NEW
TRAVEL MAGAZINE
FOCUS
No: 112 March/ April’2010
Istanbul on Stage
Now Istanbul is 2010 European Culture Capital
Sabah & Kota Kinabalu ATF - Brunei
Focus on TURKEY NEWS TH 20 Year th th
18 year
18 year NO:112 March/April’2010 no: 101 May/June’08
From the Editor
İstanbul on Stage
Now Istanbul is 2010 European Culture Capital.
Istanbul is the most beautifully designed city in the world for human beings. Istanbul is the only city in the world that is situated on two continents. Istanbul is the city never sleeps; Europe’s most trendy city Istanbul is a world city that has citizens who are Christian, Jewish, and Muslim and freely visit and pray in churches, synagogues, and mosques. Istanbul is the city that has the biggest shopping mall of the world; Covered bazaar with 4000 shops. Istanbul is the top city with Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and unique Bosphorus where world leaders visit. Istanbul is a fashion city where world celebrities visit and dine at Bosphorus fish restaurants and dance till morning at night clubs by the Bosphorus. Istanbul is the city that you can find at least 1000 reasons to visit 7.5 million people around the world visit Istanbul every year. If you haven’t been there yet, place Istanbul at your 2010 travel program. I am sure that you will place Istanbul to your future travel program coming years to discover places you didn’t see.
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18 Istanbul is now the 2010 European Capital of Culture
The most beautifully designed City in the world for human beings. God designed the most beautiful city for humans and called it….Istanbul. For centuries, poets, writers, artists, critics and philosophers have praised Istanbul; we are so used to hearing and reading these comments that we feel almost spoiled to call ourselves citizens of Istanbul. It is a well-practised art to live and love Istanbul at the same time. However, we now need to celebrate our fortune and now is the time to be on stage with our cultural heritage which at times overwhelms the beauty of the city. So full of history, mystery, charm, archeology, ancient whispers of the empires that has marked the city’s historical past, that the habitants of this city feel on stage all the time.
Suat Tore
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40 ATF ve bir Eco Turizm Ülkesi Brunei
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14 Tourism Minister Visited 16 ATF - Travex - Brunei
Asya’nın en önemli turizm etkinliği tartışmasız Asya Turizm Forumu –ATF bu yıl 24-29 Ocak tarihleri arasında Brunei Krallığında gerçekleşti.Her yıl farklı bir Asya ülkesinde gerçekleşen bu turizm etkinliğinin önemi tüm Asya ülkelerinin Turizm Bakanlarının da katılmasından kaynaklanıyor ve bu ülkelerce büyük ilgiyle takip ediliyor.
S&M Publication Stand
CONTENTS Focus on Turkey 4 Focus on Exhibition 14 Focus on Cover story - Istanbul on Stage 18 Focus on Hotels 30 Focus on World 34 Focus on Airlines 36 Focus on Destinasyon - Brunei 40 Focus on Destinasyon - Sabah & Kota Kinabalu 42 Bülten 46 K›sa... K›sa... 50
42 Sabah ve Kota Kinabalu
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Brunei’nin doğu sınırı olan Malezya’nın Borneo adasındaki topraklarında yer alan Sabah eyaleti tıpkı Brunei ve yine bir Malezya toprağı olan batıdaki Sarawak eyaleti gibi yeşillikler içinde bir eko turizm cenneti.
NewFocus March/ April’2010 3
Focus On TURKEY NEWS
Turkey’s Tourism Continued to Grow in 2009 Tourism industry in Turkey continued to grow in 2009 by 2.81 percent despite a global economic recession which forced the global tourism industry to shrink by 4.3 percent. According to the report released by Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry, over 27 million foreign tourists visited Turkey in January-December period last year. Nearly 4.5 million German tourists visited Turkey in 2009 and Russia was the second country to send biggest number of tourists to Turkey with 2.6 million which was followed by Britain with 2.4 million visitors. The report said according to figures of UNWTO, the number of tourists globally dropped to 880 million from 920 million in 2009. n
Tourist Arrivals in Turkey to Top 33 Million by 2012 Global research pioneer RNCOS has conceptually analyzed the potentials and future prospects of Turkey’s tourism industry in its latest research offering “Turkey Tourism Industry Forecast to 2012”. A careful analysis performed for all prominent industry segments exhibits that tourism in Turkey is a fast growing industry. Although the industry was slightly affected by the negative impacts of economic slowdown, an inevitable recovery is expected in 2010. In our research, we have acknowledged several critical trends prevailing in the tourism industry, influencing its current as well as future direction. The report reveals that Germany, Russia and UK currently dominate the international tourist arrivals in Turkey. In 2008, these three countries together accounted for around 36.4% of overall tourist arrivals in the country. We expect this trend to continue in coming years also and Turkey’s strategic location will prove highly beneficial for rapid developments in the tourism industry. In addition, some of the entirely new tourism concepts in the country are luring international tourists from all around the world. Health tourism, yacht tourism, golf tourism, cultural tourism, etc. have not only boosted the number of tourist arrivals but also amplified the tourism receipts in the country. The diversity in tourism formats has made Turkey a unique tourism destination, positioning the country as a tourism hub in entire gulf and EU region. On the outbound tourism front, the country saw international departures almost doubling during 20022008. The relaxations granted by the government in the tourist outflows restrictions have resulted in an all-around
outbound tourism development. We anticipate international tourist departure from the country to witness a moderate CAGR during 2010-2012 owing to some critical factors that have been thoroughly discussed in the report. “Turkey Tourism Industry Forecast to 2012” provides comprehensive analysis and result-oriented evaluation of Turkey’s tourism industry. The profound study of all the important segments, including inbound tourism, outbound tourism, expenditure by inbound tourists, medical tourism, hotel industry, etc., will help clients in gauging the opportunities for their success in the industry. The report also provides an insight of key players operating in the tourism industry in order to facilitate a complete market understanding. n
Picasso Engravings Exhibit to Open at Pera Museum Pera Museum in Istanbul will host a collection of Pablo Picasso’s engravings collection “Suite Vollard” from February 16 to April 18. The exhibition will present entire collection, 100 pieces, considered the most important engraving series from the first half of the 20th century. The engravings were a result of the collaboration between Picasso and his close friend, an ardent admirer of his work, an extraordinary editor and also a famous art dealer of the period, Ambroise Vollard. Picasso - Suite Vollard, engravings exhibition, is one of the most marvellous series of engravings of all times. The exhibition is a collaboration between the Pera Museum, Fundacion MAPFRE and Instituto Cervantes, it said. n
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Turkish Ministry Joins 2010 Global Spa Summit as Platinum Sponsor The Global Spa Summit (GSS), the leading annual event for spa and wellness industry executives, announced that the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism has joined as a Platinum sponsor. The Summit and the Ministry will partner not only to promote the growth of the spa and wellness industries worldwide, but also to increase global awareness of Turkey’s unique national spa and thermal culture - both historic and modern - and the rich, cultural mosaic that is Istanbul. Istanbul is a natural fit for the Summit, being held May 1719, 2010 at the historic Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel. As one of the world’s oldest geographic/cultural ‘crossroads’ - where East literally meets West - it dovetails with the 2010 Summit theme of ‘Bridges Worth Building,’ and the conference’s focus on establishing the many connections between spas, wellness, health, medicine, tourism, fitness, and beauty - to name a few. Additionally, Istanbul has been designated the ‘European Capital of Culture’ for 2010, and the metropolis is showcasing its cultural riches all year long, with a roster of special events. “Delegates from last year’s Summit overwhelmingly indicated that Istanbul was their first choice for 2010, and while we were courted by numerous other countries, Turkey was simply the perfect fit,” said Pete Ellis, Chairman of the Board of the Global Spa Summit. “I want to thank the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the city and country in general, for being so supportive of the Summit - and warmly welcoming the hundreds of global industry leaders that will be gathering there this spring.” The Turkish Spa Scene: Spa culture is deeply ingrained in Turkey’s national identity, reflecting its unique geography and history. The country is home to more than 1,300 natural
thermal springs (ranking among the top two in the world), as well as the traditional Turkish hamam, an Ottoman institution that has been part of the country’s lifestyle for centuries - and is now becoming popularized across the globe. Turkey’s medical, wellness and thermal spa tourism industries are expanding significantly, and its offerings uniquely ‘bridge’ the ancient and super-modern: from new, 5-star luxury resorts, to nearly 500-year-old Turkish Baths. 2010 Summit delegates will be immersed in this spa and cultural scene. With the Summit hosted by the C1ragan Palace Kempinski Hotel (the only Imperial Palace Hotel in Turkey, and the residence of the last Ottoman Sultans), delegates will experience a special event/tour of the property’s royal, historical hamam (Tarihi Hamam), typically closed to the public. Outings to other major resort hotel spas throughout the city are scheduled, along with a visit to the authentic Cagaloglu Hamam in Old Istanbul, dating back to 1741. A city tour of Istanbul’s cultural landmarks (mosques, museums, etc.) will include a visit to the Topkap1 Palace, the spectacular official residence of the Sultans for four centuries, with its ancient harem hamam. The awardwinning Richmond Nua Wellness Spa (a premier destination spa in Turkey, and one hour away from Istanbul), will offer delegates special pre-and post-Summit packages. Further benefits from the Ministry connection include discounted fares from Turkish Airlines for delegates travelling internationally. Another local connection for the annual conference: the GSS’s ‘Student Challenge’ for 2010 will involve students and faculty from both Istanbul Technical University and the University of Southern California squaring off on a unique design competition - involving the 5th-century thermal springs site at Kula in west-central Turkey. n
Turkish Dancers Perform in Paris Under Turkish Season Activities A group of dancers from the Turkish Opera and Ballet staged a performance “Guldestan” in Paris as part of the “Turkish Season” activities in France. Besides dance and music, the performance also includes elements of theatre, literature and photography. It depicts the theme of migration with photographs taken by leading Turkish photographer Ara Guler and texts by Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk and 17th century Turkish traveller Evliya Celebi. The performance received a standing applause from French audience. The performance was directed and choreographed by Beyhan Murphy with music by Mercan Dede. The Turkish Season activities began in France in July with a show of the “Fire of Anatolia” dance group. The event aims at promoting Turkey in France with nearly 400 artistic and cultural activities in more than 70 cities for nine months. “The Ottoman Caftans” exhibition at the Louvre Museum and “Istanbul for Centuries” exhibition at the Grand Palais were the highlights of the activities. n
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İstanbul is Ready for ASTA International Destination Expo of both continents and both sides of Istanbul. Guests will begin their evening with a leisurely 30-minute Bosporus cruise before arriving in Suada. There, they will be greeted by live music, spectacular views of Istanbul as well as a broad sampling of the cuisine that has made Turkey famous. The following evening, Attendees of ASTA’s International Destination Expo (April 19- guests will find themselves in the elegant setting of the 22, Istanbul) will kick off the event with a casual reception Binbirdirek Cistern featuring 212 large stone columns on the Bosporus on the evening of April 19. throughout. Attendees will again experience the best The following evening, attendees will celebrate the official of Turkish cuisine and music as they kick off the 2010 kick-off with a sit-down dinner held at the 1,700-year old International Destination Expo. Binbirdirek Cistern, the second-largest covered Byzantine Qualified travel agents and journalists who register by Feb. cistern in Istanbul. Both events are courtesy of the Turkish 26 to attend IDE are eligible to receive free accommodation Ministry of Culture and Tourism. for the four nights of the conference, April 19-22, in Istanbul. “There is no better way to become an expert in a destination Check www.ASTA.org/ide to register for IDE and see which than by experiencing everything it has to offer. The Suada hotels are available. For more information or to register, go to represents one of Istanbul’s most popular destinations and ASTA.org/events. offers a spectacular setting from which to view Istanbul by The mission of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) night, while the setting of the ancient Binbirdirek Cistern is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective embodies Istanbul’s rich history,” said ASTA President and representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of CEO Chris Russo. “They will both be evenings to remember.” professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that Suada Istanbul is nestled between Asia and Europe, located is profitable and growing and a rewarding field in which to at Kuruçeşme. It is a private island and home to three work, invest and do business. n restaurants, a beach club and nightclub. It is the only island on the Bosporus and features 360-degree panoramic views
Turkey is still Popular among the Russians
The tourist flow to Turkey increased, but according to ATOR Analytical Service, less Russians visited the country last year. During 2009 the tourist flow to Turkey grew by 2.81% (more than 27 million people). At the same time the tourist flow from Russia declined by 6.41% in comparison with 2008 (2 694 733 people in 2009). In the final analysis of 2009 Russia remained at the 2nd place (9.95%) after Germany (16.58%). United Kingdom took the 3rd place with total share of 8.96%. The most popular cities among tourists in 2009 were Antalya (30.5%), Istanbul (27.7%), Mugla and Edirne (10%). About 70% foreigners traveled to Turkey by plane, 22.3% by car, 7.5% by sea and just 0.3% arrived by train. n
Antalya Hopes Tourist Record in 2010 Antalya saw a significant rise in the number of tourists in January which sparked hopes for record tourist crowd in 2010. The number of tourists arrived in Antalya Airport increased 31 percent in January, when compared to the same month of 2009, to exceed 140,000. Turkey was the only country that raised the number of people preferring it as a tourist destination in 2010 despite the economic crisis. Turkey’s tourism industry grew by 2.81 percent despite a global economic recession which forced the global tourism industry to shrink by 4.3 percent in 2009. Over 27 million foreign tourists visited Turkey in eleven months of last year. n
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Father of Istanbul Culture and Art passed away Şakir Eczacıbaşı, photographer, author, a man of culture, and efforts of Şakir the chairman of Board of Directors at Istanbul Foundation for Eczacıbaşı. Culture and Arts passed away in American Hospital, where Eczacıbaşı he had been under treatment. has also We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to his family, contributed to friends and all industry. the intellectual About Şakir Eczacıbaşı life in Turkey Born in 1929, Şakir Eczacıbaşı graduated from the Robert with his efforts College in İstanbul and studied pharmaceutics at the London for uncensored University. Upon his return to Turkey, on 1953 he was screening among the publishers of the infamous supplement of Vatan of festival newspaper, Sanat Yaprağı (The Leaf of Art). films, since Eczacıbaşı joined the Eczacıbaşı Pharmaceutical Company 1988. Şakir in 1955 and from 1956 to 1967 published the journal Eczacıbaşı Tıpta Yenilikler (Innovations in Medicine), which deeply has also affected the milieu of arts and culture as well as the medical contributed community. Moreover, he organised Eczacıbaşı Cultural greatly to the Films series together with Sabahattin Eyuboğlu and Pierre continuance of Biro between 1960 and 1962. One of the films among the International series, Renk Duvarları (Walls of Colour), won the Council of İstanbul Europe Cultural Film Award in 1964. Theatre In 1965, together with Onat Kutlar, he leaded the foundation Festival, which has gained international eminence despite of the Turkish Cinemateque Foundation, which he headed for limited resources. ten years. Şakir Eczacıbaşı had always believed that a well-organized In his business career, Şakir Eczacıbaşı became the general and fruitful “cultural life” should be formed in Turkey. For manager of Eczacıbaşı Pharmaceuticals in 1970s, chairman this purpose, in addition to his efforts with IKSV he formed of the Executive Committee of the Eczacıbaşı Group on the Culture Initiative along with leading figures of Turkish 1980, and the Chairman of Eczacıbaşı Holding in 1993. cultural life. The Culture Initiative has realised seven The basketball, volleyball, and table tennis teams that he important cultural symposia since 1998. IKSV has published established in 1966 won numerous championships in Turkey. the valuable volumes that compile the discussions that took Şakir Eczacıbaşı continued to head the Eczacıbaşı Sports place at these symposiums. Club until 1996. The club represented Turkey in a number of Şakir Eczacıbaşı has also initiated İKSV Design, an European cups for years. establishment that produces exclusive and limited souvenir One of the most famous modern photographers of Turkey, material that brings together art and design. In the past four Şakir Eczacıbaşı’s encounter with photography goes back to years, he personally took interest in every small detail from 1960s. His photographs were exhibited in 15 exhibitions in designs to the artists chosen to be invited to contribute to the Turkey and in 25 exhibitions abroad. Some of his works were collection. published in the books titled Anlar/Moments (1983), Türkiye Şakir Eczacıbaşı has accomplished the aspiration of Dr. Renkleri (Colors of Turkey) (1997), Kapılar ve Pencereler Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı, one of the founders of the Foundation, (Doors and Windows) (2001), and Bir Seçki (A Selection): by realising the dream of İKSV to move to its own building. 1965-2005 (2005). İKSV’s new building will become a permanent part of From 1968 onwards he published the Eczacıbaşı Colour İstanbul’s cultural and artistic life, and will thus realise the Photograph Almanacs with contributions from prestigious dream of Şakir Eczacıbaşı. authors and photographers. These publications also served Şakir Eczacıbaşı has recently authored a book of his to introduce many unknown young talents He was also the memoirs, which is to be published in the coming days. n editor of two books, one a collection from Bernard Shaw, titled Gülen Düşünceler (Laughing Thoughts), and the other from Oscar Wilde titled Tutkular, Acılar, Gülümseyen Deyişler (Passions, Pains, and Smiling Parables). He was also among the pioneers of the foundation of Milliyet Sanat, a prominent journal of Turkish arts world, upon the request of Abdi İpekçi in 1972. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that he is He was awarded with the Medal of Art and hopeful that visa requirements between Turkey and Qatar would Education Cavalier by France and with the Medal of be lifted soon. Eminent Service by Turkey. He ceased his activities “We want to commence a new era in our relations with Qatar like in the business world in 1996, and focused on we did earlier in our relations with Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. İstanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV), of Turkey’s gates are wide open for Qatari investors, tourists and which he became the chairman in 1993. Throughout businessmen,” said Turkish PM. the 16 years that he headed the establishment, İKSV, Mr. Erdogan said at the Turkey-Qatar Business Forum in Doha’s which began its activities with a single festival of Four Seasons Hotel that Turkey is among the countries that were one and a half months, grew to be a Foundation least-affected from the global financial crisis. with outmost importance for the cultural and artistic Mr. Erdogan added, “We have mutually lifted visa requirements life of Turkey, organising five different festivals on with Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Albania, Tajikistan and Jordan. I hope international scale. The Film Days that grew to be that visa requirements between Turkey and Qatar would also be the International İstanbul Film Festival, one of the lifted soon,” he added. n most important film festivals of Europe, thanks to the
Visa Requirements with Qatar will be Lifted
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NewFocus March/ April’2010
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UEFA Opened an Exhibition in İstanbul The Union of European Football Federations (UEFA) inaugurated an exhibition in Istanbul. UEFA inaugurated the “Only A Game?” exhibition at the Taksim Cumhuriyet Arts Gallery, with contributions of the Turkish Football Federation and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality as a part of the Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture activities. “Only a Game?” brings together a wide range of objects and images, characteristics of the city’s attachment to local and European football, and various high-tech elements, with a view to making it as fun and interactive as possible. Visitors visit the Champions League cup, the Europa League cup, and the Cup Winners’ Cup during the exhibition. Visitors are invited to plunge into the emotions of the game, inspired by a selection of prestigious artifacts, trophies and memorabilia, covering in particular the last 50 years of European football. The exhibition will stay open till April 30. “Only A Game?” has already enjoyed resounding successes in Brussels and Liverpool. n
In Brief Lara Otru
* Çıragan Palace Kempinski appointed Lara Otru as Marketing Manager.
