Turkey eyes promotion of tourism with Pakistan

KARACHI: Turkish Airlines, in collaboration with Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB) and Travel agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP), organised a business-to-business (B2B) workshop not only to promote the tourism industry between Turkey and Pakistan but also the bilateral relation between both the countries. A number of 23 Turkish agency representatives participated in the workshop and held B2B meeting with Pakistani counterparts during the daylong event, which was also attended by the large number of TAAP members. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also signed between the TAAP and TÜRSAB at the closing ceremony. Consul General of Turkey Murat Onart was the chief guest on the occasion. Turkish Airlines Karachi General Manager Fatih Atacan Temel said, "The event was aimed at increasing traffic for Turkey as around 80 percent of total Turkish Airline traffic was beyond Turkey and only 20 percent is the transit passenger for Turkey. Therefore, we are striving to escalate passengers' load for the country. Turkey is not only Istanbul; we have other historical cities as well." He further said that this event, which has provided a platform for B2B meetings between the members of the association of TURSAB and TAAP would help bridging the gap between them. Sharing his views at the closing ceremony, Consul General of Turkey Murat Onart said, "My job in Pakistan is to strengthen bilateral relations between two countries and I will provide all the support in achieving the same. Turkish consulate issued 12,000 visas last year, which is 20 percent higher than the preceding years and in near future, the Turkish government is considering of introducing 'Drop Box' visa facility for Pakistani tourists." Later, TURSAB Corporate Affairs Director Ela Atakan shared details of different cultural and historical places in Turkey. She praised the efforts made by Turkish Airlines in support and promoting tourism industry between both the countries. She further sai d that Turkey, which was the 6th preferable destination for tourism in the world, had many attractions for Pakistani tourists. Along with the delegate, a Turkish chef came all the way from Turkey and prepared delicious Turkish cuisine for the dinner. 

Source: Turkey eyes promotion of tourism with Pakistan