Alanya Tourism Promotion Foundation (ALTAV) continued its international fair activities in Minsk, the capital of Belarus. ALTAV Board Member Gürol Birgen, who held contacts with the citizens of the country of 10 million people, as well as tour operators, agency representatives, and airline officials during the fair, gauged the pulse of the country. In his statement, Birgen said the following:
“MARKET LOSS OF 10 PERCENT”
The number of Belarusian citizens entering our country in 2015 was determined to be 208 thousand. Economic difficulties are being felt throughout the country. When it comes to holidays, Turkey continues to be their first preference. Recent terrorist attacks in our country are causing them to act cautiously, and this situation has been reflected negatively on reservations. When the advantage of affordable prices offered in 2016 is combined with the economic hardships in the country, it is predicted that the Belarusian market will close the season with a 10 percent loss.
“THERE IS MUTUAL VISA WAIVER”
Mutual visa exemption with Belarus provides an advantage. However, the high cost of scheduled flights due to the absence of charter flights constitutes a disadvantage. Currently, Turkish Airlines (THY) and Belavia Airlines are operating flights.
“HOTEL PRICES AND SECURITY ARE BEING ASKED ABOUT”
Pro-Russian and exaggerated news reports are also creating a psychological impact on the people of this country, and the Belarus market is being negatively affected by the Russia crisis process. In an interview given to tut.by, the largest news site in Belarus, in response to the question regarding the impact of terrorist incidents, we stated that terrorism is everywhere. The people who visited our stand directed more questions regarding security and hotel prices. On the other hand, we thanked the Moscow Cultural Attaché Mr. Alper Özkan for his support during the Alanya stand activities and the duration of the fair, and presented him with a plaque.