MeeTurkey Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine February 2018 by S&M Publication ltd.

February 2018 Year: 24 No:89

Gaziantep Gastronomy South African Tourism promoted at EMITT Istanbul Travel people meet at EMITT-Istanbul Izmir Short Film Festival

Snow Volleyball at mount Erciyes Expo Turkey 2018 in Doha, Qatar Vazelon monastery awaits restoration Turkish health tourism grows

FROM THE EDITOR

February’2018 Year:24 No:89

Travel for Food & Drink

PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF SUAT TÖRE suattore@smpublication.com PUBLISHING EDITOR Özgür TÖRE ozgur@ftnnews.com EDITORS Ömer KOCAMAN omer@smpublication.com Fusun TÖRE fusun@smpublication.com INT. RELATIONS Özge TÖRE ozge@smpublication.com PHOTOS MeeTurkey archive ART DIRECTOR Özgür TÖRE OFFSET PREPARATION Repronet FILM & PRINTING Repronet REPRESENTATIVES ANTALYA: Salih ÇENE salih@salihcene.com When deciding to visit a destination and try its local food, tourists are Tel: 90.242.248 50 35 -36

According to the 2016 Food Travel Monitor, 93% of travelers now seek unique and memorable food and drink experiences. As global tourism is on the rise and competition between destinations increases, unique local and regional intangible cultural heritage has increasingly become the discerning factor for the attraction and amusement of tourists. Gastronomy tourism has emerged as particularly important in this regard, not only because food and drink is central to any tourist experience, but also because the concept of gastronomy tourism has evolved to encompass cultural practices and include in its discourse the ethical and sustainable values of the territory, the landscape, the sea, local history, values and culture heritage. In addition to its economic benefits, gastronomy is a major source of identity and pride for local communities, drawing on an intangible heritage.

searching for an experience that is not solely limited to the taste, but CANADA: Çetin GÜRZ engages all their senses. Every dish has a story and every ingredient maps cetin@smpublication.com the history of a destination. Tel: 1.514.636 6810 In this issue we are presenting the Gaziantep’s gastronomy. Gaziantep is well-known for its long gastronomic history which has been at the core of its cultural identity since the Iron Age. I invite you to a trip to Gaziantep and explore its history, culture and its delicious foods and drinks.

Özgür Töre

CHINA: Mr. LOUK info@tuerqu.nfo Tel: 86.10.656 37 661 Mobile: 86.13.910 881 852 FRANCE: Turgay AKSOY turaks@free.fr Tel: 33.476.87 8.2 20

MeeTurkey Incentive Magazine is quarterly publication GERMANY: Henry WALTZ and has been prepared as S&M Publication Ltd. All info@gecko-promotions.com copyrights are reserved. Tel.: 49. 6172.45 04 86 ALL EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES TO Mobile: 49.173.65 24 368 Tel: 90.216.391 37 95 - Fax: 90.216.391 37 96 ITALY: Ömer SÖZÜER ozge@smpublication.com omer@smpublication.com HEAD OFFICE: S&M PUBLICATION LTD. Tel: 39.2.295 23 382 Muratreis Muradiye Mektep Sokak 13/1 Baglarbasi ITALY: Francesca GATTO 81140 Istanbul-TURKEY f.gatto@verbainedita.it Tel: 90.216.391 37 95 Fax: 90.216.391 3796 Tel:39.3.403 411 296 www.smpublication.com İZMIR: Çetinay AKSOY cetinay@smpublication.com Tel: 90.232.433 9262 Mobile: 90.533.312 20 46

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IN THIS ISSUE 24

Contents

36 38

Newsline Turkey ��6 Inbrief �� 12 Newsline World �� 14 Cover Story �� 24 Meet at Expo �� 34 Meet at Festival �� 35 Meet at Exhibition �� 36 Eat & Meet �� 38 Fame & Game �� 40 Meet at Heritage �� 42 Health & Wealth �� 44 Destinations �� 46 DMCompany �� 50 Advertisement Index

WOW Istanbul ��Inside Front Cover Radisson Blu Hotel Kayseri ��3 The President Hotel ��7 Fez Travel �� 13 ftnNEWS & RusTourismNews �� 19 BW Citadel �� 21 Yeşil Marmaris �� 39 Di-Ar Turizm �� 41 Hotel Izmir Palas �� 43 Akut �� 45 IT&CMasia �� 49 Istanbul Modern �� 51 Fibrobeton �� Back Cover February 2018 | MeeTurkey | 5

NEWSLINE TURKEY Canal Istanbul Project presented to the media Turkish Transportation, Maritime and Communications Ministry organized a press conference on January 15 to announce details of the Canal Istanbul Project. The Canal Istanbul Project is an artificial sea-level waterway parallel to the Bosphorus that is to connect the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. The new waterway, which would bypass the current Bosphorus, aims to minimize shipping traffic in the Istanbul Strait. Transportation, Maritime and Communications Minister Ahmet Arslan said the length of the artificial sea route would total 45 kilometers (28 miles). The route would start from Küçükçekmece Lake, which is located between the Istanbul's districts of Esenyurt and Avcilar on the European side and continue to the north passing Istanbul's Sazlidere Dam and reach the Black Sea from the east of Terkos Dam, located in the Durusu village of Istanbul's Catalca district. The canal is to boast a capacity of 160 vessels a day and is scheduled to be completed by 2023. Arslan didn’t tell exact cost of the project, but added it will be much higher than other projects. "Right now, our country's biggest project is the Istanbul New Airport with a cost of around €10.5 billion ($12.8 billion), but, Canal Istanbul will be higher in value," Arslan added. He said Turkey aims to finish all tender processes and ground breaking in 2018.