Leyla Taskin
* James Gancos named General Manager of W Istanbul. * Leyla Taskin has been appointed as General Manager to Highlight Hotel in
Esra Degirmenci
A. Nevra Saylam
Baris Tansever
Murat Yilmaz Zeren
Yalikavak - Bodrum. * Esra Değirmenci has been appointed Dorak Turizm as Brand Director. * A Nevra Saylam has been appointed The Green Park Hotels & Resorts as Sales & Marketing Manager. * Nurhan Erdem Tanir named General Manager of Antalya Convention Bureau (ACB). * Baris Tansever has been re-elected as the President of Turkish Restaurant & Entertainment Association (TURYID) for the 5th time * General Coordinator of Crystal Hotels; Umman Cetinbas has been elected as Skål Antalya President. * Murat Yilmaz Zeren appointed Dedeman Antalya Hotel & Convention Center as Food and Bevearage Manager. * Göktan Bal has been appointed Türkiz Hotel Beldibi as general Manager. * Kaya Gürlersan named as General Manager of boutique Hotel Kasr-i Nehroz Mardin. * Adnan Soyaslan has been appointed Hotel Sun Zeynep as General Manager. * Kempinski The Dome Hotel Belek appoints Puneet Singh as its new General Manager.
Visit our new website Arab Turkish Travel Gazette www.arabturkishtravel.com
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Umman Çetinbas
Kaya Gürlersan
Adnan Soyaslan
Puneet Singh
Visit our new website
Focus On EXHIBITION
Tourism Minister Visited S&M Publication Stand Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mr. Ertugrul Günay who opened EMITT Travel Fair in Istanbul traditionally visited S&M Publication Stand as last years. EMITT Event Director, Hacer Aydin made the welcome speech and said that despite all global economic downturn, she is proud to announce a 10% growth for EMITT this year. Ms. Aydin stated that this year as a first, Turkish city of Van sponsors the fair and cat of Van becomes this year’s mascot. Visitors will carry a Van cat sticker on their shoulders. Turkish tourism minister Mr. Günay said tourism not only ensured economic development but at the same time was a more important source for Turkey than textiles and automotive sector. Turkish tourism minister said Turkey attached a high
importance to congress tourism noting that Halic and Istanbul congress centers were opened and new congress centers would be opened in Turkey. Gunay said East Mediterranean would be the biggest tourism destination of the world with its history, natural beauties, as well as archeological riches. This year, Egypt was the partner country of EMITT. Egypt Tourism Minister Zoheir Garana also attended the fair said that tourism became a significant source of income in today’s global world, and added, “but some countries do not attach adequate importance to this sector. Turkey is one of rare countries which are aware of increasing importance of tourism.” EMITT will be scene of a number of activities under the ongoing “Japanese Year” events in Turkey in 2010.
Culture and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay (middle) is together with Timur Bayindir, TUROB President and Feyzullah Ozcan ( left- Deputy Governor of Istanbul )
Birol Kaymas ( left-Dedeman Hotels Syria) Nuket Angin ( Air Arabia Turkey Manager) and Suat Töre
Mr.A.Palakidis ( left- Vice President ) and S.Mavridis ( Spa manager ) of Thraki Palace Alexandreapolis
from left Timur Bayindir, Suat Tore,Ibrahim Yazar - Publicity Deputy Director General.
Ozgur Tore (www.ftnnews.com ) is together with Omer Kocaman Ziba Tourism ( left)
Yalcin Manav, Chairman of All Chefs Association visited S&M Publication stand.
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Focus On EXHIBITION
Nevra Saylam Sales manager of Green Park Hotel Kartepe
Morocco stand
EMITT Event Director, Hacer Aydin made the opening speech.
Opening ceremony.
She is ready for a carnival.
North Cyprus Tourism minister Ersan Saner met with Turkish press at Cyprus Hoteliers lunch. NewFocus March/ April’2010
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Focus On EXHIBITION
ATF-Travex -Brunei
Brunei Hosted ATF2010, eyes turned to Cambodia
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The Asean Tourism Forum was held January 21 to 28, which is opened by his Royal Highness Prince Haji AlMuhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister of Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam. As the tourism in Brunei is still very young, the country benefited from the forum and gained more knowledge in promoting its own tourism. Foreign travel agents have expressed interest in Brunei and found the country as a unique new destination. 750 international exhibitors showcased their tourism products to 363 buyers at the Travelex, which was held from January
26 to 28. Travex 2010 was held in conjunction with the Asean Tourism Forum 2010 from January 21 to 28. After ATF, some of the international buyers and media joined to a three-day, two-night post-tour of the country and visited Ulu-Ulu National Park, Tasek Merimbun, Oil and Gas Discovery Centre in the Belait District and others. The Brunei Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya handed over the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) Commemorative Plaque to Cambodia, who will be hosting it next year. The event would be held January 15-21, 2011
The entrance of TRAVEX 2010- Brunei
Turkish tourism professionals are together with Ms. Faten Shahrani; Brunei MICE Project Officer.
Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, Minister of Tourism, Malaysia held a media briefing.
Opening ceremony, traditional ceremony dresses
NewFocus March/ April’2010
Focus On EXHIBITION
Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna attended the “Malaysia Night” organised by Malaysia and hosted by Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, Minister of Tourism, Malaysia.
Suat Tore is together with Ms. Sopana Thevahudee from Mai Samui Beach Resort & Spa and Mr. Zeynel Atmacan from Transorient Touristik.
Brunei presented its offerings for tourism and tourism statistics of previous years.
Apsara dancers draw great attention during the Cambodia Night.
Laos Media Briefing
Vietnam Media Briefing.
Mr. Victor Kriventsov represented Royal Cliff Beach Resort Pattaya.
Cambodia will host ATF2011 between January 15-21, 2011.
Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) and Tourism Malaysia signed a marketing deal to spur tourist arrivals in Brunei and Malaysia.
Mr Suraphon Svetasreni, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, and TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa held a media briefing at ATF 2010.
NewFocus March/ April’2010
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Focus On COVER STORY
Istanbul
is now the 2010
European Capital of Culture
L
ocated in the center of the Old World, Istanbul is one of the world’s great cities famous for its historical monuments and magnificent scenic beauties. It is the only city in the world which spreads over two continents: it lies at a point where Asia and Europe are separated by a narrow strait - the Bosphorus. Istanbul has a history of over 2,500 years, and ever since its establishment on this strategic junction of lands and seas, the city has been a crucial trade center.
During its development, the city was enlarged four times, each time the city walls being rebuilt further to the west.
Surrounded by 5th century Roman city walls and stretching over seven hills, Istanbul is adorned by the masterpieces of Turkish art, the great mosques of the Sultans that crown the hills. The city presents an exquisite, majestic and serene silhouette from all directions. The Golden Horn, which is a very secure natural harbor, has played a significant role in The historic city of Istanbul is situated on a peninsula flanked the development of the city. on three sides by the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Fortune provided such advantages to Istanbul as a location Golden Horn. It has been the capital of three great empires, at a junction where the main overland routes reach the sea, the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and for more an easily defensible peninsula, an ideal climate, a rich and than 1,600 years over 120 emperors and sultans ruled the generous nature, control of the strategic Bosphorus, and a world from here. No other city in the world can claim such central geographical position in the ancient world. a distinction.
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On COVER STORY The most beautifully designed City in the world Focus for human beings. God designed the most beautiful city for humans and called it….Istanbul. For centuries, poets, writers, artists, critics and philosophers have praised Istanbul; we are so used to hearing and reading these comments that we feel almost spoiled to call ourselves citizens of Istanbul. It is a well-practised art to live and love Istanbul at the same time. However, we now need to celebrate our fortune and now is the time to be on stage with our cultural heritage which at times overwhelms the beauty of the city. So full of history, mystery, charm, archeology, ancient whispers of the empires that has marked the city’s historical past, that the habitants of this city feel on stage all the time.
As a capital of empires, the city was not only an administrative, but also a religious center. The Patriarchate of Eastern Christians has been headquartered here since its establishment, and the largest early churches and monasteries of the Christian world rose in this city on top of the pagan temples. Within a century after the city was conquered, it was enriched with mosques, palaces, schools, baths and other architectural monuments that gave it a Turkish character, while some of the existing churches in ruins were repaired, altered and converted into mosques. Between the 16th century when the Ottoman sultans acquired themselves the title of the “Caliph of Islam” and 1924, the first year of the Republic, Istanbul was also the headquarters of the Caliphate. More Jews settled in Istanbul than any other port, and here they built themselves a new and happy life after they were rescued from Spain by the Turks in the 15th century. Istanbul has always been a city of tolerance where mosques, churches and synagogues existed side by side. The city was adorned with a large number of dazzling and impressive works even during the period of decline of the Ottomans. During this time, the influence of European art made itself felt in the new palaces, while the northern slopes of the Golden Horn, Galata and Beyoglu districts assumed a European character. Even when the Empire, which was a party to World War I, collapsed and the young Republic that replaced it moved the capital to Ankara, Istanbul did not lose its significance. The haphazard development that began in the years following World War II and accelerated in the 1950’s has unfortunately had a negative impact on the fabric of the old city, and while old wooden NewFocus March/ April’2010
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houses disappeared rapidly, concrete buildings proliferated. Istanbul experienced a population explosion due to immigration, and within a very short period it expanded far beyond the historical city walls. The areas inside the walls were invaded by workshops, mills and offices; even the new thoroughfares could not solve the traffic problems, and the inadequacy of the infrastructure gave rise to a sea pollution problem, starting with the Golden Horn. With the initiatives for saving the city in the 1980s, Istanbul embarked on a process of restructuring on a scale unseen in its history. Thousands of buildings along the Golden Horn were demolished to make way for a green belt on its shores; parks and gardens were built on the land claimed by filling up the beaches of the Sea of Marmara. In order to prevent sea pollution drainage systems were completed and physical and biological wastewater treatment plants were erected; the use of natural gas for heating has considerably reduced air pollution. Efforts are continuing for the restoration of the Roman city walls, and Beyoglu, the main artery, was rescued by building a newavenue. Improvements were made in ihe general cleaning, maintenance, garbage collection fields and these services are now at Western European standards. Ring roads cross the Bosphorus over two suspension bridges to connect the two continents. The European side has now a fast tramway system and a subway, and comfort and speed has been ensured in sea transportation with the hydrofoil terminals built on the seashores. All industrial establishments on the historic peninsula have been moved to new facilities in the suburbs, and the new international bus terminal has reduced traffic intensity. The old jail and the first large concrete building of the city were given over to tourism and converted into 5-star hotels. The city is growing dynamically and developing at full speed on an east-west axis along the shores of the Marmara.
The influence of European art made itself felt in the new palaces, while the northern slopes of the Golden Horn, Galata and Beyoglu districts assumed a European character.
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Some Culturel Sights of İstanbul
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Sultan Ahmet Square The first of the seven hills on the promontory has been the most important and dynamic part of the city in all ages. When the city was first founded, the acropolis was a typical Mediterranean trading center surrounded by city walls. This trading center was enlarged and rebuilt during Roman times. The most prominent buildings and monuments of the Roman era were built in the vicinity of the Hippodrome. Very few relics of these works have endured to the present day. The imperial palace, known as the “Great Palace”, used to spread over an area extending from the Hippodrome down to the seashore. Only the mosaic floor panel of a large hall remains from this palace today. The Augusteion, the most important square of the city, used to be here, and between the square and the main avenue there was the Millairium victory arch. The road used to extend as far as Rome and the stone marking the first kilometer was located here. The baths, temples, religious, cultural, administrative and social centers were all in this district. The area maintained its importance in the Byzantine and Turkish eras. Therefore some of the most important monuments of Istanbul such as the Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmet Mosque, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art and the Basilica Cistern are all located around the Hippodrome. The main streets in the city (those leading down to the harbor and those extending toward the city walls in the west) started at the Hippodrome and followed the slopes of the hills. The streets were lined with business establishments and mansions. The side streets were narrow and some were stepped. Some of the main streets had two-galleried sidewalks. There were spacious squares along the route and the side roads forking from these squares led to the city gates. The main avenue was called the Mese, and Via Egnetia, the road to Rome, started at the Golden Gate (Altmkapi).
horses on its roof, was situated on the eastern side. The sand-covered surface of the Hippodrome was divided into two by a low wall around which the chariots raced. On this wall stood monuments brought here from different corners of the empire and the statues of famous riders and their horses. Successful chariot drivers were very wealthy and could have anything they wanted. Originally there were 4 teams of drivers whose supporters’ clubs formed large Hippodrome means square for horses. The Hippodrome quarrelling factions and competed for position and prestige in the was built by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus city. From time to time politics intermingled with the races, and the towards the end of the 2nc* century and it was extended clashes between competing forces turned into bloody massacres. to an immense size by Constantine the Great. Some The original ground level of the Hippodrome was 4 or 5 meters historians claim that it could seat thirty thousand lower than the present surface. Three monuments have remained spectators, while others put the figure at sixty thousand. to our day: the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column and the The main attraction was the two or four-horse chariot Walled Obelisk. In the Turkish era, too, festivals, ^ceremonies and races. In Roman and Byzantine times, the Hippodrome performances used to be organized here. The Palace of Ibrahim Pasa served as the city’s main meeting, entertainment and opposite Sultan Ahmet Mosque is the sole example of the imposing sports center until the 10tn century. Like many of the private residences of the 16th century. This elegant building now other monuments in the city, it lost its importance with houses the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art. the Latin invasion in 1204. Besides the chariot races and gladiator fights with wild animals, there were Only the round southern end of the vast Hippodrome has survived. performances by musicians, dancers and acrobats. There This is a brick structure decorated with tall vaults. In later ages, all were many public holidays during Roman times to allow of the stone blocks and columns of the Hippodrome were used for building material. The ruins in the park to the right of the entrance opportunities for all these activities. to the Hippodrome belong to 4th” and 5th century private palaces, The Hippodrome was shaped like a gigantic “U” and and a little further along there are the remains of the Byzantine the imperial box, built like a balcony with four bronze Hagia Euphemia church. NewFocus Jan./Feb.’2010
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Istanbul is one of the world’s great cities famous for its historical monuments and magnificent scenic beauties. It is the only city in the world which spreads over two continents: it lies at a point where Asia and Europe are separated by a narrow strait - the Bosphorus.
Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Camii With its massive central dome flanked by six slender minarets, the Blue Mosque stands as the single most recognizable monument on the Istanbul skyline. Built between1609-1616 during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I, the enormous complex also included a hospital, caravansary, public kitchen, marketplace, schools and the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmet I. The mosque’s immense interior, flooded with sunlight streaming through 260 windows, is decorated with more than 20,000 precious Iznik tiles detailing traditional flowers of Ottoman design. In fact, it is the deep blue glow of the tiles in sunlight that gives the building its name.
Hagia Sophia, Ayasofya
Built by Byzantine Emperor Constantine in the fourth century and reconstructed by Justinian in 537 A.D., this was the greatest church in Christendom for a thousand years, and remains an architectural masterpiece to this day. Its immense dome rises nearly 200 feet above the ground and is more than 100 feet in diameter. The Ottomans converted the basilica to a mosque in the 15th century, but today the Hagia Sophia serves as a public museum, known for its majestic serenity and fine Byzantine mosaics.
