız, hissettiğimiz bir duygu olarak 3 gün boyunca bizimle beraberdi.

Heryerde, arabalarda, mağaza vitrinlerinde, pencerelerde Azerbaycan ve Türkiye bayraklarını yan yana görmek insanı kardeş bir ülkeye gelmenin rahatlığına hemen sokuveriyor.

Etraftaki konuşmalar, tabelalar, dükkan adları hep bildik gibi, konuşmalardan ne dendiğini bir şekilde anlıyorsunuz. Size dostlarla birlikte olduğunuz hissini veren duyguların başında tabii ki dil benzerliği geliyor.

Azerice, romantik ve kırsal bir Türkçeye benziyor. Bu yanıyla, insanı sımsıcak kucaklayan bir kent Bakü. Türkçe ve Azerice birbirine çok yakın iki dil, birçok ortak sözcük var, farklı anlamlara gelen aynı sözcüklerin komikliği de eksik değil (inmek-düşmek, okşamakbenzemek, Ayak yolu -Tuvalet,... gibi.)

Azerbaycan’da turizm deyince akla ilk olarak başkent Bakü geliyor. Hazar Denizi kıyısındaki bu liman şehrine ayak basanların ilk dikkatini çeken dev

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petrol tesisleri. Denizin ortasında bir ada şeklinde kurulmuş tesiste hem petrol çıkarılıyor, hem de işçilerin kalması için konutlar kurulmuş. Çarlık Rusyası ve SSCB mimarisinin örnekleri şehirde bolca bulunuyor. “İçeri Şehir” denen eski şehirde tarihi anıtları gezip, yeni şehirde Bakü’nün modern yüzünü görmek mümkün. Bakü yakınlarında bulunan ve ateşe tapanların ibadethanesi olan Ateşgáh’da görülecek yerler listesinin başında.

Buranın özelliği yüzyıllardır yer altından çıkan gazların, kayalık topraklardan alev halinde yükselmesi. İstanbul-Bakü arası THY’nin her gün seferleri bulunuyor. İzmir ve Antalya’ya seferler de mevcut. Azerbaycan Türk vatandaşlarından vize istiyor, ama vizeyi giriş yaparken kapıda almak da mümkün. Ama yanınızda 2 fotografınız olsun.

Vize bedeli 10.- USD. Azerbaycan’ın adı konusunda değişik görüşler bulunmakta. Bu ülkeyi (M.Ö.

323) yöneten komutanlarından Atropates’ten geldiği söylendiği gibi “Od” anlamındaki Azeri sözcüklerinden geldiğide belirtiliyor. Ancak, bu bölge adının etimolojisi yapılırken, burada egemenlik süren Kasar (Hazar) Türkleri’nin ismi de gözönüne alınmalı ve kaynaklara göre gerçek payı da büyük. Türklerin Azerbaycan’a gelişleri tahmini ve M.Ö. Saka-Iskit döneminde başladığı ileri sürülmekte ve M.S. 395 te Hun Türkleri Balkanlar’a inerken bir kısmının Kafkaslar yoluyla Anadolu’ya ve Azerbaycan’a geldikleri biliniyor.

Selçuklu Türkleri’nin Azerbaycan’da görülmeleri ise 1015-1021 yılları arasında. Sultan Alpaslan zamanında Azerbaycan’da Türkmenler sayesinde Azerbaycan’ın Türkleşmesi gerçekleşmiş.

Azerbaycan daha sonra Ilhanilerin egemenliğine girmiş ve bir süre «Altınordu» devletinin hakimiyetinde kalmış, Akkoyunlu ve Kara Koyunlular döneminde Türk nüfusu bakımından

Destinasyon Bakü

en yoğun dönemini yaşamış. Daha sonra Azerbaycanıda Safeviler, Afşar ve Kaçarlar hüküm sürmüş.

Bundan sonra, sırasıyla Şeki, Gence, Bakü, Derbent, Kuba, Nahcivan, Revan, Tebriz, Urmiye, Erdil Hanlıkları dönemi başlamış.