TAV to operate primeclass lounge at Copenhagen Airport Turkey’s TAV Operation Services, which operates lounges at 30 airports in 19 countries, started to operate its 57th lounge at the Copenhagen Airport in Kastrup. Located in Kastrup, Copenhagen Airport became the 30th airport included to the portfolio of “primeclass”, the brand of TAV Operation Services that offers solutions for those who seek comfort while traveling. Accordingly, the number of lounges operated by the company at 30 airports worldwide has reached to 57. TAV Operation Services will be operating the Primeclass Lounge for a period of 10 years. Providing service to 29 million passengers in 2016, Copenhagen Airport in Kastrup is the main international airport serving Denmark. Copenhagen Airport is the third-busiest airport in Northern Europe, and by far the busiest for international travel in Scandinavia. Located on the departures floor of non-Schengen area at Terminal 3, Primeclass Lounge covers an area of 165 square meters with a seating capacity of 61 guests. Having a panoramic view of the terminal building, the lounge offers hot and cold dishes of international cuisines besides Danish flavors, and a wide variety alcoholic / non-alcoholic beverages. The Primeclass Lounge provides various services such as free Wi-Fi, televisions and flight screens and welcomes guests between 05:30 AM to 10:30 PM throughout the week. Primeclass Lounge is available to all passengers with an entrance fee of €30.- as well as passengers of contracted airlines and TAV Passport Card members. TAV Operation Services General Manager Ali Bora Isbulan said, We are glad to include Copenhagen Airport to our portfolio of lounges operated by TAV Operation Services, which develops products and services to meet the changing requirements and demands of our passengers. To be exact, we daily host approximately 13,000 people in a total of 57 lounges operated at 30 airports in 15 countries. Our main goal is to become a global airport service provider that operates at wider geographies with the adopted business model. We also strongly believe that our goal will have a positive contribution to the promotion and reputation of Turkey. Besides lounge operation services, TAV Operation Services administers non-aviation revenues of TAV Airports Holding. The company also manages marketing of advertisement / promotional areas and allocation of commercial areas at various airports, train stations, marine and cruiser terminals in Turkey and abroad.

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NEWSLINE TURKEY Air Arabia connects UAE with the Turkish city of Izmir Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) will become the first airline to connect the UAE and the Turkish city of Izmir with a direct flight. Starting from 27 June 2018, Air Arabia will operate twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays flights, departing Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) at 21:05 hours, and arriving the next day at Izmir’s Adnan Menderes International Airport (ADB) at 00:50 hours local time. The return flight will depart Izmir at 01:30 hours, landing in Sharjah at 06:50 hours local time. Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia said “Turkey is a country with a true epitome of a cultural crossroad, and holds history that is as tangible and accessible as any of its modern-day attractions. We are immensely pleased to announce Izmir as our fifth destination in Turkey. Air Arabia’s goal will always be to allow passengers the ability to explore new destinations through affordable travel options. This new flight to Izmir is an exciting destination for residents in the UAE and GCC to visit just in time for the summer holidays.” Home to historic sites such as Ephesus and Pergamon, Izmir sits as a focal point of rich Turkish culture, history, and heritage on the Central Aegean coast of Turkey. Its swarmed bazaars, endless dining options, and an enchanting waterfront promenade cover sufficient grounds to earn it an accolade as Turkey’s city of life. Air Arabia currently operates flights to over 140 routes across the globe from five hubs located in the Middle East and North Africa.

Turkish Americans Attend 10th Annual Turkish-Canadian Youth Congress The Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) participated in the Council of Turkish Canadians’ (CTC) 10th Annual Turkish-Canadian Youth Congress in Montréal, Quebec, Canada, January 12-14, 2018. TCA sponsored the travel and CTC sponsored the accommodation and conference participation for the Turkish American participants, who also presented at the conference. Sessions were held on the establishment of the Turkish Republic, the dilemmas of the Lausanne Conference, the relevance of Ataturk’s principles to youth today, political activism and Turkish American empowerment activities. Keynote speakers were His Worship Jamie Nicholls, the Mayor of Hudson, a municipality outside of Montréal, and a former Member of Parliament; Hon. Deniz Barkan Umruk, the Consul General of the newly established Turkish mission in Montréal; Zahide Sezerman, CTC President; Kaya Boztepe, CEO of Planet Green NY; Sean McMeekin, Professor of History, Bard College, NY; Preston Hughes, History & Political Science Department, Dixie State University, Utah; Bruce Clark, British journalist and writer (by video); and G. Lincoln McCurdy, TCA President.

