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June 2007
Supplement to Travel Trade

Travel agents and tour operators are playing a vital role in expanding the number of U.S. travelers to Turkey now at a record high level. With well over 532,000 U.S. arrivals in 2006 — a 25% gain over 2005 — Turkey expects the number of U.S. visitors in 2007 to set a new record. This growth is in addition to gains in travel to Turkey by Europeans.
We expect gains in both cruise passengers and land vacations, underscoring the growing awareness of the attractions and affordability of Turkey as a destination. For experienced travelers especially, Turkey offers tremendous value and year round attractions.
Travel agents are very important to Turkey and we are building awareness among agents of the value of Turkey as a destination.
U.S. travel agents have a unique opportunity to recommend Turkey as a destination. Our tour operators offer a vast array of outstanding year round travel options that deliver value. Turkey can accommodate high-end luxury travelers as well as budget travelers and has strong appeal for groups. Istanbul is a major convention center.
Turkey has a wide range of attractions including spas and skiing, golf, sailing. hiking and adventure travel options, not to mention shopping. Packaged tours are popular and Turkey has benefited from the boom in cruise vacations.
Turkey’s long history, art, architecture and religious traditions are welcome. Visas are readily obtained and visitors may qualify for a tax refund for goods purchased in Turkey.
Tour operators have done an excellent job of developing itineraries with great value to visitors that fit every budget and interest — spa programs included. Our coastal areas offering great beaches and the attractions of a sun destination get a lot of attention, as does Istanbul. But there is a lot more to see and do in Turkey — including unique areas such as Cappadocia.
Turkey’s proud history includes serving as a home to three faiths, the Christian, Moslem and Judaic. Religious sites including mosques, synagogues and churches compete for traveler’s attention along with beautifully preserved castles, museums, and palaces.
Turkey offers visitors unparallel diversity including an insight into a dynamic growing nation linking East and West. Known as the Cradle of Civilization, Turkey was the home of 13 ancient cultures, including the Romans and Ottomans. Turkey has preserved and protected its traditions and heritage offering visitors a unique view of history,
Travel agents have been extremely supportive and we urge them to get to know Turkey as a preferred destination and to work with professional tour operators who today offer a diversity of quality tour options and opportunities.
Travel agents also benefit from our consumer media advertising and the strong support from influential U.S. consumer media who have featured Turkey as a destination. Travel agents can also use our online resources — www.tourismturkey.org — including online brochures. We also encourage agents to work with professional tour operators listed online. We have a free newsletter available for agents — or their clients — as well.

Travel agents are invited to contact 1-877-FOR TURKEY for information on travel to Turkey. Travel agents can also contact the Turkish Cultural and Tourism Offices in New York at (212) 687-2194 or in Washington, DC at (202) 612-6800 or Los Angeles at (323) 937-8066.