Obelisk of Theodosius
Basilica Cistern The largest and most magnificent covered cistern in the city is entered through a small building to the west of the Hagia Sophia Square. The ceiling of this forest of columns is made of brick and is cross-vaulted. The name of the cistern comes from a basilica that was once located nearby. It was built during the reign of Justinian I (527-565) to supply water to the palaces in the vicinity. Its 336 columns are arranged in 12 rows of 28 each. The cistern measures 140 by 70 meters. The columns are topped with capitals, some of them plain, but most in Corinthian style. The water level in the cistern changed from season to season. The water was distributed through the pipes at different levels in the eastern wall. The ground was cleared during the major restoration in 1987, and when over one meter of mud was removed, the original brick pavement and two marble Medusa heads at the base of two of the columns were revealed. The walkway that was constructed at that time enables visitors to walk around the cistern.
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Around 1490 BC the Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose III erected two obelisks before the Karnak temple in Luxor to commemorate the victories of his forces in Mesopotamia. The obelisks were made of rare pink granite. In the 4th century AD, an unknown Roman emperor who wanted to accomplish something impressive that would create excitement among his people had the colossal obelisk brought to Istanbul. For years it was left lying in a corner of the Hippodrome. In 390, during the reign of Theodosius I, it was erected with great difficulty by Proclus, a city administrator. It is the oldest monument in the city and has always been considered magical. The obelisk rests on four bronze blocks on a Roman base decorated with reliefs. These depict the emperor, his children and other prominent personalities watching the races from the imperial box, as well as the spectators, musicians, dancers and chariot races. The obelisk measures 25.60 m including the base
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History, mystery, charm, archeology, ancient whispers of the empires that has marked the city’s historical past.
Topkapi Palace When the city was conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1453, Mehmet II, the Conqueror, did not take to the Byzantine Palaces, so he built his own palace where the main buildings of Istanbul University currently stand. This palace is now known as the old palace (eski saray) as it was soon in disuse. Sultan Mehmet began to build Topkapi Palace in 1459 including the Harem and the fourth courtyard. The rest of the palace was built 6 years later. He adjusted the Byzantine city walls around the walls of the palace. In fact, the palace takes its name from the main sea gate in these defensive walls (‘Topkapi’ = Canon Gate). The palace is mainly divided into four courtyards: The first courtyard is known as the courtyard of the Janissaries, who acted as one of the branches of the Ottoman army. They were formed from boys who had been taken from their families at the ages of 9-16, during the Ottoman conquests in Europe. In this courtyard there are three important buildings: Aya Eirine (the Church of Divine Peace), the mint / outer treasury of the Ottoman Empire and the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. The second courtyard served as the official section of the palace, holding the imperial kitchens, bakery, storage rooms and the divan (chamber of the Viziers). The third courtyard opens with the Arz Odasi (audience hall for visitors to the Sultan). There are also rooms of the Enderun (palace school), and various sections displaying the ceremonial dresses of the Ottoman Sultans, holy relics, the portraits of the sultans, a library and the Treasury. The fourth court is more of a garden than a courtyard, built on varying levels decorated by kiosks or pavilions. The Baghdad and Revan Pavilions, Mecidiye Kosk and a mosque can all be found here. Covering 172 acres, Topkapi Palace is a vast assemblage of garden-filled courtyards, richly decorated chambers, kiosks, pools and passageways. For hundreds of years, the palace was home to the Ottoman imperial family and the administrative headquarters of the Ottoman empire, including: the Imperial Treasury teeming with incredible treasures such as an 86-carat diamond and a 7-pound emerald; the pleasure kiosks; the gilded Council Chamber; the Imperial Harem; and kitchens boasting exhibits of fine Chinese porcelain.
Dolmabahce Palace Built in the mid-19th century by Sultan Abdülmecit, the Dolmabahçe Palace occupies an impressive 2,000-foot waterfront site on the Bosphorus, its most important feature being the vast reception salon with 56 towering columns and a huge 750-bulb crystal chandelier weighing well over four tons. The Bird Pavilion, where birds from all over the world were once kept, is another attraction. Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, died here in 1938.
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Yıldız Palace This is a complex of pavilions and gardens scattered over a large area of hills and valleys overlooking the Bosphorus and surrounded by high walls. This second largest palace in Istanbul is now separated into various sections, each serving a different purpose. The 500,000 sq. m grove had always been reserved for the court, and the first mansion built here in the early 19th century was quickly followed by others. When Sultan Abdulhamid II, who was an overly suspicious person, decided that this palace offered better security, the complex soon developed into its present form. During his thirty-three year reign, the sultan used this well-protected palace resembling a city within a city as his official quarters and harem. The different courtyards containing pavilions, pools, greenhouses, aviaries, workshops and servants’ quarters were separated from each other by passageways and gates. There are two small and charming mosques situated outside the two main entrances. The buildings that were allocated to the higher military academy have been vacated now. The facilities to the north are still used for military purposes, but the other sections have been assigned to the use of the Yildiz Technical University, the municipality, the Department of National Palaces, and the Institute for Research in the History of Islamic Arts and Cultures. The large part of the palace gardens, some old pavilions and the famous porcelain workshops are open to the public in what is now called the Yildiz Park. The park is connected to the Ciragan Palace on the seashore with a bridge. The best-known building in the complex, the Sale (chalet) Pavilion, is reached through the park. The pavilion is an important museum with its well-kept gardens, its exterior architecture resembling Alpine hunting lodges, its rich decorations, valuable furniture, carpets, and large ceramic stoves. The main entrance of the Yildiz Palace is up the hill from Besikta§. The Muayede Pavilion to the left of the entrance is now being renovated as a new museum. Also on the left side are the single-storied Qt Pavilion, where the guests of the sultan were accommodated, and the entrance to the harem. On the opposite side stood the offices of the military officers in charge, the Yaveran chambers. The greenhouse and the theater in the harem section are attractive examples of their kind. The staff dining room to the right of the entrance was later used to exhibit weapons collections. Today exhibitions and concerts take place here. The Yildiz Palace Museum and the Municipal Museum of Istanbul are also in this complex. The Palace museum was founded in 1994 and it occupies the former carpentry workshops. Carved and painted wooden artifacts, thrones, porcelain produced in the palace workshops, and other objects from the palace are exhibited here, while in the Municipal Museum next to it glass and porcelain wares, silverware, paintings depicting Istanbul and a rare 16th century oil lamp are on display.
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Beylerbeyi Palace Built between 1861-1865 by the Balyan Brothers, it was used as the summer palace of the Ottoman sultans. It can be considered as a smaller version of Dolmabahce Palace, but due to its limited seasonal use, it had no great importance. There are 26 rooms and 6 grand salons.
Galata Tower
A circa 1340 Genoese edifice, the Galata Tower rises nearly 200 feet above the Golden Horn, the estuary dividing the European side of Istanbul. From the top of the tower, there is a marvelous panorama of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. When the sun goes down, the landmark becomes a popular restaurant, nightclub and bar.
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Leander’s Tower, Kiz Kulesi Long regarded as one of the most romantic symbols of Istanbul, the tower was first constructed in the 12th century on a tiny islet at the entrance to the city; the present building dates from the 1700’s. This is a small and attractive tower built on an islet at the entrance to the Bosphorus Used in the past as a watchtower and a lighthouse, it has been preserved in its 19th Century appearance. It serves as a landmark for ships entering the Bosphorus and will be used for touristic purposes.
Istanbul’s City Walls
Stretching over four miles from the Sea of Marmara to the Golden Horn, the walls were built in the fifth century by Emperor Theodosius II. The many towers and bastions of the structure, most of which has been recently restored, made it the mightiest fortifications in Europe. UNESCO has declared the walls and the area they enclose to be a World Heritage Site.
Golden Horn
As a natural and extremely secure harbor, the Golden Horn has played an important role in the development of Istanbul. The inlet separates the European shore into two. It is approximately 8 km long, and the widest part is the entrance from the Bosphorus. Two streams drain into this inlet at its far end. There are no tides or currents here. The name Golden Horn is both a symbol of fertility because of the fertile lands on its shores, the abundance of fish in its waters, and the fresh water of the streams and a reference to its shape. In the Byzantine era, a chain at the entrance prevented the entry of foreign fleets into the Golden Horn. Bridges have connected the two shores from time to time; some of them built for military purposes. At present a fifth bridge is being planned for metro trains to cross. From the piers, crowded at all times, there are regular boat tours to the Asian shore, the Bosphorus and the Princes’ Islands. The Harem section of the Topkapi Palace gives a bird’s eye view of the Golden Horn. The Sepetciler Kasri on the shore was a part of the Palace complex, and it is now allocated to the use of international journalists. Nearby is the last stop of trains from Europe, the Sirkeci Railway Station built in 1890. The old Galata Bridge was recently moved to another site down the Golden Horn, and the new bridge is the largest example of its kind. The central section of the bridge is opened on some days to allow the passage of larger ships. The bridge is a lively and interesting site, due both to the unending stream of pedestrian and car traffic and the view it offers. The pollution in the Golden Horn after the 1950’s has been taken under control thanks to the efforts undertaken since 1980. In recent years, over four thousand buildings on the shores of the Golden Horn have been demolished, the businesses moved to new centers outside the city, the shores turned into parks and gardens, and wastewater treatment plants involving vast canal systems and collectors constructed. Of the sea walls along the bank, only some portions beyond the second Ataturk Bridge and those near the old Galata Bridge have survived. In Balat there is a small Bulgarian church made of cast iron, and further along in Fener the church and complex of the
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate. On the opposite shore, the large building in Kasimpa§a is a naval construction dating to the 19th century. An old building with 8 domes, originally a foundry producing anchors for ships, was converted into a museum exhibiting model ships, machinery and other nautical equipment by the Koc family. The Aynahkavak Kasn in this district is the only surviving pavilion of the palaces on the Golden Horn and is open to visitors as a museum. NewFocus March/ April’2010
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Princes’ Islands, Istanbul Adalari An archipelago of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, the Princes’ Islands are famous for their beautiful woods and beaches. On the largest, Büyükada, horse-drawn phaetons (carriages) meander through the pine groves overlooking the numerous coves of the island’s coast. Today, during the summer months, wealthy Istanbulites escape to the cool sea breezes and elegant 19th century houses that dot four of the islands.
Grand Bazaar, Kapali Çarşi
Situated along the road that once led to Rome, the Grand Bazaar is a maze of some 4,000 shops, selling treasures of every type. Still the commercial center of the old city, its 80 streets constitute the original shopping mall, with something for every taste and budget – Turkish crafts, world-renowned carpets, brilliant hand-painted ceramics, copper and brassware, meerschaum pipes and excellent quality leather products. In the heart of the bazaar, the Old Bedesten offers an intriguing assortment of antiques.
Spice Bazaar The Spice Bazaar, the second largest covered market in the city, was part of the mosque complex. Other surviving parts of the complex are the tombs and the magnificent fountain. On the mosque side of the L-shaped Spice Bazaar, there is a popular flower market and cafes, and fish, vegetable and grocery stores occupy the other side. Once all of the shops inside the bazaar used to sell spices, but over the time some have turned into dried fruit, grocery and gift shops or jewelers. It is one of the attractive sites in Istanbul with its vivacious and distinctive atmosphere.
Suleymaniye Mosque
Built by the greatest architect of the Ottoman Empire Sinan, between 1550 -1557, Suleymaniye Mosque stands as undoubtedly his greatest work in Istanbul. Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, who enjoyed the longest reign in the Ottoman Empire, between 1520-1566, gave the order for its construction. The mosque also holds the tombs of the Sultan and his lover Hurrem (Roxelana).
Church of Chora
There is no longer any evidence of the church which was built originally under this name. The existing church was built in the 11th century and was remodeled in the 12th century. Two hundred years later, it received a further remodeling following the Latin occupation, which saw the inner narthex rebuilt and the addition of an outer narthex and paracclesion. In the early 16th century, it was converted to a mosque, but now serves as a museum. In the church, there are beautiful mosaics depicting the life of Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ, as well as many attractive frescoes. In fact, these are the most well preserved mosaics and frescoes from the Roman era in Turkey.
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Bosphorus The Bosphorus is approximately 30 km long, and at its narrowest point the Anadolu and Rumeli fortresses face each other across it. Here the width of the strait is about 800 meters. On the surface, the Bosphorus flows like a river from the Black Sea to the Marmara. This current gets much stronger and becomes truly dangerous around the fortresses. Below the surface current, there is another current flowing in the opposite direction. These currents have always constituted a threat for the ships crossing the strait. The Bosphorus is like a narrow valley and it has an average depth of 50 and a maximum depth of 110 meters. Because of the currents and the different temperatures on various levels, the Bosphorus is a paradise for fish. The fish migrate between the Black Sea and the Marmara according to the season. These fish, peculiar to these waters, are caught during the migration seasons. Nowhere else can one find such fine-tasting fish. Until recent times, the settlements along the Bosphorus were quite limited due to the strong currents and the lack of roads. They consisted of a few villages, some imperial palaces and the mansions of the wealthy. In the 19th century the embassies started to build their summer residences here. Today the shores and the hills are developing as residential districts. There are numerous fish restaurants and cafes on both sides of the Bosphorus. Modern villas intermingle with the relatively few old wooden seaside mansions that have been preserved. One of the most beautiful sights in the world, the Bosphorus is a strait winding between two continents and joining two seas. The Black Sea is connected to the Aegean through the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles. It offers a different beauty each season, and in spring it is adorned with the pink flowers of the Judas trees. The entrance to the Bosphorus is like a small bay, and from here one gets the best view of the old town. The rest of the 30 km long waterway is like a series of lakes. It is only from the air that one realizes it is a strait. The first bridge across the Bosphorus was completed in 1973, and the second, the Fatih (Mehmet the Conqueror) bridge in 1988. There are plans for building either a third bridge over or a tunnel under the strait. The settlements on the shore grew quickly after 1852 when steamboats were put into service here, and over time they became included in the city boundaries. The ancient name of “Bosphorus” means “Cow Passage”. As a passage that can be traversed easily, it has facilitated the spread of civilizations between Asia and Europe and the development of trade and other relations. In the 2,500 year history of the city, the Bosphorus, its extension the Golden Horn and the historical peninsula have always been coveted places, and they witnessed numerous military campaigns and mass migrations. The earliest mention of the Bosphorus in mythology is in the story of the Argonauts who sail through the strait to the Black Sea. It is known that in 6th century BC the Persian armies tied their boats together for easier passage, thus forming the first bridge over the Bosphorus. Some of the noteworthy buildings on the European shore are the Ciragan Palace, which was restored and converted into a hotel, the former Feriye Police Station which is now used as a cultural center, and the Ortaköy Mosque and square. New five star hotels and tall buildings are springing up on the hills this side of the Bosphorus.
Kadikoy There are no buildings of historical significance in the beautiful district of Kadıköy on the shores of the Marmara. It has been one of the fastest growing districts in Istanbul for the last 20 years. This is the site of the ancient village of Chalcedon. Later many monasteries were built on this site and the early Christian Ecumenical Council met here several times in the 5th century. Only a few of the later mansions set in beautiful gardens have survived to our day. Yacht clubs, marinas and wide roads line the shores of Kadıköy. Fenerbahçe is an ideal place for picnics and promenades. The Baghdad Avenue is famous for the shopping opportunities it offers. On the Uskudar side of the district, there is the Haydarpasa Railway Station built in 1906 in the Prussian architectural style. This was the first (or last) stop of the Istanbul-Baghdad railway. The cemeteries and monuments for the British and French soldiers who lost their lives in the Crimean War are situated on the slopes near the station, next to the large military hospital. There are two colossal buildings behind the commercial port facilities. The one with the clock tower, the former Haydarpasa High School, now houses a section of the university. The second building with four big towers is the Selimiye Barracks.
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Uskudar The district behind Leander’s Tower is Uskudar, the historical location for crossings to the European side. The 16th century mosques and the monumental fountain in the square, and the miniature Şemsi Paşa Mosque and the medrese on the shore, both built by Sinan, are fine examples of Turkish architecture. The historical Karacaahmet Cemetery is located on the slopes of Uskudar and behind these rise the Carnhca hills. These hills covered with pine groves offer a bird’s eye view of the Bpsphorus and the Princes’ Islands.
Ortaköy
An afternoon spent in Ortaköy enjoying the Bosphorus from a waterside cafe is a relaxing and rewarding way to catch a glimpse of İstanbul. Wandering through the narrow old streets of a thriving and fashionable town will provide an opportunity to acquire knick-knacks from the local curio shops or outside table vendors, and more substantial “souvenir antiques” too. Numerous cafes and bars offer plenty of choice of different atmospheres to relax in, whether your preference be for rock & roll environments, Latin American surroundings or typical Turkish tea houses. There you will also find a magnificent mosque represented in conic columns and decorative porticos, a synagogue, churches and several ancient but dilapidated buildings which appear to date from Byzantium times, standing amidst clusters of stucco or wooden houses typical of a bygone era. If you meander through the back streets and up into the interior of the valley which Ortaköy inhabits, you became increasingly aware that this district of İstanbul is itself a typical little town similar in many respects to towns outside of Istanbul The rapid pace of constructions last demolishing the surrounding lush green foliage, underbrush and copses of adjacent valleys, and the days when you could enjoy a stroll through hillsides covered with a plentitude of flora, fruit trees and fauna are rapidly disappearing.
