Alanya was promoted at the TTR Bucharest Tourism Fair held in the capital of Romania. Cengiz Topçu, an official of the Alanya Tourism Promotion Foundation (ALTAV), represented Alanya. Sharing his impressions regarding the fair, Topçu stated the following:
“A MARKET PROMISING HOPE FOR THE FUTURE”
With a population of approximately 20 million, Romania can be considered an important future market for Türkiye, as it was one of the countries least affected by the global crisis experienced in 2016 and is the country ranked first in growth rate within the European Union. When we look at the number of people entering our country from this country, the fact that this figure rose from 84,150 in 2014 to 97,994 in 2015, and despite the difficulties experienced in 2016, 90,489 people visited our region with an 8 percent loss, justifies our views that Romania is a loyal and promising market for the future.
“EXPECTATION AND INTEREST ARE INCREASING”
Tour operator representatives from the Bucharest market, such as Christian Tour, Fibula, Rezeda, Mr. Peter, and Paralel 45, stated that expectations and interest for our country continue to increase compared to 2016. As Alanya, our biggest deficiency in this market appears to be the lack of direct flights to Gazipaşa Alanya Airport.
“THERE ARE ON-SITE SALES AT THE FAIR”
I have received information that middle-income guests generally prefer Kuşadası due to the highway being perceived as more attractive and the habit formed over the years. For this reason, the preferences of guests coming to this region are generally upper-segment hotels. This year, due to the impact of the contraction experienced in other markets, there were a quite large number of accommodation facilities from our region. Judging by the interest at the Bucharest fair, where on-site sales were significantly higher compared to other fairs, the target figure of 100,000 guests can be reached.
“GAZİPAŞA ALANYA AIRPORT FILE WILL BE SUBMITTED”
As Alanya, we have held face-to-face meetings with both the main actor operator representatives and the agencies that conduct direct tour sales in order to attract the maximum number of guests from here. They stated that the transfer time from Antalya Airport to Alanya is a negative factor. I have identified that agencies making direct sales to guests, especially in the regions, have a lack of information regarding Gazipaşa Alanya Airport, and I have provided them with the necessary information. I will deliver files to them explaining the features and advantages of Gazipaşa Alanya Airport. This contact may pave the way for them to use this airport in the coming years.
“ALANYA MUSIC VIDEO TO BE BROADCAST IN ROMANIA”
We had an interview with representatives from the national channel Travel Mix. During this interview, I provided information regarding Alanya and Gazipaşa Alanya Airport. They stated that if we meet the necessary conditions, two officials could come to Alanya to prepare a clip, which they could broadcast on their channels at certain intervals, or an Alanya clip provided by us could be broadcast on their channels. We will remain in contact with them regarding this matter. An exchange of ideas was conducted with our Counselor Mr. Cemal Tekkanat regarding the subject, and his support was obtained. They expressed their support by stating that they would utilize the resources at their disposal for this or similar projects. Additionally, an interview regarding Alanya was conducted with a local broadcasting organization named Media TV from Cornwall.
“ROMAN BEAUTIES WILL COME TO ALANYA”
Our Honorable Ambassador Koray Ertaş visited our stand on the first day of the fair along with our Tourism Counselor, demonstrating their support. Previously, we had achieved a significant success as ALTAV by ensuring that Bulgarian pop stars filmed music videos in Alanya for promotional purposes. We have established contact with a manager to carry out a similar project with Romanian pop stars. The next stage of this project will be hosting the finalists of the Romania Beauty Pageant at a camp in Alanya. Cemal Tekkanat informed us that such activities, once approved, will also be supported by our Counselor's Office.
“OUR BOOTH STAFF MEMBER IS A LOVER OF TURKEY”
It was everyone's common opinion that we have always been different due to our location and our work. Additionally, our stand staff member Ms. Inna, a lover of Türkiye, made very important contributions to our work.