Azerbaycan toprakları Rusların egemenliğine girdikten sonra Revan’a ve Karabağ’a Ermeniler yerleştirilmeye başlanılmış. Azerbaycan Türkleri 1918-1920’de Kafkasya kurultayını toplamış ve 28 Mayıs 1918’de de ulusal Azerbaycan devletini kurmuşlar. Ancak 1920 de Kafkasya ötesi Sosyalist Sovyet Cumhuriyetlerine katılmak zorunda kalmış, 30 Eylül 1991 de SSCB çöküşüyle bağımsızlığını yeniden ilan etmiş.

Azeriler, Kafkasya bölgesinin en büyük Türk bölümünü oluşturmakta ve Asya ve Kafkasya’daki en okumuş ve en kültürlü Türki topluluğudurlar.

Haydar Aliyev ülkenin unutulmayan önderi. Resimleri, heykelleri, sözleri her köşede karşınıza çıkıyor. Anıt mezarı, Bakü’deki Faxri Xiyabani’de (Devlet Mezarlığı). Önde gelen kişilerin sanat eseri gibi mezarları bulunan Faxri Xiyabani şehrin turistik mekanlarından biri haline gelmiş. Biraz ileride ise Shahidlar Xiyabani (Şehitler Mezarlığı) var. Rusların, Ermenilerin öldürdüğü Azeriler burada

gömülü. Granit mezarlara şehitlerin yüzleri işlenmiş. Mezarlığın sonuna kadar yürüdüğünüzde Hazar Denizi ayaklarınızın altında kalıyor. Azerbaycan’da şehit olan Türk askerlerin anıt mezarı ile Türk Diyanet Vakfı’nın yaptırdığı cami de bu noktada. Yolun karşısında ise Azerbaycan Milli Meclisi görülüyor.

Havyarı, halısı ve petrolüyle tanıdığımız Azerbaycan’ın UNESCO tarafından koruma altına alınan eski şehir bölgesi ile Bakü, 3 günde pek kolay bitirilemeyecek turistik özelliklere sahip. Azerbaycan Tarih Müzesi, R. Mustafayev - Devlet İncesanat Müzesi, Şirvanşahlar Sarayı, Devlet Halı ve Tasviri Sanat Müzesi, Azerbaycan Müzik ve Kültür Müzesi, Ateşgah - Surahanı kas, Tarihi Zerdüşt Tapınağı, Tarih Öncesi Gobustan Mağara resimleri – Gobustan.

Ve Azeri kardeşlerimizin dedikleri gibi İçeri Şehir ( Eski Bakü ) mutlaka gezilip görülmesi gerekli yerleri.

Eski Bakü ( İçeri Şehir ), etrafı surlar ve kulelerle çevrili dar sokaklarındaki çok güzel evleri, camileri ve kervansarayları ile ilginç bir turistik bölge. Unesco koruması altındaki İçeri Şehir’de Şirvan Şah Sarayı’nı gezilmeli. En eski bölümü 15. yüzyılda yapılmış sarayda divanhane, türbe, hamam ve cami gibi bölümler var. Hazar Denizi manzaralı NewFocus July & August’2011

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Destinasyon Bakü

saraydan günbatımı çok güzel. Aşağı doğru yürüdüğünüzde Qız Qalası’na (Kız Kalesi) varıyorsunuz. Etraf halıcı ve diğer turistik eşya satıcıları ile dolu. Sekiz katlı kalenin duvarları beş metre kalınlığında.

M.Ö 500’lerde ateşe tapanların inşa ettiği düşünülüyor.

Bakü’deki Milli Müze, 12. yüzyıl şairi Nizami’nin Müzesi ve Halı Müzesi şehrin en gözdelerinden.