Rumeli Fortress
Built in 1452 by Sultan Mehmet II prior to the conquest of Istanbul, his aim was to block any possible sea support which might have come from the Black Sea to assist the flailing Byzantines. Therefore, it was to be situated on the narrowest point of the Bosphorus strait, facing another smaller fortress already erected on the Asian side. The construction work finished after 4 months and 19 days. Now it serves as a museum, displaying the canons that were used during the conquest. There is also an outdoor mini-amphi-theater used during the various music festivals in Istanbul.
Anatolian Fortress
The fortress is situated on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, the sole outlet of the Black Sea, and it was built by Sultan Bayezid in 1390-91. Next to it there is a stream running into the sea. Together with the Rumeli Fortress on the opposite side, it ensured full control over the traffic in the Bosphorus. This small fortress creates a picturesque scene with the old wooden houses leaning on its walls and its green surroundings. The Kanhca district, a little further up the Bosphorus, is famous for its seaside cafes and yogurt. The Asian towers of the Fatih Bridge rises in this district.
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What will happen in the year 2010 in Istanbul? • From 2006 onwards the name of Istanbul will be associated with culture and the arts all over the world. • As Turkey moves ahead with the process of its candidacy for the European Union, the projects that will be realized will demonstrate that Istanbul, the symbol of the country, has been interacting with European culture for hundreds of years. • The city’s cultural heritage will be managed in a sustainable manner and it will become even more of a magnet than ever. • Istanbul will achieve lasting gains in the fields of urban renewal, urban living and environmental and social development. • New museums will be established to protect and display our cultural assets and historical buildings will be renovated, given new roles and opened to the public. • People of Istanbul will embrace new artistic disciplines. Young talented people will have the opportunity to become more closely involved in artistic creativity. • Jobs will be created for a large number of people ranging from communications to organization, education, design, management and creative fields. • Those who come to Istanbul for cultural and artistic projects will visit the city’s cultural riches, mosques, churches, palaces and museums. • Cultural tourism will be invigorated and develop. (Educated, cultured tourists spend three times as much as normal tourists. This means that, as a European Capital of Culture, Istanbul will have a great tourism potential.) • Many people from the world of culture and the arts, together with members of the print and visual media, will come to Istanbul from Europe and different countries all around the world. This will make a positive contribution to the promotion and branding of Istanbul. Being selected as a European Capital of Culture will give a boost to the city’s economic relations with Europe as well as contributing to its cultural relations. With the renovation that will take place, the administrators and administered will join together, hand in hand, sharing their knowledge and experience, to develop a long-term sustainable model for the future. • Istanbul local residents will be proud of their city as they further discover its beauty. For all information, please visit: www.en.istanbul2010.org/index.htm
Emirgan Emirgan is famous for its seaside cafes and the large city park on the slopes behind it. The Verifier Yahsi (seaside mansion) on the shore and the pavilions inside the park that serve as cafes are examples of Ottoman architecture from different ages. The annual Tulip Festival is held in the park, which contains pools, groves and lanes suitable for hiking and jogging. It is a popular recreation area, particularly on holidays. Below the park is the small bay of Istinye, which for many years housed the shipyards. These have been removed recently, and the area has been restored as a recreational area and marina.
Sariyer
When the road following the shore takes a turn after Tarabya, the opening of the Bosphorus to the Black Sea becomes visible for the first time. Starting from here, the shore is lined with old mansions belonging to embassies or individuals and fish restaurants all the way into the Sariyer district. A narrow road forking from Büyükdere crosses forests and aqueducts and reaches the famous beaches of Kilyos on the Black Sea coast. Sariyer and Rumeli Kavagi are the last stops of the regular boat services and the cruises along the Bosphorus. These two districts, known for their fish restaurants and Anadolu Kavagi on the opposite shore are very crowded on holidays. Beyond these settlements, the hills on both sides are covered only by the green of the forests. The last settlements on the Bosphorus are the Anadolu and Rumeli lighthouses and the fishermens villages at their feet.
Polonezkoy
Polonezköy, literally the Polish Village, is a pretty village on the Beykoz-Şile road on the Asian side. It was founded by settlers from Poland, who took political asylum in the Ottoman Empire in the 18th century. Located in the midst of abundant nature, Polonezköy offers the visitors the natural beauty and the fresh air full of oxygen. Owing to intensive touristic demand the village has been equipped with restaurants, motels and pensions. The opportunities for picnics, strolls and sports attract the visitors in the spring and summer times while in the winter it is usually the hunting excursionists visiting here. Besides, it is an interesting experience for the visitors to taste the Polish food prepared by the handful Polish locals of the village. NewFocus March/ April’2010
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Focus On HOTELS
Grand opening: Barceló Ankara Altinel From March 1st, 2010 our new project in Turkey Barceló Ankara Altinel is opening its doors to its special guests with 172 standard and suite rooms, health club, restaurant, café and bar, outdoor car park, free internet service and meeting rooms. Barceló Ankara Altinel atmosphere in a green environment; will be at service of business and leisure travelers with Barceló standards. Barceló Ankara Altinel is at the centre of the capital city of Turkey, close by the Mausoleum of Ataturk, at walking distance to subway, bus station, shopping malls and official institutions; is also at a close distance to the cultural and historical places like The Ataturk Culture Centre, The Ankara Castle, Ethnography Museum and Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Barceló made its first investment in Turkey on 2004 with Barceló Eresin Topkapi, enlarged it’s family with Barceló Saray and Barceló Tat Beach & Golf Resort Hotels. Barceló Hotels & Resorts continues to the investments with the 4th hotel, Barceló Ankara Altinel in the capital city Ankara. n
Moscow Hotels are The World’s Most Expensive Hotels in Moscow have been revealed as the world’s most expensive for a fifth consecutive year. According to the survey by the Hogg Robinson Group (HRG), the international corporate travel services company, reflects a challenging year for the hotel market, a common theme throughout the business travel industry. Across the world, all regions reported falls in average room rates in local currency terms, with only a small number of cities such as London, Houston and Johannesburg avoiding the double digit falls seen elsewhere. The weakening of the British Pound was again a key factor affecting rates paid by corporate travellers from the UK, particularly those travelling to the US and the Eurozone. Trends noted by HRG include: * For the fifth consecutive year, Moscow has emerged as the most expensive destination worldwide, despite posting a 5% fall in average room rate in local currency terms. A business traveller from the UK would expect to pay an average of £266.56 for a hotel room there * London also saw a 5% decline in average rate, down from the 3% growth over the same period last year and dropped from 16th to 29th place in the ranking of the most expensive cities. It was however able to take advantage of increased demand due to the weakness of the Pound and was less affected than the UK provincial cities * The Middle East region again experienced weaker rate falls than other regions. Abu Dhabi moved up from 5th to 2nd place in the rankings, only seeing a 1% decrease in average room rate, and Manama (Bahrain) shot up to fifth place, reflecting demand outstripping supply in the region * Difficult trading conditions resulted in key cities in North America seeing decreasing rates when measured in local currency, except for Houston, a major centre for the oil & gas industry, and the Canadian capital Ottawa. Although New York City saw one of the largest declines in local currency terms (23%), market conditions there showed some signs of
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NewFocus March/ April’2010
City
2009 Average 2008 Average 2009 Average Room Rate Room Rate Room Rate GBP GBP Local Currency
MOSCOW
£266.56
£303.39
RUB 13,239.87 RUB 13,915.53 -5%
1
ABU DHABI
£223.35
£191.21
AED 1,285.00
AED 1,303.30
-1%
5
NEW YORK
£203.70
£223.44
$318.98
$414.52
-23%
2
PARIS
£201.07
£201.09
€ 225.80
€ 253.31
-11%
3
MANAMA
£189.36
£170.17
BHD 112.48
BHD 119.68
-6%
20
MILAN
£185.73
£194.35
€ 208.57
€ 244.82
-15%
6
GENEVA
£185.19
£179.07
CHF 314.04
CHF 358.23
-12%
7
COPENHAGEN £182.74
£174.68
DKK 1,528.32
DKK 1,640.72
-7%
12
WASHINGTON £179.53
£170.19
$281.13
$315.74
-11%
19
ATHENS
£171.81
€ 199.67
€ 216.43
-8%
17
£177.81
2008 Average Room Rate Local Currency
Local Currency Variance
2008 Ranking
improvement towards the end of 2009, even when taking into account the significant downturn in the last quarter of 2008 * The budget hotel sector remained static year on year facing increasing competition from the 3 and 4 star market; the top end of the market held up well, with the lowest average rate decline seen in 5 star hotels (3.5%) as top hoteliers proved willing to sacrifice a degree of occupancy in order to maintain rate integrity Top 10 most expensive cities worldwide (ranked by GBP): 2009 vs. 2008 Despite having the highest average rates globally, all the cities appearing in the top 10 saw a backward movement in rates when measured in local currency. Clearly the weakness of the UK Pound against many foreign currencies has had a strong effect on the prices paid by the UK corporate traveller. Half of the top 10 is made up of European cities but it is Moscow that retains its position as the city with the highest average room rate for the fifth consecutive year - reflecting its maturity as a business destination. Nevertheless, Moscow’s average room rate has declined because of a fall in demand from within the banking and finance sectors and an increase in supply from new openings in recent years. Abu Dhabi is the second most expensive city surveyed, having moved into the top 10 at fifth position in 2008, emphasising the lack of supply there. In neighbouring Dubai, where supply outstrips demand, the rates continued to drop in 2009 taking it out of the top 10 into 16th position. After a 5% fall in average rate HRG has seen London fall further down the list to 29th from 16th position in 2008 and 10th position in 2007, in part attributable to the weakening Pound against the Euro. Also falling dramatically out of the top 10 this year are Mumbai (27th), Stockholm (20th) and Zurich (12th). n
Focus On HOTELS
Prince Hotel & Residence Offers Accommodation in the Heart of KL Prince Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur, a member of World Hotels, is offering a comfortable contemporary accommodation boasting international standards of excellence and personalized service at the hearth of the city. Prince Hotel is an international 5-star hotel & residence in the city is designed to provide today’s discerning travelers. Modern and hi-tech facilities as well as state-of-the-art technology in communications including the powerful broadband and wireless internet access is available to cater to the traveler’s needs. Strategically located in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle and the Central Business District, the Hotel & Residence is opposite the award winning Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur’s latest shopping mall and only a short stroll away from the famous Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Suria KLCC Shopping Mall, Prince Court Medical Centre, Bintang Walk-entertainment hub, Bukit Bintang shopping district and close proximity to Embassy Row, Jalan Ampang as well as Jalan Tun Razak commercial area. A total of 448 stylish and superbly appointed guest rooms and nine room types from the Deluxe Room, Superior
Deluxe Room, Superior Deluxe KLCC view Room, Grand Deluxe Room, Premier Executive Room, Executive Suite, Deluxe Executive Suite, Junior Prince Suite and Prince Suite are offered to guests. Distinctive in-room features are incorporated into each room which includes broadband internet access, multi features phones whilst business travelers may opt for rooms with a workstation desk complete with built-in power switches. n
“Michelin Star” Dinner Experience at Midtown Hotel in İstanbul Midtown hotel welcomes Giuseppe Mancino, the Executive Chéf of PICCOLO PRINCE RESTAURANT. Giuseppe Mancino’s delicious work has won his restaurant the prestigious Michelin Star in 2009. Between March 15-21, the Executive Chéf of Michelin star PICOLLO PRINCE RESTAURANT will be serving a prestigious menu at midtown hotel. Award yourself with a “Michelin Star” dinner... “Michelin menu at midtown” by Giuseppe Mancino / March 15 - 21 Creamed chickpeas and rosemary, paired with red shrimp and topped with caramel lobster sauce Panzanella Toscana, roasted scallops and crispy vegetables seasoned with vinaigrette Traditional ‘’Calamarata’’ pasta From Gragnano served with green asparagus and variety of shell fish Sea Bass, with braised artichokes in fish soup Crema Cotta Caramel flavoured with soft mousse of mango and mint a Michelin Star in 2009.Giuseppe, who loves creative cuisines, is also About Giuseppe Mancino a devotee of the classical school which does not alter the flavours Giuseppe Mancino was born in Sarno (Salerno) in of foods. Professionally speaking his inspiration is Alain Ducasse, 1981 and, having graduated from the Salerno Hotel the great French chef. A Michelin Star is awarded only to those School, started working in prestigious hotels and restaurants with exceptional qualities in food and service. Nicknamed restaurants before joining the Grand Hotel Principe as the Oscars of restaurants, Michelin Stars are given after anonymous di Piemonte in 2005 as executive chef of the”Il inspections and elaborate scrutiny. Only 1600 restaurants hold a Piccolo Principe” restaurant. Under Giuseppe the Michelin Star throughout the world. n restaurant has picked up many accolades including
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Focus On WORLD NEWS
Sharjah Road Shows Started from İstanbul
The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) launched its series of promotional road shows in Istanbul. SCTDA, in cooperation with Air Arabia and a number of representatives from the emirate’s tourism sector, plans to host these road shows in a number of Europe’s capital cities. The launch ceremony was held at the Intercontinental Istanbul Hotel, and was attended by Professor Ahmet Emre Bilgili, Director of Culture and Tourism Istanbul, The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) manager; Muhammed Ali Al Noman, Golden Tulip Sharjah Business Devolopment director general; Manna El Eid, Radisson Blue Sharjah Director of Sales; Kamal Rijhwani, Sharjah International Airport Business Devolopment manager; Donald De Souza, Burak Tulgar from Air Arabia Holidays, and as host Air Arabia Turkey Manager; Nüket Angin attended the workshop. After b2b meetings with outgoing travel agencies of Turkey, a promotional video of Sharjah region is presented, followed by a lunch. The 10-day road show aims to attract more European tourists to the emirate of Sharjah by promoting Sharjah’s tourist attractions in three prime European destinations between 14 and 21 February 2010. The SCTDA is looking forward to achieving positive results in its upcoming promotional road shows in Bulgaria and
5th ITM – Moscow
March 13 – 16 Crocus Center
Intourmarket-2010 –all world tourism industry professionals are annually invited by two leading Russian exhibition companies “Expotour” and “Euroexpo” in the best international exhibition centre of Russia “Crocus Expo” to participate in the one of the most successful international travel fairs. Nowadays the exhibition is supported by the executive authorities of the Russian Federation, Association of Tour Operators of Russia, Russian Union of Travel Industry, leading Russian aircraft and railway companies as well as World Tourism Organization - specialized agency of the United Nations. What differs “Intourmarket” from others travel fairs? “Hosted Buyers” Program realization, considerable annual increase of the fair’s topics, as well as unique events program. Today it’s much easier to get to “Intourmarket” travel fair! In December 2009 the new metro station “Myakinino” was opened near Pavilion No: 2 of IEC “Crocus Expo”. This will considerably increase the number of the fair’s visitors. Only the participation in “Intourmarket” contributes to the direct business contacts establishment between Russian and foreign participants, gives unique possibility to take part in educational seminars, international conferences, presentations bilateral meetings, as well as helps to the national and foreign tourist product promotion and new investment projects realization. Unique possibility for tour operators and travel companies is to ensure high indicators during forthcoming spring and summer seasons, to increase inbound and domestic tourist flows. Real activity and increase of “Intourmarket” travel fair participants confirm the readiness to the new challenges and present new competitive tourist product for the springsummer season. To ensure fruitful participation in the fair the Organizers will provide free entrance for the visitors, free Internet-centre and reduced tariff of the mail service for the participants.
