Alanya was promoted at the AITF Tourism Fair held in Baku, the capital of AZERBAIJAN. Nurhan Özcan, Member of the Board of Directors of the Alanya Tourism Promotion Foundation (ALTAV) and President of the Alanya City Council, represented Alanya. Conducting promotional activities at the three-day fair, Özcan shared her meetings and impressions as follows: On the first day of the fair, the President of Azerbaijan, İlham Aliyev, and his wife, Mehriban Aliyeva, visited the Alanya stand. We conveyed the greetings of our Alanya Mayor and invited them to Alanya. They also conveyed their greetings and stated that they wished to visit Alanya. In another visit, a meeting was held with the Mayor of Masazir, Azerbaijan, Siyanfer Aliyev. He stated that he had been in Alanya before and would return again this summer. He wants to strengthen the relations between the two cities. Masazir is a city with a population of 70 thousand.
“PROXIMITY TO THE AIRPORT IS A REASON FOR PREFERENCE”
We discussed with Ministry of Tourism Coordinator Erol Evcin what we can do better. According to the statement by Latour General Manager Rashad Mammadov, Antalya is the first choice in 2016. He says that 5-star hotels located near airports are more preferred. A meeting was also held with Summer Tour General Manager Tural Malikov. He stated that Antalya and its region once again rank first among the preferred destinations.
“THERE IS AN INTENSITY IN ONLINE SALES”
Azerbaycan Airlines wanted to start direct flights to Gazipaşa Alanya Airport last season, but an agreement could not be reached. Last season, charter flights to Antalya were organized 3-4 times on certain days. This year, various discounts are available on package tours compared to last year. Sales intensity is seen to be higher on online websites.
“AZERBAIJANI MANAT HAS LOST VALUE AGAINST THE DOLLAR”
According to information received from agency official Naksimi Kara, the Azerbaijani currency, the manat, has lost significant value against the dollar. The rate, which was 1.05 in 2016, rose to 1.70. A major devaluation has occurred. This has caused difficulties in sales. I have learned that the Alanya region is generally preferred by young people. Throughout Turkey, the Antalya region is in high demand. If there are direct charter flights to Gazipaşa Alanya Airport, the preference for Alanya will increase.
“ANTALYA FLIGHT TICKET IS WORTH A MONTHLY SALARY”
The average salary of an Azerbaijani citizen is 400 manat, which is close to 900 TL. The round-trip ticket price to Antalya is 400 manat. This constitutes a significant problem. If charter flights increase, prices will decrease. I held a meeting with Ulduz Turizm officials Hamit Cahidi and Vahit Haydari. The officials, who stated that they work with the Türk Parmis company, have facilitated 36 thousand overnight stays in Antalya in two weeks.
“DIRECT FLIGHTS TO GAZİPAŞA MAY BE POSSIBLE”
An interview was held with Elçin İbrahim, the owner of the magazine titled Zamanın Sesi. The magazine, which is followed by celebrities living in Azerbaijan, is distributed as far as embassies. I made statements regarding Alanya content to her. An article featuring Alanya visuals will be included in the next issue of the magazine. Turkish Airlines (THY) General Manager Seyfullah İlyas stated that the 2017 year plans are at a good level, and that demand for the south is increasing as demand for Istanbul decreases. Among touristic regions, Antalya ranks first within Turkey. Work is primarily being done with Summer Tour. A direct flight to Gazipaşa Alanya Airport is being considered for next year. If the dream of direct flights becomes a reality, it will be a beautiful surprise for Alanya.
“ECONOMIC DECLINE AFFECTED THE FAIR”
In my meeting with exhibition project manager Jamila Gulıyeva, she stated that in 2016, there were participants from 27 countries, 4 thousand people visited the exhibition, and 330 companies participated. She mentioned that in 2017, 270 companies from 22 countries participated, and that economic difficulties affected this year's exhibition. The Turkey stand provided services in a 207-square-meter area under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. During the exhibition, Deputy Director General of Promotion of the Ministry, Cengiz Aydın, accompanied the activities. We presented him with the gift we brought from Alanya. Additionally, meetings were held with Undersecretary Dr. İrfan Çiftçi, who assumed office this year. On the second day of the exhibition, by attending the reception held at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Türkiye, we presented the coco blossom we brought from Alanya to our Ambassador Erkan Özoral. Overall, the exhibition went well. I have invited important agencies and media representatives whom we had the opportunity to meet to our region. I will personally follow up on the promises we received.