Sovyet döneminde ihmal edilmiş olan Bakü bugün petrolden gelen parayla ışıldıyor. 18 ve 19. yy’dan kalan binalar çok güzel restore ediliyor. Türkiye’ye henüz gelmeyen yabancı markalar çoktan Bakü’ye yerleşmiş. Kentte birçok Türk firmasının

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Destinasyon Bakü

İpek Yolu’nun en önemli duraklarından biri olan Azerbaycan’a resmi rakamlara göre yılda bir milyon kadar turist geliyor. Ancak hızla gelişmesi ile Azerbaycan’ın yakın gelecekte çok daha cazip ülke olacağına inanıyoruz. temsilciliği de var. Çok sayıda Türkiyeli, Azerbaycan’da yaşıyor. Aşçısı, kuaförü, fırsatlar diyarı diye soluğu burada alıp, dükkan açmış.

Türk restoranlarının önemli markaları, örneğin Kitchenette şehrin en moda AVM si içinde yerini almış. İnşaat şirketleri, ülkemizden tanıdığımız ama sonrasında izlerini kaybettiğmiz turizmci dostlarımız Bakü’de, Azerbaycan’ın diğer şehirlerinde çalışıyorlar.Bakü’de her köşeden bir inşaat yükseliyor.Bakü büyüyor ve modernleşiyor. İpek Yolu’nun en önemli duraklarından biri olan Azerbaycan’a resmi rakamlara göre yılda bir milyon kadar turist geliyor. Ancak hızla gelişmesi ile Azerbaycan’ın yakın gelecekte çok daha cazip ülke olacağına inanıyoruz.

Bakü’yü çok sevdik ve beğendik.

Daha iyi tanımak için en kısa zamanda tekrar gitmek isteriz.

NewFocus July & August’2011

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Focus On BÜLTEN

Azeri İşadamı Hilton Bodrum’u Hizmete Açtı

Azeri İşadamı İskender Khalilov ile oğlu Rahman Khalilov, Bodrum’un Göltürkbükü beldesindeki Princess Otel’i kısa sürede yenileyerek Hilton Bodrum Türkbükü Resort & SPA olarak hizmete açtı. ISR Turizm İşletmeleri ve Ticaret A. Ş. Yönetim Kurulu Başkan Yardımcısı Rahman Khalilov, 1992’de Türkiye’de başladıkları yatırımları hızlandırdıklarını belirterek “Türkiye Avrupa ve Orta Asya’daki istikrarlı, yatırım açısından güven veren ülkelerin başında geliyor. Bu nedenle birçok Azeri ve Rus işadamı da yatırım için proje geliştiryor,” dedi.

Muğla’nın Bodrum ilçesine bağlı Göltürkbükü beldesindeki Cennet Koyu adlı mevkide sekiz yıl önce hizmete giren 115 dönüm arazi üzerindeki beş yıldızlı Princess

Otel’i satın alan Azeri işadamı İskender Khalilov ve oğlu Rahman Khalilov altı ay gibi kısa sürede oteli yeni baştan yarattı. Oda Mimarlık Limited Şirketi tarafından projesi hazırlanan ve Ocak ayında inşaatına başlanan bin 100 yatak kapasiteli Hilton Bodrum Türkbükü Resort & SPA, 900 işçinin toplam 36 bin saat çalışması ile turizme kazandırıldı.

Projesini Oda Yapı Limited Şirketi Yönetim Kurulu Başkanı yüksek mimar Ergun Odabaş’ın çizdiği turistik tesiste 50 suit, yüzme havuzlu 11 villa, üç kral dairesi, ikisi kapalı altı yüzme havuzu, çocuklar için su parkı, beach club, bin 200 kişilik konferans salonu, tenis kortu, futbol sahası, helikopter pisti, su sporları merkezi, güneşlenme terasları, ince Kumlu özel plaj ve yaklaşık 4 bin çeşit bitki örtüsü bulunuyor. 120 milyon Dolar harcanan otel bir hafta önce açıldı ve doluluk oranı yüzde 100’e ulaştı.