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Greece, where the Authority will aim to further raise awareness among the European tourism community on the attractiveness of Sharjah’s tourism products. Furthermore, it hopes to build positive relations that will contribute to expand the success of the emirate’s tourism sector and will boost the strategic partnerships and tourism/trade exchanges between Sharjah and Europe. n
Maintaining annual traditions international tourist tendencies and world travel destinations will be presented on UN World Tourism Organization stand, meanwhile public-private partnerships in tourism – within the framework of educational seminar, which will be organized by UNWTO and Federal Agency for Tourism on the 15th of March 2010. Arab Republic of Egypt has received General CountryPartner status of the fair. European region will be presented by most popular travel destinations, including Bulgaria, Hungary, Greece, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Portugal, Romania and others. Such countries as Egypt, Israel, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia Palestine and Turkey invite all the participants to their colorful expositions during four days of “Intourmarket”. Dominican Republic and Cuba will present Latin American region. Special attention will be drawn to the CIS countries, Russian railways, education in tourism and hotels. n
Focus On WORLD NEWS
Turkey - Fascinating Partner Country at ITB Berlin Culture, culinary delights and travel ideas from both East and West at the world’s leading travel trade show – SUN, a colourful show by Fire of Anatolia, to be performed at the opening ceremonies – focus on Istanbul, European Capital of Culture 2010 “Fascinating Turkey”: From 10 to 14 March 2010 the focus will be on the partner country of ITB Berlin. Turkey, a favourite travel destination among Germans, will provide a fascinating and colourful programme of events, and spoil visitors with its legendary hospitality. On Tuesday, 9 March the opening ceremonies will kick off the world’s leading travel trade show in spectacular fashion. A colourful display will present all the various aspects of Turkey at a gala event. SUN, a fascinating show by Fire of Anatolia, will perform musical and dancing highlights from a country which spans both Europe and Asia. For the entire duration of ITB Berlin 2010 the focus will be on the partner country as a very special travel destination. As one of the largest exhibitors at the fair Turkey will be represented in Hall 3.2, showing both traditional and modern aspects of its culture. Displays in an area covering 3,000 square metres will exhibit a cultural treasure trove, a wide range of tourism products, holiday regions in all their variety, and culinary delights from this popular travel destination. One of the highlights will be Istanbul. Visitors can experience the diversity and dynamism of the European Capital of Culture on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds, and see how Istanbul spans East and West intellectually and culturally with both art and cultural attractions. Visitors will also be fascinated by the richly ornamented portal of a reproduction of the Divrigi Great Mosque. Built in 1229 in the province of Sivas, Anatolia’s oldest architectural testimony to Islam has been
declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yet another World Heritage Site can be admired in Hall 10.2 in the shape of traditionally built houses from Safranbolu. Seeing, smelling and tasting is what Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, the world’s oldest shopping centre, is all about. Visitors can experience the hustle and bustle of a covered bazaar with all their senses in six different shops. For those eager for more, there are culinary specialities from every Turkish region on offer at the SAHAN Restaurant next to Hall 3.2, as well as two Turkish snack bars between Halls 3.2 and 4.2. During the open days for the general public fascinating shows on the stand of Turkey and on the large stage in Hall 4.1 will enthral visitors to the fair. Live Turkish music and folk tunes will provide just the right atmosphere. “ITB Berlin and Turkey have always maintained close ties”, is how David Ruetz, Senior Manager and Director of ITB Berlin, comments the long-standing friendship between Turkey and Germany, which has now culminated in Turkey’s participation as the partner country of ITB. “This popular travel destination has been represented on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds since 1968. ITB Berlin offers the ideal platform for Turkey to build on its standing in world tourism as a year-round holiday destination for holidaymakers and incentive travel organisers.” Ibrahim Yazar, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey: “As far as travel is concerned Germany is Turkey’s most important source market. We are very much looking forward to presenting Turkey in the role of official partner country at this year’s ITB Berlin, particularly as this year Istanbul will fascinate visitors as the European Capital of Culture.” Turkish Airlines is offering a special ten per cent discount on all flights to the world’s leading travel trade show, ITB Berlin 2010. n
Exhibitors from Central and Inner Asia have their own hall at ITB The Asian market continues to grow. It was not only ITB Asia which recorded a slight increase last October: larger numbers of exhibitors from the central and inner Asian region have also registered to attend this year’s ITB Berlin. To accommodate them ITB Berlin has allocated Hall 7.2b as a third Asia hall, in addition to Halls 26 and 5.2. Exhibitors from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will now be offering their varied range of products and attractions under one roof. Tour operators, tourism offices and hotels are presenting Kazakhstan in all its diversity as a tourism destination: the lowland plains of the north and west, the high mountain ranges in the south east and east, deserts, steppes, the Caspian and Aral Seas. With an excellent network of routes the national carrier Air Astana makes Kazakhstan more accessible for European vacationers too, with flights now available from all of the major European airports. Unspoiled nature is Kyrgyzstan’s main tourism factor, and a number of tour operators are featuring guided walking holidays and undemanding trekking tours in the foothills of the Tien Shan mountains. The more than ninety massive mountain chains in Kyrgyzstan are a favoured destination for many climbers. There are many outstanding mountain sports regions in Tajikistan too. The majestic Pamir range is still largely unexplored and is a well-kept secret among mountaineers. The lakes of the Pamir are also worth seeing, including Lake Kara-Kul, 3,915 metres above sea level, and Lake Sares, which
was only created in 1911 as the result of a powerful earthquake which caused major landslides. The seven lakes of Marghuzor are one of nature’s wonders, with their varied shades of blue and green, which alter according to the light and the time of day. Mongolia owes its uniqueness to the nomads of the steppes and their fascinating culture. Visitors to ITB Berlin can find out how mystical traditions and an untouched natural world combine to create a breath-taking experience, and will also be made aware of the traditional hospitality of a proud people. On the Active and Adventure Tours stand visitors can see for themselves a genuine yurt, giving them an authentic impression of the everyday lives of the nomads. Uzbekistan is being presented as a land for dreamers and discoverers. The great Silk Roads and major cultural centres such as Samarkand, Buchara, Chiwa, Shakhrisabz and Tashkent are the epitome of oriental beauty and mystery. In Turkmenistan tourists with an interest in culture can discover traces of antiquity in places such as Köneurgenc, the city with the highest minaret in Central Asia, the abandoned oasis of Merv, which has been declared a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO, the burning craters of Derweze, the thermal underground lake of Köv Ata and the world’s largest saline waterfall in the bay of Garabogaz-Gol. n
ITB Aviation Day - The Future of World Aviation For the aviation industry unstable fuel prices, crisis-ridden capital markets and climate protection constraints were the issues dominating the headlines last year. However, the recession has also led to positive developments. The over-capacity of the world’s airline industries has been reduced, older planes which consume large amounts of kerosene have been taken out of service, and business models have come under scrutiny. High-ranking representatives of airlines, aircraft manufacturers and airports will be discussing both these and other topics at the ITB Berlin Aviation Day on 12 March 2010. Dr. Temel Kotil, CEO, Turkish Airlines will hold a keynote opening this headline event of the world’s aviation industry, which takes place at the ITB Berlin Convention. A panel with CEOs from around the world will examine the future of the airline industry in the face of growing pressure to save costs, long overdue consolidation and new business models. The following will take part: Joachim Hunold, CEO, Air Berlin, Stefan Pichler, CEO, Jazeera Airways and Emirsyah Satar, President & CEO, Garuda Indonesia. Afterwards Mauro Oretti, Vice President Sales and Marketing, SkyTeam, will talk about whether and to what degree strategic alliances are still relevant against the backdrop of much-needed consolidation. This year marks the occasion of the first Airline Product Summit. In his introductory paper Robert Lange, Head of Aircraft Interiors Marketing, Airbus, will examine the following questions: What will passenger cabins of the future be like? Which airline product is most popular with tour operators and travel agencies? Airlines will be presenting the highlights of their cabin and service concepts. During the session a prize will be awarded for the most innovative concept. Two other panel discussions are scheduled for the afternoon. Stuart Benzal, Managing Director, Global Onboard Product, United Airlines, David Post, Managing Director, SigmaZen, and Jay Sorensen, President, IdeaWorks Company, will discuss the radical shifts in airline pricing due to a
lack of premium customers. Discussion will focus on airline pricing in the future and which business models appear to be most promising. The last discussion round will deal with growing public resistance to air traffic near airports. People are become increasingly critical of aircraft noise and CO2 emissions. Ralph Beisel, Chief Executive, Der Flughafenverband ADV (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Deutscher Verkehrsflughäfen), Dr. Stefan Schulte, Chairman of the Board, Fraport AG and Prof. Dr. Rainer Schwarz, Management Spokesman, Berliner Flughäfen, will be debating how airports can win back popular support. Aviation and climate protection regulations have now become headline topics. To round off the ITB Aviation Day, leading corporate and government consultant Dr. Jürgen Ringbeck will provide an update and highlight how new climate protection laws are changing aviation structures worldwide. n
Turkey Forum: Tourism as a Vehicle for Intercultural Exchange This year’s ITB Berlin partner country will present best practice examples to show how cultural understanding through tourism works. High ranking panel guests from the Turkish economy and politics will discuss successful approaches that serve as an inspiration to other tourism regions. Category: ITB Destination Days Date: March 11, 2010 Time: 13.00-14.00 Location: Hall 7.1 a, Auditorium New York 1 n
NewFocus March/ April’2010
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Focus On AIRLINES
Turkish Airlines Announces its Big Deal Turkish Airlines, a Star Alliance member, announces that the airline decides to add 35 Boeing 737NG airplanes to its fleet, 20 jets certain and
10 jets optional... Being the fastest growing carriers of the world, Turkish Airlines became one of the biggest airline companies in the aviation industry. New aircraft are announced to be joined to our fleet. The most rapidly expanding airline company, Turkish Airlines is continuing to increase its share in the global aviation market and the airline’s Board of Directors as announced before 105 airplanes, 30 jets optional, will
be joined to the fleet. According to the decision of the Board Directors today, 35 airplanes of Boeing 737, 20 jets definite, 15 jets optional will be delivered. The airplanes, Boeing 737800 and 737-900 ER, will take place in our fleet and the “Sky Interior” inside the cabins. With this decision the jets in the fleet of Turkish Airlines which will be delivered, increase to total number of 86, 64 jets definite, 25 jets optional. By the end of 2015, the number of single aisle jets in the fleet of Turkish Airlines will increase to 155 and the number of twin aisle aircraft will rise to 36 with the deal of these new jets. The total number of aircraft in the fleet of Turkish Airlines will reach to total of 196 aircraft, 5 of them cargo airplane. n
Turkish Airlines and Spanair Sign a code-share Agreement Turkish Airlines signed code-share agreement with Spanair. The codeshare agreement enables Turkish Airlines to use its code “TK” on domestic flights operated by Spanair. Reciprocally, on Turkish Airlines’ flights to Barcelona, Madrid and Ankara, Spanair will be able to put its code “JK”. Mr. Temel Kotil Ph.D, Turkish Airlines’ Chief Executive and Member of Board, said: “We are extremely delighted to finalize the code-share agreement with Spanair. Accelerated with the synergy within Star Alliance cooperation, Turkish Airlines and Spanair has now reached a new phase of deeper and integrated business model. On the other hand, this code-share partnership is an illustration of Turkish Airlines’ every effort to maximize the opportunities offered to passengers by enabling them to enjoy extensive networks of both airlines.” Domestic passengers in Spain will now be able to connect Turkish Airlines’ network of 119 international and 37 domestic routes including destinations to Turkey, Europe, North America, South America, Russia, Central Asia and the
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NewFocus March/ April’2010
Middle East. Michael Balint Szücs, the CEO of Spanair has said “The launch of our strategic cooperation with Turkish Airlines follows our commitment towards to our clients to offer more connections from Spain to the World, ensuring a high standard of quality of service. Turkish Airlines has currently 22 codeshare agreements with Air China, Air India, Croatia Airlines, Egypt Air, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Pakistan Int’l Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Sun Express, TAP Portugal, Austrian Airlines, United Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Syrian Arab Airlines, ANA All Nippon, Air Malta, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines B&H Airlines, Etihad Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and Spanair. Spanair has currently 15 codeshare agreements with Air Canada, AirBaltic, Air Europa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, EgyptAir, EstonianAir, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SAS, SWISS, TAP Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines y con US Airways. n
Turkish Airlines Signs Sponsorship Agreement with Manchester United Turkish Airlines, which announced sponsorship agreement with Spain’s Barcelona Football Club and just after few days, a second sponsorship agreement is announced. This time, Turkish Airlines announced sponsorship agreement with Britain’s Manchester United. Turkey’s national air carrier company has signed the sponsor agreement with English football club Manchester United. The Turkish Airlines (THY), the sixth biggest air carrier in Europe, said an official ceremony would be held in the coming days at the Old Trafford Stadium. THY did not reveal immediately how much the deal cost for the air carrier. The three-and-a-half-year agreement gives THY the official sponsor title to have the right to use billboards inside the Old Trafford Stadium during matches as well as on the internet. THY will be able to organize promotion activities, featuring team members in commercial films, and air TV spots on Manchester United’s television channel. The Turkish airline company will also carry United’s team members to tournaments and training camps outside Britain. THY penned last month a similar deal with Spanish team Barcelona for twoand-a-half years for 7.7 million euros. n
Turkish Airlines on Top of Bangkok Skyline
Turkey’s national airline carrier, Turkish Airlines enriched the skyline of Bangkok by placing its advertisement on top of Thailand’s tallest tower. The 304-meter “Baiyoke Tower” in Bangkok, one of the world’s highest buildings, will carry Turkish Airlines’ (THY) ads until August 2010. Commenting on the company’s new advertising method, THY’s Bangkok Director Adnan Aykac said the ads showed that THY had become a global brand. “This has been a truly global study in such a global city. We have received a very positive feedback already,” Aykac said. Within the scope of its effective promotion campaign, THY had also signed sponsor agreements with English football club Manchester United and Spanish team FC Barcelona at the beginning of 2010. n
Focus On AIRLINES
Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air decided to Merge The main shareholders of Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air have reached an agreement regarding the merger of their respective activities, resulting in the formation of a new company that will be listed on the Athens Exchange. Olympic Handling and Olympic Engineering will become 100% subsidiaries of the new company. The company that will be formed as a result from the merger will carry the name and logos of OLYMPIC AIR, following the necessary transition and adjustment period, during which the name and logos of AEGEAN will be used in parallel as well. The agreement is subject to the approval of the European Competition Commission, which is the relevant competent authority given the size and particular terms of the transaction. Until then, the exact process mechanics and associated timetable will be articulated. According to the terms of the agreement, the main shareholder of Aegean Airlines (Vassilakis Group) and the sole shareholder of Olympic Air (Marfin Investment Group) will have an equal shareholding in the combined entity, while the groups of Messrs Laskaridis, V. Constantakopoulos, G. David and L. Ioannou as well as Piraeus Bank will all maintain their proportional equity participations in the new company, thereby continuing to support this particularly important venture for the country. Messrs Th. Vassilakis and A. Vgenopoulos are expected to lead the new company, ensuring the smooth integration of the businesses and the creation of a national airline champion with enlarged presence in the European market as well as seamless coverage of even the most remote islands of our country. Commenting on the abovementioned agreement, the Chairman of Aegean Mr. Th. Vassilakis made the following statement: “Since the first day of Aegean’s operations, we have been pursuing our vision for innovative, high quality services, through significant investments. The relative size of our competitors within the European Union necessitates the joining of the two main Greek airlines, to achieve increased autonomy in serving the needs of our country’s tourism, increase route options for consumers, ensure the long-term development and viability of the two airlines and protect the levels of employment in the sector.” The Chairman of Olympic Air Mr. A. Vgenopoulos also made the following statement:
Company Profiles Fleet AEGEAN OLYMPIC AIR A321 4 A320 18 9 A319 8 Total A320 family 22 17 Boeing 737/400* 4 RJ AVRO 100 6 Bombardier Q400 10 Bombardier Dash 8-100 5 Total 32 32 * under redelivery process Headcount AEGEAN 2,500 Olympic Air 1,300 Olympic Handling 2,000 Olympic Engineering 50 Total 2,500 Total 3,350 Routes Domestic Network International Network
AEGEAN 24 26
OLYMPIC AIR 41 15
Alliances: Aegean has been accepted and is in the process of joining Star Alliance by June 2010.
“The prevailing conditions in the Greek economy as well as in the aviation sector dictate the combination of forces in order to maintain competitive customer prices, protect levels of employment and increase our competitiveness at a European level. The merger of Olympic with Aegean serves all of those objectives and at the same time preserves and strengthens the Olympic brand name, an inherent piece of our national tradition making all Greeks very proud.” n
Easyjet Increases Number of its Routes to Turkey The EasyJet, one of Europe’s airline companies offering its passengers cheap flights, increased number of its destinations in Turkey to eight. The EasyJet Airlines said in a statement that it would commence direct flights between London’s Gatwick Airport
and Antalya International Airport on May 30, 2010. The Gatwick-Antalya flights will take place three times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Seats are on sale from January 21 which fares from 38.99 euro. The other routes of the EasyJet to Turkey are London Gatwick-Istanbul, London Luton-Istanbul, London StanstedBodrum, London Stansted-Dalaman, Bristol-Bodrum, Liverpool-Bodrum and Basel-Istanbul. Established in 1995, the EasyJet is a British airline company operating domestic and international scheduled Dubai based carrier, Emirates announced special services on nearly 500 routes between prices to today’s one of the most popular holiday 104 European and North African and honeymoon destinations; Seychelles. airports. The airline primarily offers If you would like to enjoy a silent, stress free holiday low cost point to point services but at Seychelles which is formed by 115 tropical sometimes operates full service charter paradise islands, you can visit here by special fares flights on behalf of other companies. of Emirates between 15 February and 30 May. The company served more than 46 Emirates offers round-trip economy class ticket to Seychelles for only million passengers last year. n 448 euro.
Special fare to Seychelles from Emirates
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Focus On AIRLINES
Malaysia Airlines Returns to Profitability reduction in operating costs mainly due to the decrease in fuel prices and a rebound in cargo business which saw MASkargo’s revenue increasing 7% to RM414 million. The balance sheet remains healthy with cash and negotiable deposits of some RM2.95 billion as at 31 December 2009. On an annual basis, MAS reported a net profit of RM490 million for FY2009 compared to RM244 million net profit a year earlier. This was primarily attributed to derivative mark-to-market on fuel gains of RM1.15 billion. According to the International Air Transport Association, intraAsia Pacific travel had eclipsed the number of travelers in North America to become the world’s largest aviation market. Asia Pacific’s travelers numbered 647 million compared to the 638 million who travelled within North America. By 2013, an additional 217 million travelers are expected to take to the skies within Asia Pacific. MAS’s new fleet will comprise up to 17 ATR72-500, 55 B737-800, 25 A330-300 and 6 A380s. The national carrier will start receiving its new aircraft this year, with the delivery of 3 B737-800s. By 2015, all the aircraft ordered will be in, and MAS expects to have one of the youngest, most fuel efficient and The increase in traffic is attributable to aggressive domestic and environmentally friendly fleets in Asia. global sales campaigns, competitive pricing coupled with the seasonal peak travel period. The result: the number of passengers The A380 will serve key long haul destinations such as London and Sydney, the A330 medium haul markets, while the B737carried in Q409 was 3.4 million, the highest since Q108, boosting the load factor to 76.5% compared to 65.3% in Q408. 800 will be used to strengthen the domestic and regional routes.n Two other contributing factors were a RM500 million or 13% Malaysia Airlines returned to profitability for its fourth quarter ending 31 December 2009, posting a net profit of RM610 million, rebounding from RM300 million net loss in Q309 and an improvement over its RM46 million net profit in Q408. The national carrier reported a small operating profit of RM3.8 million for the quarter under review with its traffic increasing 12%, outperforming the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines’ (AAPA) 17 member airlines’ growth of 4%.