Antalya Convention Bureau Launched 2018 Planner Guide Antalya Convention Bureau has published its annual Meeting & Incentive Guide for 2018. The guide aims to promote meetings and congress potential of Antalya. Governor of Antalya Münir Karaloğlu, Deputy Chairman of CHP and Member of Parliament Cetin Osman Budak, President of Antalya Promotion Foundation Yeliz Gül Ege, Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism İbrahim Acar, Metropolitan Municipality President Advisor İbrahim Evrim, Director of Antalya Museum Mustafa Demirel attended the official launch event of the Meeting & Incentive Guide 2018. The Governor Karaloğlu remarked the need to extend the tourism season in Antalya and added “Congress season starts at the end of autumn and ends in the first quarter of

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Spring. There is no congress in the summer season. One of the most powerful instruments to extend the season is congresses. Antalya has approximate 200.000 seating capacity. We have hundreds of congress centers. The largest congress center in Europe is located in Antalya at Expo with 5.000 seating capacity. Our municipalities have congress centers. Antalya has a very serious congressional potential. Antalya also has experience like G20 and EXPO. It is absolutely necessary to promote Antalya and make promotional material. Some important Hotels with Congress centers and facilities are not in the Meeting Planner Guide. I expect that the number of Antalya Convention Bureau members will increase and we will show up with a more satisfying catalog. President of Antalya Promotion Foundation Yeliz Gül Ege said that “Perge was choosen for the cover of “Meeting and Incentive Planner Guide 2018”, an important ancient city close to Antalya. The aim of the Bureau is to promote the congress potential and facilities of Antalya as an ideal convention destination on national and international levels. ACB continuously updates all information relevant to the organization of conventions and ensures the coordination of appropriate professional bodies required to sustain the satisfactory execution of a successful convention. According to statistics prepared by Antalya Convention Bureau, 117 meetings, congresses and convention were held in Antalya in 2016. Antalya is one of the most attractive destinations for Event & Incentives. Antalya hosted 53 rd ICCA General Assembly in 2014 November. More than 900 delegates joined the 53 rd ICCA General Assembly. Antalya is also proud to host the International Organization “EXPO 2016 Antalya” and beside these major organizations Antalya is preferred destination for hundreds of medical congress. Another important point that attracts attention of the participants are the historical and archaeological texture of Antalya.”

Istanbul to host the 2018 UNWTO / UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and Culture The second edition of the UNWTO/UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and Culture is held with over 800 participants from 70 countries in Muscat, capital city of the Sultanate of Oman on 11-12 December 2017. This event was an official event in the calendar of the International Year for Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017. “Two years ago we met in Cambodia for the First UNWTO/UNESCO Tourism and Culture Conference. Today am very pleased that we reassume this dialogue here in Muscat. A dialogue that should happen every day around the globe. Yet that often finds itself limited by us living in separate silos”, said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai. Istanbul, Turkey will host the third edition of UNWTO/UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and Culture in 2018.

Brits returning to Turkey Britons' bookings to Turkey are seeing a huge surge for 2018 thanks to its selection of hotels ranging from 2 to 5 stars, great hospitality, rich culture, endless sun and fantastic value. According to the Jet2holidays bookings, the company announced Turkish destinations among the most popular family getaways and best city hotspots, as city break bookings become more and more popular. In order to meet the demand, the company has increased capacity by over 600,000 seats, and have seen a fourfold increase in bookings to Antalya, with bookings to Bodrum and Dalaman more than doubling. The bookings data shows that more and more customers are looking to explore new and undiscovered regions, which is demonstrated by the growth in bookings to Costa de Almeria and the Greek Island of Halkidiki. The top 10 destinations seeing most growth in 2018 are: 9. Kefalonia, Greece 5. Naples, Italy 1. Antalya, Turkey 10. Larnaca, Cyprus 6. Costa de Almeria, Spain 2. Verona, Italy 7. Dalaman, Turkey 3. Halkidiki, Greece 8. Kos, Greece 4. Bodrum, Turkey Antalya has it all, serving up a stylish mix of the ancient and the modern, from Roman temples to cool waterfront bars. The beaches are amongst the best in Turkey, with white sands and blue seas for you to enjoy, when you’re not sampling delicious Turkish cuisine, fantastic golf courses, or the wild waterparks. With over 270,000 seats on sale for Summer 18 from across our nine UK bases, this represents a year-on-year capacity increase of 200% - and the response to this capacity increase has been phenomenal.