Otel ile ilgili çalışmaları Türk eşi Gülüm Khalilov ile birlikte takip eden ISR Turizm İşletmeleri ve Ticaret A. Ş. Yönetim Kurulu Başkan Yardımcısı Rahman Khalilov, tesis içindeki özel villasında DHA’nın sorularını yanıtladı. Khalilov, yıl boyunca hizmet verecek otelle ilgili olarak uluslararası seyahat acenteleriyle gerekli anlaşmaların

yapıldığını söyledi. Khalilov, «Bodrum’daki tesis, Hilton oteller zinciri arasında resort olma özelliğini, en iyi koşullarda ve en doğal ortamda sağladı. Böylece sadece bizim değil, Türk turizminin de gururu oldu,» dedi.

Türkiye’yi ikinci vatanı olarak gördüğünü ifade eden Khalilov «Bodrum’da açtığımız Hilton Bodrum Türkbükü Resort & SPA’yı, Hilton oteller zincirinin dünyadaki farklı konsepte sahip tek tatil cenneti haline getirdik. Cennet içerisinde cennet yarattık.

Ben, eşim ve üç çocuğum altı ay gibi kısa sürede hizmete açtığımız tesiste hem tatil hem de işimizi yapma olanağı buluyoruz,» dedi. ISR Holding Turizm Yatırımları A. Ş. Genel Koordinatörü Ahmet Arıkan da otomotivden lojistiğe birçok farklı sektörün zirvesinde yer alan ISR Holding’in Azerbaycan ve Türkiye’deki oteller zincirinin bu son halkasında 120 milyon dolarlık bir yatırımın altına imza attığını söyledi. Hilton tecrübesini ISR Holding kalitesi ve dinamizmiyle buluşturan Hilton Bodrum Türkbükü Resort & SPA’nın konuklarına mükemmel bir tatil deneyimi yaşatmak üzere kurulduğunu ifade eden Arıkan, DHA muhabirine tesisin yüzde 100 doluluk oranını yakaladığını bildirdi. Arıkan «Şirket olarak sadece turizm kentlerinde değil Anadolu’nun çeşitli illerinde 2015 yılına kadar iş adamlarına yönelik altı oteli hizmete açacağız. Böylece bir oteller zinciri kurulmuş olacak,» şeklinde konuştu. n

Azerbaycan’dan Türkiye’ye Gelen Turist Sayısı %45 Arttı Azerbaycan’dan Türkiye’ye gelen turistlerin sayısı bu yılın ilk beş ayında geçen yılın aynı dönemine göre yüzde 45 artarak 231 bin 316’ya yükseldi.

Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı Basın ve Halkla İlişkiler Müşavirliği’nden yayımlanan açıklamaya göre Türkiye ve Azerbaycan Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlıkları arasındaki işbirliği ve sürdürülen iyi ilişkiler turizm hareketlerine de yansıdı. İki ülke arasında gerçekleştirilen toplantı ve etkinliklerin katkısıyla Azerbaycan’dan gelen turistlerin sayısı bu yılın Ocak-Mayıs döneminde bir önceki yıla oranla yüzde 45 arttı.

2010 yılı Ocak-Mayıs döneminde 159 bin 405 olan Azeri turist sayısı bu yıl 231 bin

316’ya yükseldi. Öte yandan, Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı’nca 2008 ile 2011 yılları arasında, Azerbaycan’ın talebi üzerine turizm sektörünün hizmet kalitesini artırmak amacıyla çeşitli eğitim programları düzenlendi. Türkiye, düzenlediği eğitim programlarıyla turizmini geliştirmeye çalışan Azerbaycan’a deneyim ve tecrübelerini aktarmada önemli katkılar sağladı. İki ülke arasındaki olumlu ilişkilerin bir yansıması olarak Azerbaycan Kültür ve Turizm Bakanı Ebulfez Garayev, Kültür ve Turizm Bakanı Ertuğrul Günay’ın oğlunun düğün törenine katılarak nikah şahidi oldu. n

Türkiye & Azerbaycan Turizm İşbirliği Türkiye ve Azerbaycan turizm sektörleri arasında, karşılıklı işbirliği protokolü imzalandı. Azerbaycan’da, 1 Temmuz 2011 tarihinde gerçekleşen imza törenine, Türk turizm sektörü ve Azerbaycan turizm sektörünün üst düzey yetkilileri katıldı.