Etihad Secures Additional Flights to Australia
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has secured seven additional weekly flight frequencies from its Abu Dhabi home-base to Australia. The additional flights were awarded following bilateral negotiations between the UAE and Australian Government in Canberra this week. The seven flights can be operated to any gateway in Australia which includes Etihad’s current destinations of Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. A further seven weekly flights have been granted to Etihad on the condition that the operation also flies via or onto a regional airport.
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James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive officer, said: “The announcement that Etihad Airways has been granted up to 14 additional flights each week is an indication of the airline’s deepening bond with Australia. “We are committed to this important market and look forward to carrying greater numbers of business and leisure travellers from destinations across Etihad’s expanding network to Australia.” Etihad currently flies 21 times a week between Abu Dhabi and Australia. This includes 11 flights to Sydney, seven to Melbourne and three to Brisbane. The new flight slots will available from March 2011. Following the announcement of the new agreement, Etihad has access to a total of 42 flights a week in to Australia, 35 direct to gateways and seven via or onto regional hubs. Since launching its first flights to Sydney in 2007 Etihad has carried 787,000 passengers to and from Australia. Etihad currently employs more than 80 members of staff in three cities in Australia and maintains seven premises, including a dedicated aircraft maintenance facility at Sydney International Airport. Its partnership with Australia also includes many community initiatives that include substantial sponsorship and in-kind support of sporting, cultural, community and charitable organisations. The airline also secured in 2009 a five-year naming rights deal for the 55,000 seater docklands stadium in Melbourne which is now recognised across the world as the Etihad Stadium. Mr Hogan added: “Etihad’s presence in Australia continues to grow considerably. We are proud to have made significant investments in our work force and infrastructure in Australia as well as build strong ties with airports, airlines, tourism industry bodies and state governments.” n
Focus On AIRLINES
World’s Best Airports in 2009 ACI World announced the top performing airports in 2009. The 2009 World’s Best Airports are listed below. The annual ACI Airport Service Quality (ASQ) passenger survey, as a leading industry benchmarking tool, is designed to help participating airports to measure their improvement year on year, as well as to benchmark against their peers worldwide, within their region and in the same size category. A reliable monitor of airport service, ASQ is used by many airports as one of the key performance indicators of the airport’s service. BEST AIRPORTS WORLDWIDE 1) Incheon (ICN) 4) Beijing (PEK) 2) Singapore (SIN) 5) Hyderabad (HYD) 3) Hong Kong (HKG) BEST IMPROVEMENT AWARD BY REGION Africa: Cairo (CAI) Asia Pacific: New Delhi (DEL) Europe: Ponta Delgada (PDL) Latin America-Caribbean: Cancun (CUN) Middle East: Abu Dhabi (AUH) North America: Cleveland (CLE) BEST AIRPORT BY REGION Africa
Asia-Pacific
1) George (GRJ) 2) Johannesburg (JNB) 3) Cairo (CAI) 4) Port Elizabeth (PLZ) 5) Durban (DUR) Europe
1) Incheon (ICN) 2) Singapore (SIN) 3) Hong Kong (HKG) 4) Beijing (PEK) 5) Hyderabad (HYD) Middle East
1) Keflavik (KEF) 2) Zurich (ZRH) 3) Porto (OPO) 4) Malta (MLA) 5) Southampton (SOU) Latin America & Caribbean
1) Tel Aviv (TLV) 2) Dubai (DXB) 3) Abu Dhabi (AUH) 4) Doha (DOH) 5) Muscat (MCT) North America
1) Cancun (CUN) 2) Guayaquil (GYE) 3) Barbados(BGI) 4) Mexico City (MEX) 5) Montego Bay (MBJ
1) Austin (AUS) 2) Halifax (YHZ) 3) Ottawa (YOW) 4) Jacksonville (JAX) 5) Portland (PWM)
BEST AIRPORT BY SIZE OF AIRPORT fewer than 5 million passengers 5 - 15 million passengers 1) Halifax (YHZ) 2) Ottawa (YOW) 3) Portland (PDX) 4) Guayaquil (GYE) 5) Jackson (JAN)
1) Hyderabad (HYD) 2) Austin (AUS) 3) Cancun (CUN) 4) Nagoya (NGO) 5) Jacksonville (JAX)
15 - 25 million passengers
25 - 40 million passengers
1) Baltimore/Washington (BWI) 2) Taipei (TPE) 3) Shenzhen (SZX) 4) New Delhi (DEL) 5) Salt Lake City (SLC)
1) Incheon (ICN) 2) Singapore (SIN) 3) Tokyo Narita (NRT) 4) Kuala Lumpur (KUL) 5) Shanghai Pudong (PVG)
Qatar Airways Expands South East Asia Operations Qatar Airways has begun a major expansion of its online operations in South East Asia including boosting frequencies and upgrading aircraft equipment deployed to
the region. The recent addition of four frequencies a week to the airline’s daily services from Kuala Lumpur to Doha takes the total to 11 flights a week, while Bali has moved to a daily operation via Singapore, up from four weekly flights previously served through Kuala Lumpur. The airline’s flights from Jakarta to Doha have been de-linked from Singapore and the airline now operates a dedicated non-stop service between the Indonesian and Qatari capital cities. Flights from Singapore, Bali and selected services from Kuala Lumpur have been upgraded to aircraft from the airline’s growing Boeing 777 fleet. Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777s feature 42 horizontal flat-bed seats in Business Class and up to 293 seats in Economy Class. Qatar Airways’ South East Asian expansion comes following Qatar Airways’ announcement that it will add five new routes to its network in the first half of 2010 in what is shaping up to being one of the airline’s busiest years yet.
Speaking at the Singapore Air Show, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “Qatar Airways strategy is to expand its international network to key global destinations, served through our operational hub in Doha, while enhancing our existing services with more frequency and more capacity. “The airline recognises the growth potential in the Far East and we are confident of making further inroads into the market by growing these existing operations. “We endeavour to operate a young fleet of aircraft where safety and service is paramount. With an average aircraft age of three years, we offer our passengers a higher quality product than our competitors,” he added. Qatar Airways Senior Vice President East Asia & South West Pacific Marwan Koleilat said Asia remained a key growth market. “We are excited to be able to start 2010 in South East Asia with such a positive message for the travelling public. We are already receiving an excellent response in terms of forward bookings and are confident that the potential for further growth exists in the region,” said Koleilat. Qatar Airways’ 2010 expansion in the Far East will also see the airline launch daily services to Tokyo, as well as boost its Korean operations, introducing a non-stop direct flight between Seoul and Doha, as well as equipment upgrades on other routes. The Doha-based carrier plans to launch Bengaluru (Bangalore), Ankara, Tokyo, Copenhagen and Barcelona between February and June, which will bring the airline’s route network to 90 destinations. Sydney is also likely to join the airline’s network in 2010. Qatar Airways operates 14 Boeing 777 aircraft - the first of which joined the fleet in November 2007 - with another 18 Boeing 777s on order. In total, the airline has orders for more than 220 brand new aircraft worth over US$40 billion. The airline’s Boeing 777 fleet features Audio Video on Demand in every seat, and over 900 entertainment channels making up the Oryx Entertainment Multiplex In The Sky in-flight entertainment system. n
over 40 million 1) Hong Kong (HKG) 2) Beijing (PEK) 3) Denver (DEN) 4) Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) 5) Houston George Bush (IAH)
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Destinasyon BRUNEI
ve bir ATF Eco Turizm ÜlkesiBrunei
A
sya’nın en önemli turizm etkinliği tartışmasız Asya Turizm Forumu –ATF bu yıl 24-29 Ocak tarihleri arasında Brunei Krallığında gerçekleşti. Her yıl farklı bir Asya ülkesinde gerçekleşen bu turizm etkinliğinin önemi tüm Asya ülkelerinin Turizm Bakanlarının da katılmasından kaynaklanıyor ve bu ülkelerce büyük ilgiyle takip ediliyor. Asya ülkeleri etkinlik öncesi turizm bakanları düzeyinde çeşitli işbirliği anlaşmaları imzalıyorlar ve birbirleri ile olan turizm hareketini yukarılara taşıyorlar. Ardından ev sahibi ülkenin tüm Dünyadan davet ettiği
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‘’Hosted Buyer’’(Davetli Alıcı )ların da katıldığı fuar alanında satıcılar ile turizm ticareti gerçekleşiyor. Bu yıl da tüm Dünyadan davet edilen 370 alıcı yine tüm Dünyadan davetli 167 turizm yazarı ve gazetecisi ile ATF salonlarını doldurdu. 3 gün boyunca alıcılar standları ile fuar bölümünde yer alan 300 Asya’lı otelci, acentacı ve havayolu temsilcileri karşılıklı yüz yüze iş toplantılarına katılırken, medya mensubları da basın toplantısı ve röportajlar ile Asya ülkelerindeki yenilik ve gelişmeleri takip ettiler.
Destinasyon BRUNEI Ülkemizden de 2 turizmcimiz ile birlikte 2 medya mensubu olarak ATF de yer aldık. Asya ülkelerinin ATF de açıklanan son rakamlarına göre kısa notlarımız şöyle; Brunei Krallığının turizme bakışı ilginç. Gelirinin %90 nına yakın bölümü petrolden gelmesi nedeniyle Brunei turizmi adeta zevk için yapıyor. Ülkeye gelen turist sayısı 250 bin. Çok sıkı bir vize politikaları var.Turizm Bakanları ‘’ pencereyi çok açmayız, yoksa temiz hava ile kirli hava ve mikroplar da girer!.Bunu istemiyoruz’’ diyor. Eco turizm ülkede çok önemseniyor.
Kamboçya, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma) ve Malezya Asya’ nın parlayan yıldızları. Dünya bu ülkeleri yeni yeni keşfederken, krize rağmen bu ülkelerin gelen turist sayıları artıyor, özellikle yabancı turizm yatırımları çoğalıyor ve havayolları bu ülkelerde yeni destinasyonalara uçuşlar yapıyor. Brunei Krallığını da kısaca özetlersek; Büyük bölümü Endonezya toprakları olan Borneo adasının kuzeyinde 5.765 km2 lik alanda yaşayan yaklaşık 400 bin kişilik küçük bir ülke. Ama kişi başı gelirleri 33.2bin Amerikan Doları. Kralının Dünyaca ünlü zenginliği gibi halkı da çok zengin, mutlu, rahat ve sakin bir şekilde yaşıyor. Her aileye üç araba düşüyor. Benzinin lt.si 40krş.Tüm ülkedeki taksi sayısı sadece 50.Zira ihtiyaç yok. Ülkeye giriş yabancılar için çok zor.Vize kuralları katı.Biz özel davetli vizesi ile girebildik.Ülkemizde elçiliği yok.
Halkın %70 i Malay ve Müslüman, %13 Budist , %10 Hristiyan ve gerisi çeşitli inançlarda. Çinliler %15 ile diğer büyük etnik grubu oluşturuyor. Ülkede şeriat yasaları hakim ama inançlara saygı büyük. Kimse kimsenin inancına karışmıyor. Zenginlik ülkeye daha ilk girişte görülüyor. Her yer pırıl pırıl,yollar, yapılar ve çevre inanılmaz düzenli ve temiz. Gelir vergisi yok. KDV %5. Yaşam ucuz. Halkı kazıklamak yok. Asayiş berkemal. Hırsızlık, sahtekarlık, çalma çırpma, ihaleye fesat karıştırma, şurdan buradan avanta komisyon alma, aylık bağlatma, yandaş kayırma, halkı her fırsatta dolandırma, faturaya kafadan zam koyma, gece klubü, bar, seks, içki ,,gibi bizim günlük yaşantımızın vazgeçilmezleri burada hiç yok. Cezası ağır. Hal böyle olunca ülkede bir sakinlik var.
Halk mutlu, krallarını çok seviyor. Yaşantılarında yukarıdaki eksikliklere rağmen güven içinde, kimse kimseye karışmıyor. Herkes kurallar içinde istediği gibi yaşıyor. Saçını örten de var kapatanda. Güzel tesislerindeki havuzlara bikinisiyle giren de var, haşeması ile de. Hiçbir yerde içki satışı yok ama ülkeye girişte 2 şişe içki getirip evlerinde içebiliyorlar. Seyahatlerinde özgürler. Ülke dışına çıkmak zor değil. En çok 1 saatte sınıra ve komşu ülkeye geçebiliyorsun. Tüm bunları görünce de insanın kafası karışıyor. Ülkemizin heyecanlı yaşamı mı yoksa Brunei’nin sakinliği mi? Sonuçta ATF ile beraber bir değişik ülkeyi daha da tanıdık. Gelecek yıl ATF 15-21 Ocak 2011 tarihlerinde Kamboçya’nın Phnom Penh şehrinde gerçekleşecek
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Destinasyon SABAH ve KOTA KINABALU
Sabahve Kota Kinabalu
B
runei’de düzenlenen Asya Turizm Forumunun sonrasında Malezya’nın Sabah bölgesine tekrar gittik. 1995 yılında Kuala Lumpur’da düzenlenen PATA Travel Mart’ın ardından 3 günlüğüne düzenlenen post tur’da çok kısa kaldığımız Sabah doğrusu aklımızda yer etmiş ve tamamını görememiştik. Brunei’nin doğu sınırı olan Malezya’nın Borneo adasındaki topraklarında yer alan Sabah eyaleti tıpkı Brunei ve yine bir Malezya toprağı olan batıdaki Sarawak eyaleti gibi yeşillikler içinde bir eko turizm cenneti.
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Sabah eyaletinin başkenti olan Kota Kinabalu da Budist tapınağı, Sabah müzesi, Tanjung Aru kumsalı ve Sabah Foundation Binası gezilecek yerlerin başında geliyor. Mercan Adası tüm gününüzü geçirebileceğiniz bembeyaz kumsal, mükemmel berrak su ve mercan kayalıklarında scuba diving yapabileceğiniz tropik bir ada. Padas nehrinde yapılacak olan rafting maceraperestlerin kaçırmaması gereken tehlikeli ama ayni zamanda nefes kesen, eğlenceli bir deneyim, bir alternatif.
Destinasyon SABAH ve KOTA KINABALU
Ve özellikle Orangaton ve maymunlar şehrin sembolleri. Tabii çok sayıda doğal parkta bu sevimli hayvanlar ile birlikte yılanlar, timsahlar ve inanılmaz çeşitleri olan bitki örtüsü Sabah’ın turizm karekterini oluşturuyor. Bu yüzden Sabaha gelen turistlerin de neredeyse tamamı macera ve eko turizm sevdalıları. Kota Kinabalu aynı zamanda masajlarıyla ünlü. Tropik bitkilerden elde edilen yağlar ile yapılan masajlar çok ünlü ve çok ucuz. Çok sayıdaki modern AVM den tüm ünlü markalar ile Türkiye’den çok ucuza ve hatta başkent Kuala Lumpur’dan da elverişli fiyatlarda istediğiniz ürünü satın almanız mümkün. Yeme içme inanılmaz ucuz. Deniz ürünleri neredeyse para değil. Şehir merkezi yakınında deniz üstlerindeki ‘’şalet’’ denilen evlerden oluşan balıkçı köyleri ilginç. Şehirde her bütçeye uygun çok sayıda otel var. Ayrıca yakın köylerde macera ve eko turizm için gelenlere de yönelik otel, tatil köyü ve yerleşim yerleri mevcut. Ancak şehrin bir oteli var ki deyim yerindeyse kendi içinde bir turizm destinasyonu. Sutera Harbour Resort içinde Marinası, 30 dakika uzaklıktaki adası, 2 saat uzaklıkta 5.000 metreyi aşan dağ köyü ve tesisleri, 27 delikli golf sahası ve country club’ü ile şehir içinde bir şehir.