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NEWSLINE TURKEY Emirates Resumes Service to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport Emirates will resume flights between Dubai and Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen Airport, starting 8th June 2018. The resumption of services on the route will allow customers two destination options when travelling to and from Istanbul. The flight will be operated five times a week by an Emirates Boeing 777-300ER in a three class cabin configuration, with eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat seats in Business Class and 310 spacious seats in Economy Class. Together with Emirates’ other service to Istanbul Atatürk Airport, the airline will offer 16 flights and over 6500 seats per week, catering to both tourism and business traffic. The aircraft allows for an increase in cargo capacity to Istanbul, with a weekly total of 100 tonnes and makes Emirates the only airline operating a scheduled service with a wide-body aircraft at Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Emirates flight EK119 will depart Dubai at 1000hrs and arrive in Istanbul at 1345hrs. The return flight EK120 will leave Istanbul at 1535 hrs, and arrive in Dubai at 2100 hrs. The new timing allows customers from Istanbul to seamlessly connect to Emirates’ flights at Dubai International Airport to popular destinations like Bangkok, Shanghai, Seoul, and cities across Australia. The flight timing also means travellers from key inbound markets such as China, Korea, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait can enjoy shorter connection times in Dubai when continuing onwards to Istanbul. Travellers can access Istanbul City with ease from Sabiha Gocken, and from surrounding provinces to the airport. The development of the Osman Gazi Bridge offers residents from north and west provinces a commute time of under an hour to Sabiha Gocken Airport, and those looking to travel to and from Istanbul’s European side can use the scheduled bus service between the Sabiha Gokcen and Taksim Square, an approximate 45 minutes journey. Customers on Emirates’ flights will enjoy the famed hospitality of its multi-national Cabin Crew, including Turkish crew, as well as gourmet cuisine and Emirates’ award-winning ice entertainment system which offers up to 3000 channels of on demand audio and visual entertainment. As with all Emirates flights, passengers are offered generous baggage allowances of up to 35kg in Economy Class, 40kg in Business Class and 50kg in First class.

Germania to fly from Berlin to 5 new destinations in Turkey In summer 2018, the independent airline Germania is expanding its route network between Berlin and Turkey. Five new Turkish destinations will then be served by the green and white aircraft every week: Dalaman, Samsun, Kayseri, Adana and Gaziantep. Germania already operates flights from Berlin to attractive tourist destinations in Turkey. Three times a week to Antalya, and twice weekly to Bodrum. Next summer, Germania is going to increase its services from BerlinSchönefeld and Berlin-Tegel and will offer a total of ten flights a week to Turkey. Tickets from Berlin to the new destinations are available from just 89 euros one way. The new Turkish destinations are definitely worth a visit. Dalaman on the Mediterranean coast and Samsun, the biggest city on the Black Sea, are ideal spots for sun-seekers. Kayseri in central Cappadocia on the other hand has gained a reputation beyond Turkey's borders as a rewarding winter sport destination. Adana in southern Turkey is home not only to one of the country's largest universities, but also to a number of architectural monuments from Antiquity and the Middle Ages. And finally, Gaziantep attracts gourmets from around the world: the city is renowned for its Baklava pastries and two years ago was recognised by UNESCO as one of the world's most creative gastronomic locations. "With the addition of these five new routes from Berlin, we're responding to the ever-increasing demand for services between Germany and Turkey," says Claus Altenburg, Sales Director at Germania. "With our choice of new destinations, we're not only maintaining our focus on tourist potential, but also flying to places that are of particular interest to commuters and anyone visiting family."

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Turkish Airlines announced its 2018 Targets After completing 2017 successfully, Turkish Airlines has now set its targets for 2018, the year in which the carrier will move its hub to the 3rd Airport of Istanbul. According to the non-consolidated 2018 budget that was approved by the Board of Directors under the presidency of M. İlker Aycı, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, the guidance regarding the Incorporation's targets and expectations for the year 2018 are as follows; Traffic Development • Total number of passengers carried is targeted to reach 74 million including 33 million on domestic routes, 41 million on international routes. • While passenger load factor is expected to be in the band of 79% and 80%, total Available Seat Kilometers (ASK) will approximately reach to 183 billion with an increase of between 5% and 6% compared to 2017. Capacity (ASK) increase is expected to be 10% in Turkey, 9% in Middle East, 6% in Europe, 6% in Far East, 4% in America and 3% in Africa regions. • In 2018, cargo/mail carried is expected to increase by 21% reaching 1.3 million tonnes. Financial Development (Unconsolidated) • In 2018, jet fuel consumption is expected to increase by 9% compared to 2017. • Average jet fuel (including fuel hedge) is expected to be 633$/ton in 2018. • The Incorporation is targeting to generate 11.8 billion USD of sales revenue. • Cost per available seat kilometer (CASK), excluding fuel is expected to increase by between 3%-5%. • Unconsolidated EBITDAR margin is targeted to be between 21% and 22%, whereas consolidated EBITDAR margin is targeted to be in the band of 23% and 24%