Her iki ülke arasında, karşılıklı eğitim ve staj imkanları ile yatırım potansiyellerinin değerlendirilmesi gibi çeşitli konularda işbirliği süreci başlayacak. Aynı zamanda, dünya turizmi liginde 7. sırada olan Türkiye,

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NewFocus July & August’2011

turizmde elde ettiği bilgi birikimi ve tecrübeyi, kardeş ülke Azerbaycan’daki meslektaşları ile paylaşacak. 30 Haziran ile 3 Temmuz tarihleri arasında düzenlenen ‘Azerbaycan Turizm Programı’na; Turistik Otelciler, İşletmeciler ve Yatırımcılar Birliği (TUROB) Başkanı Timur Bayındır, Turizm Yatırımcıları Derneği (TYD) Başkanı Turgut Gür, Türkiye Seyahat Acentaları Birliği (TÜRSAB) Genel Sekreteri Günnur Özalp, TYD Yönetim Kurulu Üyesi Recai Çakır

ile OTİ Holding Yönetim Kurulu Başkanı Ayhan Bektaş katıldı. Türk turizmciler Azerbaycan’a; Azerbaycan Cumhuriyeti Acil/Olağanüstü durumlar BakanlığıAlbay Bakan Kamaladdin Heydarov ile Azerbaycan Turizm Birliği (AZTA) Başkanı Nahid Bağırov’un davetlisi olarak gitti.

Program boyunca, Azerbaycan Turizm Birliği (AZTA) Başkanı Nahid Bağırov ile Gilan Tourism Genel Koordinatörü Halil Duru, Türk turizmcilere eşlik etti. n

Focus On BÜLTEN

İlk 5 Ayda Gelen Turist Sayısı 9 milyonu Aştı Türkiye’ye gelen turistlerin sayısı 2011 yılının ilk beş ayında, geçen yılın aynı dönemine göre yüzde 14,56 artarak 9,25 milyon oldu. Turizm Bakanlığı’nın internet sitesinde yayımlanan verilere göre Türkiye’ye gelen turistlerin sayısı Mayısta, geçen yılın aynı ayına göre yüzde 4,28 artarak 3,28 milyon oldu. Bakanlığın verilerine göre yılın ilk beş ayında Türkiye’ye turist gönderen ülkeler sıralamasında Almanya yüzde 15.01 pay ve 1,387,535 ziyaretçi ile birinci, Rusya yüzde 9.47 pay ve 875,822 ziyaretçi ile ikinci, İran yüzde 8.08 pay ve 746,686 kişi ile üçüncü yer aldı. İran’ı İngiltere, Bulgaristan, Fransa, Gürcistan, Hollanda, Suriye ve Yunanistan izledi. Öte yandan, yılın ilk beş ayında gelen turistlerin en çok kullandığı sınır kapısı yüzde 30,16 pay ile İstanbul olurken bunu yüzde 29,23 ile Antalya izledi. Mayıs ayında turist gönderen ülkeler sıralamasında ise Rusya yüzde 16 oran ve 525,301 kişi ile birinci, Almanya yüzde 13,94 oran ve 457,645 kişi ile ikinci, İngiltere yüzde 10.35 oran ve 339,830 kişi ile üçüncü sırada yer aldı. Bu ülkeleri Hollanda, Bulgaristan, İran, Fransa, Gürcistan, Ukrayna ve ABD izledi. n

EXPEDIA Ortakları ile Büyüyor Türkiye pazarına yaklaşık 10 yıl önce giren ve Türkiye ofisini 2010 yılında açan Expedia, otel iş ortaklarıyla bir araya geldi.