4 ve 5 yıldızlı toplam 1.000 odaya ulaşan merkez otellerin yanı sıra adada ve dağdaki tesislerinde de konaklama imkanı mevcut. Balıkçılık ve deniz tutkunları tam teşekküllü Marina ve yat limanından istifade ederken, ada da balayı çiftleri romantik tatil geçirebiliyor, yürüyüş ve tırmanma tutkunları 5.000 metreye ulaşarak adrenalinlerini yükseltebiliyorlar. Sadece ana tesislerde 20 ye yakın restoran ve bar, toplantı merkezleri, bowling ve sinema salonları ve eğlence yerleri grubun diğer mekanları. Sutera grubu neredeyse bir turistin bir destinasyonda arayacağı tüm aktiviteleri bünyesinde toplamış. Singapurlu bir işadamın ait olan grubun Pasifik adalarında da yeni yatırımlara gireceğini de öğrendik. Sonuç olarak Sabah tabiatı sevenlerin destinasyonu. İklim harika. Tabiat harika.Yemyeşil ve rengarenk bitki ve çiçek örtüsü ile bu tür turizmi sevenlerin görmeleri gerekli bir tatil yeri. Kuala Lumpur’a uçakla 2 saat uzaklıkta. Uçak fiyatı da kişi başı 50-60 USD kadar. THY nın her ne hikmetse uçmadığı ama Turizm Bakanlığımızın şaka gibi uygulaması ile bölge merkezi olan ( Malezya, Tayland ve Singapur bölge olarak Kuala Lumpur’dan idare ediliyor!!! ) Malezya’nın başkenti Kuala Lumpur’a yeniden başlatılan Malezya Havayolları ile uygun fiyata uçabilirsiniz.
Sutera Harbour Resort’un dağ evleri maceraperest ve doğa severlerin konforuna ayrılmış ‘’lodge’’lar ile hizmet veriyor. Her türlü konfora sahip evler stüdyo, 2-3 ve 4 odalı olarak aile ve arkadaş grubları için de ideal konaklama mekanları.
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‘’All Inclusive’’ Her şey dahil yerine Sutera Harbour Resort için ‘’All In’’ Her şey içinde deyimi belik de yeni bir turizm deyimi olarak turizm literatürüne girebilir. Dağı, Marinası ve adası, golf course’lari hepsi bir tek tesis bünyesinde. Sutera Harbour Resort Marina herkese açık. Tıpkı Sutera Harbour
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Resort adası gibi. Scuba Diving’den balıkçılığa adada balayı ve tatil geçirmek isteyenlere göre hazırlanmış tıpkı dağ evlerindeki gibi oda sayıları değişik ‘’Chalet lodge’’lar, restoranlar , barlar ve kafeler adanın eğlence mekanlarını oluşturuken uzun süreli konaklamalara da olanak tanıyor.
Destinasyon SABAH ve KOTA KINABALU
Kota Kinabalu da Budist tapınağı, Sabah müzesi, Tanjung Aru kumsalı ve Sabah Foundation Binası gezilecek yerlerin başında geliyor ama Sabah’ın asıl karekteristik özelliği ‘’jungle’’lar, ve yağmur ormanları. Tropik yağmurlar ve su üstü evlerde konkalayanların yaşam biçimleri geleneksel.
Yeşilin her tonu arasında vadileri birer birer ip köprüler üzerinden geçerek ve elbette adrenalinizi yükselterek aşıyorsunuz.Dünya mirasi içinde kabul edilerek korunan parklar, bitki örtüsünün zenginliği ve hayvan çeşitliliği Sabah’ı Geo turizmin öncü destinasyonu olarak turizm coğrafyasına sokmuş.
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Focus On BÜLTEN
Denizbank – TAYK 2009 Trofesi Disk Atan Atlet Türkiye’de “The British Museum” koleksiyonunda bulunan ve Roma döneminin en tanınmış eserlerinden biri olan “Disk Atan Atlet (Townley Discobolus)” heykeli İstanbul Arkeoloji Müzeleri’nde sergilenmeye başladı. “Disk Atan Atlet”, T.C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı Kültür Varlıkları ve Müzeler Genel Müdürlüğü ile İstanbul Arkeoloji Müzeleri’nin The British Museum ile ortaklaşa yürüttüğü çalışmalar ve TÜRSAB - Türkiye Seyahat Acentaları Birliği’nin ana sponsorluğunda İstanbul’a getirildi. Arkeoloji dünyasında büyük ilgi gören eser, 04 Nisan 2010 tarihine kadar İstanbul Arkeoloji Müzeleri Klasik Bina’da ziyaretçileri ile buluşacak. n
AiRep’ten Öğrencilere Trenle Avrupa Fırsatı Airep Rail Europe tren sistemi ile Avrupa’da 40,000’in üzerinde noktaya seyahat olanağı sunuyor. Özellikle öğrenciler için ve Avrupa’yı trenle keşfetmek isteyen herkes için InterRail ve Eurail Global Pass’ları da AiRep ofisinden satın alınabiliyor. Eurail Global Pass, Avrupa içinde seyahat etmenin ve Avrupa şehirlerini keşfetmek mümkün.Özel programları ile 21 ülke içinde sınırsız yolculuk etme fırsatı bulunabiliyor. n
Türk denizciliğine finansal destek sağlayan kuruluşların başında gelen DenizBank, sahip olduğu sosyal sorumluluk anlayışı çerçevesinde Türkiye Açıkdeniz Yarış Kulübü (TAYK) ile kurduğu iş ortaklığıyla, Türkiye’de yelken sporunun gelişimine destek vermeye devam ediyor. Bu işbirliği kapsamında ikincisi düzenlenecek olan DenizBank - TAYK 2009 Trofesi Ödül töreni Fenerbahçe Faruk Ilgaz tesislerinde gerçekleşti. n
V. Lisansüstü Turizm Öğrencileri Araştırma Kongresi 26-30 Mayıs 2010 Nevşehir Türkiye’de turizm ve ilişkili olduğu bilim dalı ve alanlarında lisansüstü çalışma yapan öğrencilerin akademik gelişmelerine katkıda bulunmak, aralarındaki iletişim/ etkileşimi geliştirmek ve turizmin disiplinler arası bir yaklaşımla incelenmesinin yaygınlaşmasına destek olmak amacıyla düzenlenen Kongre’nin beşincisi, 26-30 Mayıs 2010 tarihlerinde Nevşehir de gerçekleşiyor. V. Lisansüstü Turizm Öğrencileri Araştırma Kongresi’ne turizmin işletmecilik, ekonomik, coğrafik, sosyolojik, psikolojik, çevresel, siyasal, dinsel, hukuksal, rekreasyonel ve mimari boyutlarının yanı sıra sağlık, gıda mühendisliği, eğitim, antropoloji, beslenme, peyzaj mimarlığı, iletişim, planlama ve diğer akademik çalışma dallarının kapsamına giren ve turizmi de ilgilendiren konularda hazırlanmış tez çalışmaları ve araştırmalar gönderilebiliyor.Kongrenin iki ayrı bölümü olan 1) Lisansüstü tezler bölümü, 2) Serbest bildiriler bölümüne ayrıca de bildiri göndermek mümkün. Bilgi için: www.anatoliajournal.com/kongre n
Barceló Ankara Altınel Açılıyor Türkiye’ deki yeni projemiz Barceló Ankara Altınel, 01 Mart 2010 tarihinden itibaren 172 odası ve suitleri, sağlık kulübü, restoranı, cafe ve barı, açık-kapalı otoparkı, ücretsiz interneti ve toplantı salonları ile seçkin konuklarını ağırlamaya başlayıyor. Yeşillikler içinde sakin bir atmosfere sahip olan Barceló Ankara Altınel, iş ve tatil amaçlı seyahat eden misafirlerine Barceló standartları ile hizmet verecek. Başkentin merkezinde, Anıtkabir’in hemen yanında, metro istasyonuna, gara, alışveriş merkezlerine ve resmi kurumlara yürüme mesafesinde olan Barceló Ankara Altınel;ayrıca Atatürk Kültür Merkezi, Ankara Kalesi, Etnografya Müzesi, Anadolu Medeniyetleri Müzesi gibi tarih ve kültür merkezlerine yakınlığı ile öne çıkıyor. n
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NewFocus March/ April’2010
Focus On BÜLTEN
WOW Istanbul’da Hijyen Kalkanı Türkiye’de ilk kez WOW Istanbul Hotels & Convention Center, bakteri ve mikroplara karşı en etkin yöntem olan BioShield uygulaması ile misafirlerini koruyor. Amerikan Tarım Bakanlığı ve Amerikan Çevre Koruma Ajansı onaylı BioShield yüzey koruyucusu; bakteri, mantar ve mikroplara karşı nano teknolojik kalkanlar oluşturarak, 90 gün boyunca mikrop ve bakterilerin çoğalmasını ve barınmasını engelliyor. Tesisin Sağlık Kulüpleri, odalar ve mutfaklar gibi alanlarında hijyen, misafir ve çalışanların sağlığı için tercih edilen “Anti-Bakteriyel Yüzey Koruyucu” yöntemi; H1N1 virüsünün de dahil olduğu İnfuenza virüsleri, Lejyoner hastalığı, birçok Salmonella tipi, siyah küf, ayak mantarı, deri enfeksiyonları gibi çok farklı bakteri ve virüse karşı koruyucu özellik taşıyor. Çağımızın en büyük sıkıntılarından biri olan alerjilerin sebeplerinin başında gelen toz akarlarının da oluşumunu engelleyen BioShield, ortamda oluşan ya da çeşitli yolla taşınan bakterilerin yüzeye tutunmasını ve üremesini önlüyor. ABD’de önemli hastane, spor kulüpleri ve gıda üretim alanlarında kullanılan ürünler, klasik dezenfektanlardan farklı olarak bakteri ve mikropların çoğalma ve yayılmalarını önlemede uzun süreli etkili oluyor. WOW Istanbul Hotels & Convention Center Genel Koordinatörü Ziya Cihan, “Özellikle son dönemde yaşanan grip salgınları seyahat eden kişilerin ne kadar risk altında olduğunu
“Mehmet Kemal Dedeman Araştırma ve Geliştirme Proje Yarışması” Ödülleri Verildi Dedeman Topluluğu’nun kurucusu Mehmet Kemal Dedeman’ın anısını yaşatmak üzere geleneksel olarak düzenlenen “Mehmet Kemal Dedeman Araştırma ve Geliştirme Proje Yarışması’nın bu sene 6’ncısı düzenlendi. Türkiye’deki madencilik ve turizm sektörlerini ortak bir platformda buluşturarak yapıcı bir rekabet ortamı yaratan ve bu alanın gelişimine katkıda bulunmak amacıyla yapılan yarışma sonucunda dereceye giren projelerin ödülleri sahiplerini buldu. Turizm dalında birinci olan projenin ödülü ise T. C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanı Ertuğrul Günay tarafından takdim edildi. 12 Şubat Cuma günü Dedeman İstanbul’da gerçekleşen ödül töreninde yarışmacıların yanı sıra sektörün çok değerli isimleri de katıldılar. Yarışmanın 2009 yılı için Madencilik dalındaki konu başlığı “Türk Madenciliğini Geliştirmeye Yönelik Araştırma ve Projeler”, Turizm dalındaki konu başlığı ise “Türkiye’de Mevcut İkinci Konutların Turizme Kazandırılması” olarak belirlenmişti . Madencilik dalında birinci seçilen proje sahibine ödülünü Dedeman Holding Yönetim Kurulu Başkanı Murat Dedeman sunarken turizm dalında birinci seçilen projenin ödüllünü ise T. C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanı Ertuğrul Günay tarafından takdim edildi.
gösterdi. Klasik temizlik ürün ve yöntemlerine ilave olarak kullanılan bu uygulama ile; spor yapan, odalarımızda konaklayan ve restoranlarımızda yemek yiyen tüm misafirlerimiz hijyen ve sağlık açısından güven içinde olacaklar” dedi. n Ayrıca birinci seçilen proje sahiplerine 20 bin TL’lik ödülleri de verildi. Törende 7. Mehmet Kemal Dedeman Araştırma ve Geliştirme Proje Yarışması’nın konu başlıkları da açıklandı. Buna göre 2010 yılı yarışma konuları “Madencilik” dalında “Türk Madenciliğini Geliştirmeye Yönelik Araştırma ve Projeler”, “Turizm” dalında ise “Turizm Destinasyon Yönetimine Yönelik Araştırma ve Projeler” olarak belirlendi. Bu yıl, “Türkiye Huntit Cevherleri ve Zenginleştirme Olanakları” projesiyle M. Olgaç Kangal, Ali Güney, Fırat Burat ve Ozan Kökkılıç birincilik ödülünü almaya hak kazandılar. “Kolemanit Katkılı Demir Cevheri Peleti Üretilmesi” projesiyle Osman Sivrikaya ve Ali İhsan Arol ekibi madencilik dalında ikincilik ödülünün sahibi oldular. Üçüncülük ödülü ise “İnce ve İri Boyutlu Kömürü Aynı Anda Yıkayabilen Yeni Bir Kömür Yıkama Cihazının (ÇMS’nin) Geliştirilmesi” projesiyle Hasan Hacıfazlıoğlu’na verildi. “Yerli Kaynağımız Olan Linyit’ten Manyetik Aktif Karbon Üretmesi ve Altın Metalurjisinde ve Atık Sulardan Siyanürün Uzaklaştırılmasında Kullanabilirliğinin Araştırılması” projesiyle Tolga Depci ve Yunus Önal “Mehmet Kemal Dedeman Özel Teşvik Ödülü”nü aldı. Turizm dalında birincilik ödülünü “Türkiye’deki Mevcut İkinci Konutların Turizm Sektöründe Değerlendirilmesine İlişkin Bir Model Çalışması” projesiyle Kunter Manisa ve Hasan Gül kazandı. Bu dalda ikincilik ödülü ise “Mersin Ticaret ve Sanayi Odası: Mevcut İkinci Konutların Turizme Kazandırılması” projesiyle Serkan Arıc’ya verildi.“Türkiye’de İkinci Konutların Turizme Kazandırılması ve Ayvalık’ta İkinci Konutlar (Sahip ve Kullanıcılar) Üzerinde Yapılan Araştırma Işığında Uygulanabilir Bir Model Önerisi” projesiyle Ayhan Gökdeniz, Yakup Dinç, Soner Çabuk, Hayri Taşkır ve Özlem Yolcu ekibi turizm dalında üçüncülük ödülünü lâyık görüldüler. “Türkiye’de İkinci Konutların Turizm İşletmesine Dönüştürülmesi Modeli ve Yeni Bir İkinci Konut Pazarlama Sistemi” projesiyle Çetin Uçar “Mehmet Kemal Dedeman Özel Teşvik Ödülü”nü aldı. n NewFocus March/ April’2010
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Focus On BÜLTEN
Uluslararası Turizm Karikatürleri Yarışması Sonuçlandı
1. Uluslararası Turizm Karikatürleri yarışması sonuçlandı. Yarışmada dereceye girenlere ödüllerini Turizm Bakanı Ertuğrul Günay EMITT’te verdi. Turizm Yazarları ve Gazetecileri Derneği (TUYED), Anatolia Dergisi ve Anadolu Üniversitesi Karikatür Sanatını Araştırma ve Uygulama Merkezi ’nin düzenlediği yarışmaya 50 ülkeden 265 çizer 588 eser ile katıldı. Dokuz kişilik seçici kurulun ödüle değer bulduğu eserlerin sahiplerine ödülleri, EMİTT Fuarı’nda Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı standında Bakan Ertuğrul Günay tarafından verildi. Yarışmaya gönderilen eserleri değerlendiren seçici kurul Cemalettin Güzeloğlu’nun karikatürünü birinci, Ukrayna’dan Oleg Goutsol’un karikatürünü ikinci ve Makedonya’dan Jordan Pop-lliev’in karikatürünü de üçüncü olarak belirledi. n
‘’Erken Rezervasyon Kampanyası’’ Başladı ‘’Türkiye’nin tatil olanaklarından, arkeolojik zenginliklerinden bizim insanımız da faydalanmalıdır.’’ diyen Turizm bakanı Ertuğrul Günay, ‘’ Sosyal turizm sürdürdüğümüz turizm politikasının önemli temel ilkelerinden bir tanesidir.” Mayıs ayı sonuna kadar sürecek kampanya kapsamında erken rezervasyon yaptıran vatandaşlar yüzde 35 ile 40 arasında indirim imkanından yararlanacaklar. İç turizmi canlandırmayı ve vatandaşlara avantajlı ödeme imkanı amaçlayan, ülkeye gelen yabancı turistlerin daha uygun ödeme koşullarıyla seyahat ettiklerine dair yaygın algıyı değiştirmeyi hedefleyen ‘’Erken Rezervasyon Kampanyası’’, ‘’Tatil Herkesin Hakkı’’ ve ‘’Yerinizi Şimdiden Ayırın’’ sloganlarıyla başladı. Türkiye Seyahat Acentaları Birliği (TÜRSAB) ve Türkiye Otelciler Federasyonu’nun (TÜROFED) öncülük ettiği, çeşitli kurum ve kuruluşların desteklediği kampanya Mayıs ayı sonuna kadar sürecek. n