Turkish Airlines to acquire more Airbus aircrafts Turkish Airlines and Airbus signed a MoU to acquire 20+5 optional A350-900 aircraft. The agreement was signed at the Élysée Palace, Paris, during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s official visit to France with French President Emmanuel Macron. “With Turkish Airlines serving more destinations than any other airline around the world, we will be delighted to rely on our new A350 XWB to further develop our major international routes from Turkey.” said M. İlker Aycı, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Turkish Airlines. Aycı went on to say; “With this agreement today, we have signed our good will to carry on and finalize the acquisition with Airbus. Our agreement is a significant step forward in enhancing our passengers’ flight experience. This order is set to play a key role in our growing business in the years to come. As we will be strictly evaluating during the talks to finalize the order, furthermore the increased business volume for the local Turkish supplier industry by Airbus will be a great gain for the sector." Turkey is an integral part of the Airbus supply chain for almost 20 years, being a partner in all Airbus aircraft programmes, including the prestigious A350 XWB. While Airbus focusses on the continued development of longterm cooperation projects with Turkey, the Turkish aeronautical industries progressively have embarked and builtup a remarkable portfolio of high capabilities and skills over the last 10 years. The A350 XWB is an all new family of mid-size wide-body long-haul airliners shaping the future of air travel. The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fiber fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient RollsRoyce engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs. The A350 XWB features an Airspace cabin which, on top of the aircraft spaciousness and quietness, provides better ambience, design and services, contributing to superior levels of comfort and well-being, and setting new standards in terms of flight experience for all passengers.

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NEWSLINE TURKEY Pegasus Airlines expands fleet with 25 A321neo aircrafts

Inbrief

Pegasus Airlines made the single largest-ever aircraft order in Turkish civil aviation history at the time in 2012 of 100 A320neo and A321neo aircraft; 75 of which were firm and 25 options. The remaining 25 A321neo options have now been confirmed as firm orders.

Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu has been appointed as Europe director of ICCA.

From the firm order of 25 Airbus A321neo aircraft, 5 will be joining the Pegasus Fleet in 2022, with 10 further being delivered each in 2023 and 2024. Within the 100 Airbus order, Pegasus has now 43 firm orders of A321neo aircraft.

Ahmet Can Yeşildağ named General Manager of Titanic Hotel Bayrampaşa.

In his statement about the order, Mehmet T. Nane, Pegasus Airlines CEO said: “Turkey's position in the global aviation market strengthens further every day and we at Pegasus are an important part of this transformation. The order placed in 2012 was the biggest in Turkey's aviation history (12m USD*) at the time and we now have an agreement to firm up an additional 25 options. We began to receive delivery of our aircraft from this order in the third quarter of 2016. We have now firmed up our order of 25 options from this Airbus order. We will continue to grow our fleet step by step, and thanks to our new aircraft we will continue to offer the most comfortable flights to our guests.” The A320neo aircraft chosen by Pegasus Airlines are the newest aircraft in their class: a single-class, 186-seat capacity aircraft with a gross weight at take-off of 73.5 tonnes; measuring 37.57 m long and with a range of 6,500 km. The A321neos are also the newest aircraft in their class: a single-class aircraft configured to 240-seat capacity with a gross weight at take-off which can reach up to 97 tonnes; with a range of 7,400 km. Pegasus Airlines is one of the first airlines in the world to use both of these aircraft types. As the A320neo A321neo aircraft have more efficient new generation motors and “sharklets” (vertical wing tip extension), they have led to 15% fuel savings per annum, per aircraft, from the first day of operation. This saving is expected to reach 20% by 2020.

11% Rise in Passenger Traffic at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport Turkey’s second busiest airport, Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport handled a total of 2.5 million passengers in November 2017, representing an increase of 11% from November 2016. A total of 28,735,134 passengers traveled at the airport in the first 11 months of 2017, achieved 5% increase compared to same period last year. In November 2016 period, the airport handled a total of 2,292,772, and 27,430,868 between January – November 2016. In the first 11 months, a total of 9.5 million passengers accounted for international travel; representing 8% increase over last year and 19.2 million passengers flew on domestic routes; recording a 3% increase. Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport handled 29.6 million passengers in 2016.

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Zübeyde Ezberci is the new Marketing Director of Figür Turizm MİCE & P.C.O. Özkan Altan becomes the General Manager of Hilton Istanbul Maslak. Ela Ergin, is the new Assistant General Manager responsible of Sales and Marketing at The RitzCarlton, İstanbul. Hakan Aybek becomes General Manager of Hampton by Hilton Kahramanmaras. Metin Peltek is the new General Manager of Ghazal Resort Thalasso – Kemer. The Ritz-Carlton İstanbul named Nicolas A. Kipper its new General Manager. Emre Tan named MICE director of Etur Tourism. Nazif Demir has been appointed as General Manager of Best Western Premier Cappadocia. Mustafa Yıldız named General Manager of Holiday Inn Istanbul Tuzla Bay Hotel. Mesut Güven is the new CEO of Batum Tourism & Hotels. Hakan Duran has been appointed as General Manager of World of Sunrise Hotel.