Expedia Türkiye, ülke çapındaki iş ortaklarının 2010 yılı çalışmaları ve başarılarını Expedia 2011 Yıllık Otel Ortakları Zirvesi’nde kutladı. Zirveye Expedia’nın Doğu Akdeniz, Afrika, Ortadoğu ve Hint Okyanusu bölgeleri Market Yönetimi Kıdemli Direktörü Diego Lofeudo ve Türkiye Market Yönetimi Sorumlu Direktörü Marilena Zagana katıldı. Gecede, öncelikli ve gelişen pazarlar arasında yer alan Türkiye pazarını değerlendiren Lofeudo; 2012 yılının da Türkiye açısından oldukça

olumlu göründüğünü ve Türkiye’deki otel portfolyolarını hızla genişletmeye devam ettiklerini söyledi. Türkiye’nin her köşesini dünyaya açmak için çalıştıklarını ve böylece Türkiye’ye gelecek turist sayısını da artırmayı hedeflediklerini belirtti. Geçen yıl en hızlı büyümeyi Bodrum, Marmaris, Ankara, Kapadokya ve İstanbul’un gösterdiğini de sözlerine ekledi.

Türkiye Market Yönetimi Sorumlu Direktörü Marilena Zagana ise; internet kaynaklı seyahatin hızla büyüdüğünü ve bunun Türkiye turizmi için büyük bir fırsat olduğunu ifade etti. Türkiye’ye yapılan rezervasyonlara bakıldığında; erken rezervasyonların artış kaydettiğini müjdeleyen Zagana, geçtiğimiz yıl rezervasyonların ortalama 50 gün önceden yapıldığını ve müşterilerin genelde 4 günün

üzerinde konaklamayı tercih ettiklerini söyledi. Bu durumun otellere sadece gelecek ayı değil, gelecek 6 ayı planlama ve paketlerini revize etmek için büyük bir imkan sağladığını vurguladı.

Dünyanın ilgisinin giderek artığı Türkiye’de Expedia her geçen gün yerel ağını artırırken, Türkiye’deki ekibini de eş zamanlı olarak büyütüyor. 2008’den bu yana Türkiye’de hotels.com.tr sayfasından Türkçe hizmet de veren Expedia, dünyayı Türk otellerine ulaştırmaya ve Türk turizmine katkıda bulunmaya devam ediyor. Oteller dünyanın farklı bölgelerine en etkin şekilde ulaşmak için lokal ekibin danışmanlığından yararlanırken, büyük pazarlama harcamaları yapmadan hedef pazarlarını çeşitlendirmekten memnuniyetlerini ifade ediyorlar. n

Büyükada New York Times’da

ABD’nin dünyaca ünlü seçkin gazetelerinden New York Times’ın gezi eki, İstanbul Büyükada’ya ön sayfasında yer verdi ve kent üç sayfayla tanıttı.

NYT’nin hafta sonları çıkan gezi eki, bu hafta İstanbul Büyükada’yı ön sayfasında okuyucularına tanıttı ve adaya üç tam sayfa ayırdı. Liesl Schillinger’in kaleme aldığı yazıda, Büyükada’nın konakları, köşkleri, kiliseleri, atlı arabalarıyla adeta

Osmanlı döneminin yaşayan bir modeli olduğu bildirildi. İstanbul’dan sadece 1 saatlik uzaklıkta olan Büyükada’da sessiz ve sakin sokaklarda faytonların seslerinin yankılandığını ve zamanın adeta durduğunu yazan Schillinger, Büyükada’nın insana 21. yüzyılın hatta 20. yüzyılın henüz gelmediği hissini verdiğini ifade etti. Yazıda, Büyükada’da Starbucks kafeler, gökdelenler, arabalar yerine bisikletler, atlı arabalar, oya gibi işlenmiş konaklar, köşkler, çiçekli dar sokaklar, zümrüt yeşili tepeler ve plajların yer aldığına işaret edildi. Adanın tarihçesiyle ilgili ayrıntılı bilgilerin yer aldığı yazıda, yıllarca pek fazla rağbet görmeyen Büyükada’ya son 10 yılda ilginin yeniden arttığı, eski İstanbullu ailelerin bazılarının yazlık evlerine geri döndüğü, zengin yatırımcıların eski evleri onardığı, akademisyen, sanatçı, yazar ve yabancılardan

oluşan bir kesimin de modern hayattan kaçmak için Büyükada’ya geldiği belirtildi.

