Alanya was promoted at the Adventure 2017 Tourism Fair held in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. At the fair, Hüseyin Gümrükçüler conducted meetings on behalf of the Alanya Tourism Promotion Foundation (ALTAV), while journalist Ausrine Semiene, who is well-versed in Turkish and Alanya tourism and a lover of Alanya, also supported the promotion efforts. Gümrükçüler, who monitored the pulse of the fair visited by approximately 30,000 people and shared his impressions, recorded the following:
“THERE ARE RESERVATIONS REGARDING SECURITY”
Lithuanians who had questions in their minds about Türkiye and Alanya did not leave our stand. We provided them with the most up-to-date information. They have reservations, especially regarding security. In this regard, the presence of Lithuanian journalist Ausrine Semiene, who participated directly in Alanya's promotional activities, was important. Hearing from a journalist who is one of their own citizens that the Alanya region is a safe place for vacation further increased the credibility. This work was quite beneficial.
“EVENT CALENDAR SHOULD BE REPORTED EARLY”
According to the information I have obtained, 112 thousand visitors from this country entered Turkey in 2016, and 65 thousand of this figure chose Antalya. Aside from Lithuanians who have not previously entered our country, there is no apprehension among those who know our people. Lithuanians, who love outdoor sports, showed great interest in the trekking map, where hiking, cycling, and motorized vehicle paths are marked, which was prepared through a grant project obtained by the Alanya Tourist Operators Association (ALTİD) from the Western Mediterranean Development Agency (BAKA). Visuals and booklets featuring the natural beauties of Alanya received great interest. Visitors, expressing their sensitivity regarding marine pollution, specifically requested that the festival and event calendar be announced earlier.
“THERE IS A TARGET FOR ON-SITE SALES AT THE FAIR”
In my meeting with Evaldas Malakauskas, the General Manager of Kidy Tour, who is very well-versed in Türkiye and Alanya, I received information that their goal is to bring 12 thousand vacationers to Türkiye. He stated that reservations are progressing at a good level. Mihriban Hanım from Tez Tour said that they are targeting the figure of 20 thousand, which was their number last year, and that they want to approach the figure of 3 thousand reservations at the fair alone through the extra discounts received.
“25 PERCENT OF RESERVATIONS HAVE ALREADY BEEN MADE”
Ethem Okudur from Akay Tour, which handles the incoming operations for the operator Novaturas, stated that Alanya is one of the most beloved and important markets, and that 25 percent of this year's target figure has already been sold. Novaturas Product General Manager Audrone Keinyte also emphasized that interest continues as it did before and that sales are going well. Our Ambassador Aydan Yamancan said, “Alanya does not need extra promotion. Everyone knows and loves it. I am ready to provide all kinds of assistance for Alanya.” A request was made of her to bring important journalists to Alanya. Additionally, ALTİD President Burhan Sili held constructive meetings to strengthen relations with the mayors of Trakai and Silute, which are Alanya's sister cities.