NEWS LINE WORLD Prague Hosted the 56th ICCA Congress with a Record-Breaking Attendance Prague Convention Bureau with the support of more than 40 local partners organized the 56th Congress of the International Congress and Convention Association – ICCA, from 12 to 15 November. A total of 1,264 meeting industry experts from 79 countries met in Prague and exchanged the latest knowledge and trends in the industry. Prague had a unique opportunity to present its meeting infrastructure to the professional meeting organizers, representatives of international associations and other professional organizations from around the world. In the years to come, revenues from events organized as a result of the delegates’ direct experience could reach up to several billion Czech crowns. This year, the 56th Congress recorded a remarkable attendance. A total of 1,264 delegates arrived in Prague to break the record of 1,023 participants held by the 50th Congress in Leipzig in 2011. One of the organizers' goals was also to introduce Prague as an ideal congress destination and increase the interest in organizing international events in the Czech capital in coming years. "According to the results of the impact study prepared for us by KPMG, multiplied revenues from the Prague Congress industry were between 22 and 26 billion Czech Crowns in 2016. We expect that 15-25 association congresses or conferences could take place in Prague in the span of the next ten years as a result of the 56th ICCA Congress, generating a revenue of 2.1 billion Crowns in multiplication. Of course, this number may be far from final," said Roman Muška, Director of the Prague Convention Bureau. Prague Congress Centre, the central venue of the Congress, welcomed participants in its newly renovated and modernized building. The renovations the PCC underwent in the last year made it a highly modern and wellequipped place with top quality services. The redesigned cloakrooms on the ground floor, the newly built information kiosk, the renovated bathrooms, but especially the digital navigation system provided a top comfort to the Congress participants. The new PCC corporate identity added it a positive energy, pointing to its rich tradition, professionalism, and its endeavor for sustainable development. "Reconstruction of the building and the ICCA Congress preparatory works cost us a lot of energy. However, the satisfaction of the Congress visitors was a great reward for us. I am sure that they were leaving with positive impressions of Prague and a feeling that they all received a warm welcome and kind approach. I think we managed the ICCA Congress on a high professional level and it will bring us many interesting business opportunities and a high prestige in future," adds Lenka Žlebková, Sales and Marketing Director at PCC. The University of Economics in Prague was engaged in the Congress organization too. Last year, an independent Event Management course was launched at its Travel and Tourism Department, with the contribution of Prague Convention Bureau. Students of the Travel and Tourism Department were given the opportunity to participate in the Congress preparations and execution. “With a final official figure of 1,264 attendees from 79 countries, this year’s ICCA Congress was 25% larger than ever before with our widest-ever geographical coverage. In my presentations during the Congress, I spoke a great deal about our industry’s role in building bridges, the theme of our Congress promotion over the last year: bridges between cultures, across business sectors, between people holding different opinions. These bridges also helped set up new business partnerships, kick-started new dialogues on important issues, and drew the attention of politicians and policy-makers to the vital role of our industry and the impact of international meetings that extends far beyond the obvious expenditure by delegates. I believe that not only did our delegates thoroughly enjoy their time in Prague, but that we have left an important legacy for the Czech meetings industry in terms of transferred knowledge, improved skills, and greater political awareness,” concludes Nina Freysen-Pretorius, ICCA President.

London to Host World’s First LGBTQ+ Travel Expo The LGBTQ+ sector is a major growth area for the travel industry – recently one travel startup dedicated to high-end holidays for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender couples reportedly turned over £1m in their first three months of business. Reed Exhibitions, the leading global events organizer, has chosen London to host their inaugural ‘Proud Experiences LGBTQ+ Travel Expo’. ‘Proud Experiences’ will be the world’s first dedicated LGBTQ+ travel show to support the estimated $202bn burgeoning, high growth, and resilient market. Next June, Reed Exhibitions will create a community of like-

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minded professionals from every corner of the globe who are both pre-qualified hosted buyers and travel suppliers to do business. The event model will provide a diary of meetings pre-selected by both suppliers and buyers resulting in appointments that both have requested, leading to real business opportunities. The 3-day international B2B event will be staged at the iconic Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea, London from 6-8th June 2018 and will kick off with a high-powered conference addressing the major issues affecting the sector. International speakers will be invited to take to the stage to address topics including: the economics and value of LGBTQ+ tourism, LGBTQ+ rights and the dangers of travelling to some countries; the importance of Pride and Circuit parties to the sector; the rise of the Millennial traveler, and the growth of LGBTQ+ weddings and honeymoons. Proud Experiences will also support an in-depth programme of 10 ‘LGBTQ+ Master Classes’ for buyers to attend learning about good business practice, and open their minds on everything from understanding the transgender traveler; to China as an emerging LGBTQ+ market; marketing to the LGBTQ+ customer with lessons from consumer brands; as well as best practice in servicing the LGBTQ+ client. International travel brands already committed to taking part include Intercontinental Hotel Group, Peninsula Hotels, Conrad and Waldorf Astoria, The Curtain, Corinthia Hotels, Principal Hotels, Grand Hotel Lake Tremezzo and Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Estonia Picked To Host JCI World, Country's Largest-Ever Conference Junior Chamber International (JCI) has selected the Estonian capital, Tallinn, as the host site for the group's 2019 World Congress. With more than 5,000 delegates expected, the event will easily set a new record as the largest conference the nation has ever hosted. The 5-day gathering, which is slated to take place during the last week of October or the first week of November, will include over 190 hours of training sessions, seminars, workshops and keynote speeches, according to the hosting organization, JCI Estonia. There are also plans to involve other Estonian cities and regions in the programme, namely the university town of Tartu, the seaside resort community of Pärnu, and southern Estonia's Viljandi County. “The Estonian Convention Bureau very much appreciates the enormous effort carried out by members of JCI Estonia to bring the congress to our country, in particular, the creative thinking they put into finding suitable venues,” said ECB's Managing Director Kadri Karu. Karu noted the enormous impact the 5,000-strong congress is expected to have on the local meetings industry, especially given the relatively small size of the host city. Tallinn currently has only 7,300 hotel rooms. Selection of Tallinn as the host city for JCI's 2019 World Congress venue was announced at this year's event in Amsterdam. The 2018 Congress will take place in Goa, India. Alongside the Tallinn event, a trade show will be held to give local and multinational companies a chance to introduce their products and services as well as create business contacts. Other business events, sightseeing trips, and a cultural programme are also planned.