Biri kısa, biri uzun süreli olmak üzere iki kez geldiği Büyükada’yı zaman kapsülüne benzeten yazar, Büyükada’da çekilen pek çok fotoğrafa da yer verdiği yazısında, Büyükada’ya İstanbul’dan nasıl gelineceği, adada nerelerde kalınabileceği, nerelerde yemek yenilebileceği, nerelerde denize girilebileceği hakkında okuyuculara ayrıntılı bilgiler de verdi. n

NewFocus July & August’2011

49

Focus on KISA...KISA...

KISA...KISA...

KISA KISA New Focus Eylül/ Ekim 2011 Yöneticiler • Serhad Uslan Aralık ayı içerisinde yapılacak TÜRSAB * WTA – Cornelia Diamond - Antalya genel kurulunda başkanlığa aday olduğunu * PATA Travel Mart - New Delhi açıkladı. * Leisure -Moscow * My Planet Awards • Turizm Yazarları ve Gazetecileri Derneği’nin (TUYED), -Moscow * Sport Tourism Expo - Bangkok turizm eğitimcisi Şaban Ali Yaşaroğlu’na * CIS Travel Market -St. Petersburg Turizm Onur Ödülü’ verdi.

• TUYED üyesi de olan, Anadolu Üniversitesi Turizm ve Turizm fuarlarında dağıtılacak.

Haber ve Reklamlarınız için son gün Otel İşletmeciliği Yüksekokulu öğretim üyelerinden 26.Ağustos.2011 Nazmi Kozak, profesörlük kadrosuna atandı.

• Dünyada 3.700 oteli bulunan Marriott International Hotels Zincirin “Avrupa bölgesi otelleri 2010 yılı Genel Müdür ödülleri” içinde Misafir Memnuniyetinde Mükemmellik ödülü Renaissance Antalya Beach Resort & SPA Genel Müdürü Ali Zengin’ e verildi.

• Barlas Özbey Holiday Inn Express Altunizade genel müdürü oldu.

--------------Turizmin duayen müdürlerinden Teoman Su vefat etti. Değerli dostumuz Teoman Su’ya Allahtan Rahmet dilerken yakınlarına ve turizm sektörümüze de başsağlığı dileriz.

----------------------------Tesisler • BW The President Hotel’e, Amerika’nın uluslararası otel zinciri Best Western İnternational tarafından, ‘Best Western Plus’ kategorisi verildi.

• Oruçoğlu Termal Resort, 20’inci yılına girdi.

• Adnan Menderes Hava Limanındaki eski otel, mimari değişiklikler yapılarak Orty Airport Otel olarak hizmete girdi.

• ÖZBİ - Özel Belgeli Özel Nitelikli Turistk ve Butik Otelciler Birliği” ile Amerikan Butik Otelciler Derneği, “BLLA-American Boutique and Lifestyle Lodging Association” ile Protokol anlasması imzaladı.

• Eresin Otelleri, sosyal medya sitelerini kullanarak daha geniş kitlelere ulaşmayı hedefliyor.

• Martı Otelleri İstanbul Taksim’de 300 odalı 5 yıldızlı yeni tesisini 2012’de hizmete açacak.

• Türkiye’nin ilk uluslararası otel zinciri olan Dedeman Hotels & Resorts International, kuruluşunun 45. Yılını Dedeman Ankara’da kutladı • Swissôtel 20.Yılını kutladı.

• The Marmara Taksim, baştan ayağa yenilenerek hizmete açıldı.

• İstanbul ve Erzurum’da Renaissance markası altında 2 tesisi bulunan Polat Holding, İstanbul Barbaros Bulvarı’na açacağı yeni Renaissance ile bu sayıyı 3’e çıkaracak.

• JW Marriott Avrupa’daki dördüncü, Türkiye’deki ilk oteli JW Marriott Ankara’nın kapılarını Temmuz ayında açıyor.