Pir-i Reis, Göksu Marine Restaurant’da Göksu Marine Restaurant & Cafe’nin, asırlık söğüt, ladin, çam ağaçları ile menekşe, kasımpatı, siklamen gibi rengarenk mevsim çiçekleri içindeki bahçesinin ardından, geçtiğimiz ay, ‘tekneyi’ andıran dekorasyonu ile kapalı mekanı açıldı. Tarihi Göksu Deresi’nin yeniden canlanması için yaz aylarında pazar günleri, İstanbullulara ücretsiz fasıllı sandal sefalarını başlatan Göksu Marine Restaurant & Cafe; Aliağa’daki eski gemilerden topladığı aksesuarlar ile lüks bir gemi konseptini andıran kapalı mekanının kapılarını açtı. Restoranın duvarlarında, Pir-i Reis ve eski deniz haritaları yer alırken, dekorasyonda tarihi gemilerden çıkan antikalar kullanıldı. 3 bölümden oluşan kapalı salon 90 kişi kapasitelidir ve 15 kişilik şömine önü bulunmaktadır. Şömine etrafındaki deri koltuklarda kendinizi, çok özel ve huzurlu bir atmosferde hissedeceksiniz. Göksu Marine Restaurant’ın mönüsünde; Türk ve dünya mutfağından çok özel lezzetler bulunuyor. Mekanın önünde büyük bir iskele olduğu için özel tekneler ile gelmek mümkün. Aynı zamanda, isteyenler, transfer teknesiyle alınabiliyor. n
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NewFocus March/ April’2010
Focus On BÜLTEN
Türkiye’de Bir İlk: Engelli Mehteran Takımı Arnavutköy İlçe Belediyesi Türkiye’de bir ilke imza atıyor. Belediye, geçen yıl faaliyete geçirdiği Arnavutköy Yaşlı ve Engelli Merkezi (AYEM) bünyesinde uzman bir eğitmen gözetiminde engelli mehteran takımı kuruyor. 20 kişilik mehter takımı için elemeler tamamlandı ve en geç 2 ay içinde engelli mehter takımı ilk konserini vermeye hazırlanıyor. Arnavutköy Belediyesi ilçe sınırları içerisinde bulunan yaşlı ve engellilerin sorunlarına yardımcı olmak amacıyla 2009 yılında Arnavutköy Yaşlı ve Engelli Merkezi (AYEM)’ni kurdu. Bugüne kadar engellilerin tüm sorunlarına yönelik birçok çalışmaya imza atan AYEM, Türkiye genelinde bir ilke imza atarak kayıtlı bulunan zihinsel, fiziksel ve süreğen engellilerden oluşan bir mehter takımı kuruyor. Türkiye’de İlçe genelinde ilk ve tek olma özelliğine sahip engelli mehter takım kadrosunun seçmeleri yapıldı. Bir örneği de yalnızca İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi’nde bulunan mehter takımının seçmeleri Kent Orkestrası Mehteran Takımı’nda görevli bir eğitmen tarafından yapıldı. n
Dedeman Gaziantep’te, Meksika Rüzgarı Gaziantep’te bir ilke imza atılarak, Dedeman Gaziantep Hotel & Convention Center ile Meksika Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı’nin ortak çalışmasıyla Meksika Gastronomi ve Kültür Günleri düzenlendi. Dedeman misafirlerine, 19-23 Şubat tarihleri arasında Meksika yerel müzikleri ve kıyafetleriyle gerçekleşen dans gösterileri eşliğinde Rumkale Restaurant’ta unutulmaz dakikalar yaşattı. Farklı kültürleri Dedeman aracılığıyla Gaziantep şehrine tanıtmak için yapılan ‘Meksika Yemekleri ve Kültür Haftası’ etkinliği Dedeman Gaziantep Hotel & Convention Center’da 5 gün sürdü. n
Air Arabia & Sharjah Istanbul’da Workshop Düzenledi UAE nin low cost havayolu olan Air arabia ve Sharjah ticaret ve turizm geliştirme merkezi yetkilileri ile birlikte İstanbul Intrecontinental otelde bir Workshop düzenlediler. Workshop a Sharjah ticaret ve turizm geliştirme merkezi müdürü Muhammed Ali Al Noman, Golden Tulip Sharjah İş Geliştirme direktörü Manna El Eid, Radisson Blue Sharjah satış direktörü Kamal Rijhwani, Sharjah Int.Airport İş Geliştirme direktörü Donald De Souza, Aia Arabia Holidays’den Burak Tulgar ve ev sahibi olarak Air Arabia Türkiye müdürü Nüket Angın katıldılar. Turkiye’den outgoing yapan acenta temsilcileri ile karşılıklı b2b yapılan görüşmelerden sonra Sharjah bölgesi promosyon sunumu izlendi ve temsilciler birlikte öğle yemeği yediler. n
Lufthansa’dan Kuzey Amerika Yolcularına Özel Fiyatlar
Lufthansa Alman Havayolları’nın sunduğu indirim kampanyası sayesinde Kuzey Amerika yolcuları 16 Ocak – 30 Haziran 2010 tarihleri arasında, biletlerini 3 Mart 2010 tarihine kadar satın almak kaydıyla: Atlanta’ya 528.- Euro; Boston ve Chicago’ya 558.- Euro; Denver’e 688.- Euro; Las Vegas’a 718.- Euro; Los Angeles’a 604.- Euro; Orlando’ya 578.- Euro; Mexico City’ye 742.- Euro Miami’ye 530.- Euro; New Orleans’a 663.- Euro; New York’a 506.- Euro; Philadelphia ve San Diego’ya 598.- Euro; Seattle ve San Francisco’ya 653.- Euro; Tampa’ya 664.- Euro; Washington’a 595.- Euro Montreal’e 540.- Euro; Vancouver’a 575.- Euro; Toronto’ya 542.- Euro’dan başlayan fiyatlarla seyahat edebilecekler. Gidiş - dönüş ekonomi sınıfı uçuşlar için geçerli olan fiyatlara tüm vergiler dahil, hizmet bedeli hariçtir. n
NewFocus March/ April’2010
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TUR - Goteburg MAP - Paris MITT - Moscow
• Suat Kantacio¤lu Ankara Radisson SAS as F&B müdürü oldu.
Focus onVeVe UITT -- Kiev Kiev UITT Turizm fuarlar›nda. fuarlar›nda. Turizm KISA...KISA...
•• •• •• •• •• •• ••
Haber ve ve reklamlar›n›z›n reklamlar›n›z›n Haber yay›n› için için son son gün gün 22.fiubat.2008 22.fiubat.2008 yay›n›
Ücretsiz abone abone olun olun Ücretsiz Focus on on Travel Travel News News Art›k Art›k Hergun Hergun Bilgisayar›n›zda Bilgisayar›n›zda Focus www.ftnnews.com www.ftnnews.com
KISA KISA
Yöneticiler • Türk Hava Yolları turizm Yönetim Kurulu üyeliğine Doç. Dr. Turan Erol seçildi. Transorient turizm kurucusu eski Tursab Transorient kurucusu eski Tursab ba kanlarından Ferit Epikmen a abeyimizi kanlarından Ferit Epikmen Antalya a abeyimiziFahri Konsolosu oldu. • AhmetbaBarut Avusturya’nın Kasım ayı ba ında kaybettik. Ailesi ve Kasım ayı ba ında kaybettik. Ailesi ve Turizm sektorümüzün ba › sa olsun. sektorümüzün ba › sa Kongre olsun. • Nurhan Turizm Erdem Tanir Antalya Bürosu (ACB) müdürlüğüne atandı. OTI grub 2008 de 600 bin yabanci turist getirmeyi hedefliyor. OTI grub de 600 bin yabanci turist getirmeyi hedefliyor. • 2008 Bariş Tansever 5.kez TURYID-Türkiye Restoran ve Eğlence merkezleri derneğine başkan seçildi. Tesisler Tesisler Göktan Türkiz Polat• Renaissance ‹stanbul Bal IT Servislerini yeniledi.Otel Kemer genel müdürlüğüne atanırken grup otelleri Polat Renaissance ‹stanbul IT Servislerini yeniledi. Carlton otel arazisi sat›ld›. otelsatış & pazarlama müdürlüğüne Nehir Özdemir getirildi. Carlton arazisi sat›ld›. Bentley otel yeni y›l› özel bir partiyle kutladi. Bentley otel yeni y›l› özel bir partiyle kutladi. Hilton otelleri erken rezervasyonlara özel iskontolar uygulayacak. Hilton erkenTurob rezervasyonlara özelay›nda iskontolar uygulayacak. • otelleri Ebru Gürman Ray, kendisine ait Ray PR şirketini kurdu. Sheraton Istanbul üyelerini Kas›m ag›rlad›. Sheraton Istanbul Turob üyelerini Kas›m ay›nda ag›rlad›. Acentalar Acentalar
• • www.ftnnews.com www.ftnnews.com
Havayollar› Havayollar› Air France France ABD ABD uçufllar›nda uçufllar›nda promosyonlar promosyonlar uyguluyor. uyguluyor. Air Pegasus Airline Airline yeni yeni bir bir Boeing Boeing 737-800 737-800 uu filosuna filosuna katt›. katt›. Pegasus Samsun uçufllar›na uçufllar›na bafllad›. bafllad›. SunExpress ‹zmir ‹zmir -- Samsun SunExpress Pegasus uçak içi promosyonlar› uyguluyor. Pegasus uçak içi promosyonlar› uyguluyor. American Airlines 2008 de ABD uçufllar›nda özel tarifeler uygulayacak. American Airlines 2008 de ABD uçufllar›nda özel tarifeler uygulayacak. Turkish Airlines Airlines Hatay Hatay ucuslari ucuslari basladi. basladi. Turkish British Airways Airways Antalya-London Antalya-London ucufllar›na ucufllar›na bafll›yor. bafll›yor. British
• • • •• •• •• •• Ceylan InterContinental ‹stanbul Brasserie Restaurant da yeni tatlar menuye eklendi. •• Ceylan InterContinental ‹stanbul Brasserie Restaurant da yeni tatlar menuye eklendi. Sarabi Beyo¤lu 9 y›l›n› kutlad›. • Sarabi Beyo¤lu 9 y›l›n› kutlad›.
Tesisler
January/February’08 January/February’08
New Online Travel Gazette Worldd Travel Travel GuiGuiddee && DiDiaary'ry'0099 for Russian Market Worl - Dünyadaki tüm turizm örgütlerinin -Adres, Dünyadaki örgütlerinin tel,fax,tüm webturizm ve e-mail adresleri. Adres, tel,fax, web veilişkileri e-mail adresleri. - Türkiye ile turizm olan - Türkiye ile turizm ilişkileri olan 50 ülkenin tüm turizm bilgileri 50 ülkenin tüm turizm bilgileri - 2009 yılında Dünyada gerçekleşecek - 2009 gerçekleşecek 1000yılında turizmDünyada etkinliğinin tarih ve 1000 başvuru turizm etkinliğinin adresleri…tarih ve www.rustourismnews.com başvuru gibi bilgileriadresleri… bulacağınız gibi bilgileri bulacağınız
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World Travel Guide & Diary’2010 All Information for your Travel Marketing & World Travel Exhibitions Calendar
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FUARLAR Mart 04-07 UTAZAS – Budapeşte 10-14 ITB – Berlin 13-16 ITM -Intourmarket - Moskova 17-20 MITT - Moskova 25-28 TTR - Bükreş 24-26 UITT - Kiev 25-28 TUR – Göteburg Nisan 09-11 Ural TourExpo - Ekaterinburg 14-17 CROTOUR - Zagreb 15-17 LEISURE - Kişinev 15-17 TOURSIB – Novosibirsk 18-20 GTM - Mainz 21-23 KITF - Almata 23-25 CTF - Tibilisi 25-28 TIANGUIS - Acapulco 28-30 AITF - Baku
Fuarlar Fuarlar 04-06 Tourisma - Magdeburg 04-06 Tourisma - Magdeburg 08-13 Vakantiebeurs - Utrecht 08-13 Vakantiebeurs - Utrecht 10-13 GO - Brno 10-13 GO - Brno 10-13 Reiseliv - Oslo 10-13 Reiseliv - Oslo 11-13 Travel Mart - Monte Carlo 11-13 Travel Mart - Monte Carlo 11-20 Boat Show - London 11-20 Boat Show - London 12-20 CMT - Stuttgart 12-20 CMT - Stuttgart
Ocak
• İstanbul 9.Ocak AFM Bağımsız Filmler Festivali, Eresin otellleri 16-20Uluslararası BTL - Lisbon 16-20 BTL - Lisbon
17-20 FerienMesse - Wien sponsorluğunda 17-20 gerçekleşti. FerienMesse - Wien 17-20 MATKA - Helsinki 17-20 MATKA - Helsinki 17-20 ITF - Bratislava • BW The President otel, Tekirdağ’a ‘BW The President Ormanı’ kuruyor. 17-20 ITF - Bratislava 18-20 Vakanz - Luxembourg 18-20 Vakanz -Ataköy Luxembourg hafta sonları Latin Geceleri düzenliyor. • Sheraton İstanbul 18-26 Asean Tourism Forum - Bangkok 18-26 Asean Tourism Forum - Bangkok 30-03 FITUR - Madrid 30-03Bursa FITUR - Madrid • Crowne Plaza oteli 2011’in ekim ayında açılacak. fiubat fiubat15-17 TOUREST - Talinn 01-03 Mahana - Bordeaux • KoruMar otel II. Altın Kep Uluslararası yemek yarışmasında ödülleri 01-03 Mahana - Bordeaux 15-17 TOUREST - Talinn 05-06 IMTM – Telaviv 20-24 Holiday - Sofia –topladı. 05-06 IMTM Telaviv 20-24 Holiday - Sofia 06-10 Reisen - Hamburg 21-24 BIT - Milan 06-10 - Hamburg 21-24 - Milan- Budapest 08-10 Reisen BALTTOUR - Riga 28-02 BIT UTAZAS • İzmir Plaza Sağlık Turizmi konferansı düzenledi. 08-10 - Riga Crowne 28-02 UTAZAS - -Oteli Budapest 12-14 BALTTOUR Confex - London 29-02 VIVATTUR Vilnius 12-14 Confex London 29-02 VIVATTUR - Vilnius 14-17 EMITT -The Istanbul Green Park 29-02 NATAS -SINGAPORE • Pendik Otel & Convention Center nisan ayında 14-17 29-02 NATAS -SINGAPORE 14-17 EMITT Holiday- Istanbul World - Prague 29-02 NYTimes Travel Show-New York 14-17 Holiday World - Prague 29-02 NYTimes Travel Show-New York açılacak. • Magic Life, 20’inci yılını özel kampanyalar ve sezon başında açacakları Türkiye Sarıgerme’deki yeni oteli ile kutlayacak. • Elite World Otelleri üçüncü tesisini Anadolu yakasında yapacak.
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2009 Turizm Pazarlaman›z için 2009 Turizm Pazarlaman›z için
Havayolları • Emirates promosyonu ile Seyşeller Mayıs sonuna dek 448.-Euro. • AnadoluJet, 5 Nisan 2010 tarihine kadar geçerli olacak kampanya ile uçuş tarihinden en az 9 gün öncesine kadar alınan tüm iç hat tek yön biletler her şey dâhil 59 TL.ye satıyor. • easyJet, tüm ucuşlarında yolcularına Starbuck’s kahve içme imkanı sunuyor. • THY Barcelona ve Manchester United takımlarının ardından Yunanistan’ın Maroussi Basketbol Takımı ile de bir buçuk yıllık ana sponsorluk anlaşması yaptı. • Air Berlin Niki Havayolları’nın % 49,9’unu satın aldı. • Corendon Hava Yolları, BNP Banipas işbirliği ile Hollanda’dan gelecek turistlere taksitli tatil yaptırılacak. Acentalar • Majak Turizmin kurduğu turizm hizmet birimi firmalar, seyahat
giderlerinde % 40’a yakın tasarruf sağlıyor.
• Etstur’un organize ettiği “Otelpuan Özel Ödülleri” Suada’da açıklandı. • İç turizmde %20 paya sahip olan Prontotour erken rezervasyon
kampanyası ile 10 bin kişiye ulaşmayı hedeflediyor. Hey Travel Trends, ISO 9001:2008 belgesini aldı. Coral Travel 2010”da İspanya programına başlıyor. TUI Almanya’dan Antalya’ya 2009 da 285.000 turist getirdi. Thomas Cook, 2003”te faaliyetlerine son verdiği Air Marin ile yeniden ucuz ürünler pazarlayacak.
• • • •
New Focus Mayıs/ Haziran 2010 ATM - Dubai * Pow Wow - Orlando * TTM - Bangkok * ITE - Hong Kong * ALTM Luxury - Shanghai * BITE - Beijing Turizm fuarlarında dağıtılacak. Haber ve reklamlarınız için son gün 26.Nisan. 2009
50 NewFocus March/April’2010
TH 20 Year th year 18th 18 yearMarch/April’2010 NO:112 101 May/June’08 May/June’08 no: 101 no:
PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF SAHİBİ VE SORUMLU YAZI İŞLERİ MD. SUAT TÖRE suattore@smpublication.com EDITOR / EDİTOR Sevil ÖREN sevil@smpublication.com PUBLIC RELATION / HALKLA İLİŞKİLER Özge TÖRE ozge@smpublication.com EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD / YAYIN DANIŞMANLARI KURULU Kaya AKBAŞOĞLU kaya@smpublication.com Ali KIRGIZ ali@smpublication.com Fusun TÖRE fusun@smpublication.com Deniz TÜFEKCİ deniz@smpublication.com INT. RELATIONS / ULUSLARARASI İLİŞKİLER Özgür TÖRE ozgur@ftnnews.com PHOTOS / FOTO⁄RAFLAR New Focus Archive ART DIRECTOR / SANAT YONETMENİ Fatih TAHTALI OFFSET PREPARATION / OFSET HAZIRLIK Repronet FILM & PRINTING / FİLM & BASKI Özgür Matbaacılık REPRESENTATIVES / TEMSİLCİLER * ANTALYA: Salih ÇENE
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