The 14th edition of the East Mediterranean International Tourism and Travel (EMITT) Exhibition opened its doors in Istanbul, Turkey, to a huge crowd, eager to discover new experiences and attractions in countries around the world, as well as a wide variety of regions within Turkey itself.
The event, held in February, attracted an attendance of 106,850 (up 10 per cent compared to the previous year), including 48,000 trade visitors and 58,850 members of the public.
The importance of tourism in Turkey was confirmed by the presence of Ertugrul Gunay, the country’s Minister for Culture and Tourism. He was joined by fellow tourism ministers from Egypt, Yemen and North Cyprus, as well as a host of ambassadors and consuls.
Turkey’s tourism industry also came out in force, with more than 60 governors and mayors from the country’s municipalities.
One reason for the increased interest from visitors was the presence of 500 more companies this year bringing the total exhibitor number to 3,500. New destinations included Algeria, Bosnia Herzegovina, Japan, Tanzania and Tatarstan.
In addition, there were many regular participants, including companies from 60 countries and more than 100 cities and resorts in Turkey.
This year, there was also a marked increase in exhibitors from the education, culture, eco, health, sports, business, schools and restaurant tourism sectors, reflecting current trends in the market.
According to independent research, more than 90 per cent of participants were satisfied with the event; exhibitors were pleased with the level of visitor interest shown in their services, whilst visitors were impressed by the variety of companies exhibiting and the promotional activities such as prize draws, traditional food tasting, music and dancing, elaborate local costumes and craft demonstrations.
Ahmet Barut, chairman of the Turkish Hotels Federation (Turofed), said: “Turkey is one of the top ten growing countries in the global tourism industry. The increase in EMITT’s participant number is proof of that. Turkey’s potential for outbound tourism is also increasing. Beyond offering promotional opportunities, EMITT also generates an exchange of tourism.”