• Akgün Otelleri,10 yılda 10 otel açacak.

• LVZZ Otel Bodrum’da hizmete girdi.

Acentalar • Tura Turizm evsahipliğinde Dünya kruvaziyer turizmcileri 5-7 Aralık’da İstanbul’da toplanıyor.

• Prontotour, Letonya’nın başkenti Riga’da düzenlenen ‘’Sarışınlar Festivali’’ için özel bir tur programı düzenledi.

• TUI`nin Almanya CEO`su Volker Böttcher, Türkiye satışlarında yüzde 17 artış yakaladıklarını açıkladı.

• Geçen yıl Türkiye`ye 800 bin Rus turist taşıyan, Pegas`ın bu yılki hedefi 1 Milyon 50 bin Rus turist.

• Apex Tour Kruvaziyer turizmde bu yıl 20 bin Türk yolcu hedefliyor.

• Setur’un online portalı bookinturkey 10 talihliye Ipad kazandırdı.

Havayolları KISA KISA...

• THY, TAP Portekiz havayolları ile codeshare imzaladı.

Yöneticiler • Kore Havayolları ilk A380’ini teslim aldı.

• Harun Bilgiç Bodrum Green Beach Resort otel müdürü oldu.

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

• Lufthansa İyi Transatlantik Havayolu Şirketi” seçildi ve ayrıca Frankfurt Havalimanı’nda dünyadaki en büyük New Focus“En Mart/Nisan ’08 • Faik Kaptano¤lu ALTAV - baflkanl›¤›na yeniden secildi.

• Mustafa K›z›l Alkoçlar otel, Uluda¤ genel müdürlü¤üne atand›. bekleme salonunu hizmete açtı.

• Riza Epikmen ve Feyyaz Yalçin UKTAS yönetimine seçildi.

ITB - Berlin • 26 Haziran-17 Temmuz tarihleri arasında Almanya’da FIFA • Serap Garipo¤lu Sungategerçekleşecek Port Royal otel pazarlama müdürü oldu. Kadınlar Dünya Kupası keyfini Germanwings TUR - Goteburg • Suat Kantacio¤lu Ankara Radisson SAS as F&B müdürü oldu. ile 29 Euro’dan başlayan fiyatları yaşayabilirsiniz.

MAPiç- hatlarda Paris 10 milyon yolcuyu geçti.

• SunExpress, - Moscow • BahrainMITT Air’in İstanbul seferleri başladı.Havayollar› • Air France ABD uçufllar›nda promosyonlar uyguluyor.

Ve • THY`nın Kabil ve Necef uçuşları başladı.• Pegasus Airline yeni bir Boeing 737-800 u filosuna katt›.

- Kiev İzmir-Dublin arasında • SunExpress ‹zmir - Samsun uçufllar›na bafllad›.

• Aer LingusUITT havayolları haftada 2 kez direkt uçuşlara başldı.

• Pegasus uçak içi promosyonlar› uyguluyor.

Turizm fuarlar›nda.

Haber ve reklamlar›n›z›n yay›n› için son gün 22.fiubat.2008

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

• Turkish Airlines Hatay ucuslari basladi.

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

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.

FUARLAR

Temmuz 08-10 OTTF Haydarabat ve Kalkutta

Ağustos

- 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

World Travel Guide & Diary'09 Siparişleriniz için

Tel:0216 391 3795 ozge@smpublication.com

50 NewFocus

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World Travel Guide & Diary'09

50

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.

Sarabi Beyo¤lu 9 y›l›n› kutlad›.

Fuarlar

30-01 CIBTM Beijing,- China 2009 Turizm Pazarlaman›z için

İngilizce ve Arabca Haberlerinizi bekliyoruz!

www.rustourismnews.com • • • • • • •

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Arab Turkish Travel Gazette www.arabturkishtravel.com

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

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TH 20 Year th year 18th 18 yearJuly & August’2011 NO:120 101 May/June’08 May/June’08 no: 101 no:

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