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre To Host Over 30 High-Profile Events in 2018 The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre’s award-winning team is busy gearing up to deliver the ultimate delegate experience in 2018, with 30 confirmed major high-profile events already on its calendar. These events are expected to attract close to 440,000 delegates and visitors to the Centre; Malaysia’s premier purpose-built facility and Asia’s only AIPC (International Association of Congress Centres) Gold Standard venue. The calendar of events includes prestigious first timers - Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2018, 35th International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua) International Conference 2018, World Cancer Congress 2018 and International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) World Congress 2018 - as well as eight Europe-based events, such as Girls not Bride Global Conference 2018 and International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions

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NEWS LINE WORLD (IFLA) World Library and Information Congress 2018. In addition, long-standing events which have held every edition at the venue since opening, such as MIA Conference 2018, ARCHIDEX 2018, HRDF Conference & Exhibition 2018 and HOMEDEC 2018, continue to be the pillar of the Centre’s yearly business calendar. The Centre’s strategic location and precinct proposition also remain a powerful differentiator and the venue has enhanced this further through the establishment of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Business Events Alliance (KLCC BEA). A private sector initiative, the KLCC BEA is a powerful collective that provides a seamless and single point of the first contact for Meeting Planners and Event Organisers. This allows the Centre to market the fully-integrated city centre offering and create an all-inclusive proposition for meetings and events from a venue, planner, accommodation and entertainment perspective. The Centre’s expansion also continues to progress and is due to be completed in mid-2019. The extension will provide an additional 11,000 sqm of flexible and multi-purpose space, which means more room to comfortably accommodate larger exhibitions and international association meetings, as well as concurrent events, allowing new and current clients to grow their activities and/or events significantly. The mixed-use commercial development will enhance the Centre’s existing world-class infrastructure, grow Kuala Lumpur’s reputation as a premier business events destination and help attract more international events to Malaysia.

Gothenburg hosts Association World Congress 2019 Gothenburg will welcome the Associations World Congress for the first time in April 2019. The agreement between the organizer, Association of Association Executives (AAE), and the three counterparts from Sweden was signed on November 29, 2017, in the Swedish booth at IBTM in Barcelona. It marks the end of a bidding process that has taken several years. “For three years we have put in a lot of effort to convince the organizers. Now we are extremely pleased that the Associations World Congress will be arranged in the very heart of Scandinavia”, says Per Ankaer, Director of Sales at MCI Nordics, who is the local Congress organizer. In recent years, Gothenburg has taken up the fight with the European capitals on the title of the most attractive meeting place. In addition to the city’s ability to bring together the innovative business community, a knowledge-intensive academy, and a sustainability focus. It has also the perfect size and closeness to both fun activities, great food, and nature within walking distance. The city’s success is, to a great extent, based on the ability to partner and collaborate with clients, hotels, restaurants, industry and the academic world. A fact that is greatly appreciated by the visiting associations.

Toronto to welcome 10,000 top distributors from Amway China Toronto has won the bid to host the largest Chinese travel delegation to visit Canada, bringing an estimated 10,000 visitors and $80 million (CAD) in spending to the city. Amway China and their top distributors will be in Toronto for their Leadership Seminar in 2020. Tourism Toronto has been actively developing the bid over the past five years, with strong support from the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada. The announcement was made shortly after the Amway leadership team met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Beijing. “Toronto was competing with some of the biggest destinations in the world for the Amway China bid, and we’re thrilled to have been selected,” said Johanne Bélanger, President, and CEO of Tourism Toronto. “Toronto’s tourism industry is thriving, especially from overseas markets like China – and that benefits the city, the province and all of the businesses in the visitor economy.” More than 321,000 Chinese travelers are projected to visit Toronto in 2017 – a 77 percent increase over a five-year span. In 2017, Chinese visitors are forecast to spend $306 million, the first time the total spend has topped $300 million – the highest total from an overseas market.

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Honourable Michael Chan, Minister of International Trade said, “2020 will mark the 25thAnniversary Year for Amway China, and we’re thrilled to celebrate that milestone in Toronto,” said Angela Keung, Vice President of Sales, Amway Greater China Region. “Not only is Toronto an exceptional destination that is situated close to the Amway headquarters, this is also the first time a destination is working with us on our incentive plan – an exciting collaboration for both Toronto and Amway China.” “National and international conventions are major economic drivers, and we look forward to welcoming Amway China in 2020. In 2015, convention delegates in Ontario generated $1.4 billion in spending and tourism generated over $32 billion in economic activity,” said the Honourable Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport. “By choosing us to host their 25th Anniversary Leadership Seminar, Amway China is giving a nod to Toronto as a world-class city and demonstrating that Ontario is a competitive destination for significant conferences.” “Attracting large travel groups like Amway China in 2020, showcases the long-term sustainability of Toronto as a top destination, and speaks volumes about Toronto’s strength as a global force in the tourism industry,” said Bélanger.

International Diabetes Federation Congress 2019 to be held in Busan, South Korea South Korea has won the bid to host the next International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Congress, which is expected to welcome 10,000 foreign participants. The IDF congress is the largest academic fair related to diabetes in the world, and up to 15,000 people are expected to attend the event, which is scheduled to be held at the Busan Exhibition & Convention Center from December 2-6, 2019. Korea Tourism Organization, along with Busan Metropolitan City, Busan Tourism Organization, and the Korean Diabetes Association together formed the bidding committee that made the announcement of the bid win on December 7 from the IDF Congress 2017 in Abu Dhabi. Preparation for the successful bid win was a process several years in the making. Korea Tourism Organization began its efforts in 2013 and submitted a bid proposal to the IDF last year. They also assisted with site inspections of Busan by IDF delegates. Korea Tourism Organization Vice-President of International Tourism Min Min-hong said, “We hope this bid win has a positive impact on the minds of event planners and helps to continue to grow confidence in our meetings industry.” Despite the media’s portrayal of Korea’s national security, the country continues to be a popular destination for international events. Recent statistics by the Union of International Associations ranked Korea 1st for the hosting of international events in 2016, further proving the resilience of Korea’s meetings industry. The Korean government has long since recognized its meetings industry as a key economic driver for growth. The upcoming 2019 IDF Congress is expected to incur 63.7 billion won (US$58.29 million) worth of production and create some 660 new jobs. The International Diabetes Federation is based in Brussels and was founded in 1950 as a nonprofit organization seeking to increase awareness of diabetes and to promote care, prevention and cure of the disease. It has hundreds of member organizations from some 170 countries.

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NEWS LINE WORLD PATA to highlight gender equality in Travel and Tourism In line with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will advocate for increased gender equality in the travel and tourism industry in 2018. As noted in the SDGs, gender equality is the primary focus of Sustainable Development Goal 5 – Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. According to the UN, while the world has achieved progress towards gender equality and women’s empowerment under the Millennium Development Goals (including equal access to primary education between girls and boys), women and girls continue to suffer discrimination and violence in every part of the world. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. “Travel and tourism provide the perfect opportunity for people from various backgrounds to share their stories with each other in the hope that we can better understand each other as humans, regardless of our gender, race, faith or beliefs,” said PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy. “The Association holds the fundamental belief that all travel and tourism stakeholders have an equal voice that should be heard. It is a shared voice that change can be attained. It is our policy to ensure there is equal opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.” “In line with the SDGs, PATA will continue to drive forward its mission of empowering its members to leave a positive impact on countries, destinations, local communities and the surrounding environment. Gender equality requires a strong commitment from both the public and private sectors to work together in reinforcing policies, adopting laws, and investing in education, vocational training, and skills development to provide women in the industry with opportunities to make empowered choices for their future. Equality is and will continue to be a cornerstone of the Association’s mission in acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region,” he added. During 2018, PATA will further its commitment to the issue of gender equality and examine opportunities to highlight this issue through its research and publications, events and training programmes. The Association will also look to its partners and members for advice and suggestions.

IMEX Politicians Forum renames to IMEX Policy Forum One of IMEX’s longest-running, most prestigious and influential Forums has undergone an evolution with a name change reflecting a shift in focus. The newly-named IMEX Policy Forum, formerly known as the Politicians Forum, takes place on Tuesday 15 May 2018, the first day of IMEX in Frankfurt, at the InterContinental Hotel. Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, explains, “The Forum has evolved over the past 15 years and the name change better reflects the event as it is today. We decided to change the name to the Policy Forum because the meeting doesn’t just host politicians, but a wide variety of policymakers and government influencers. It’s a Forum which brings together the meetings and events industry with the key decision makers in order to inform and influence strategy. “Governments, regions, and cities have a huge amount to gain from embracing the meetings industry and we want to extend the Forum to all those involved in city development. The Policy Forum will continue to play a major role in fostering the partnership between the meetings industry and destinations.” IMEX is collaborating once again with Professor Greg Clark, CBE, Chairman of The Business of Cities, on the programme including an open discussion and new workshop session designed specifically for local, municipal and regional policymakers and destination representatives.

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NEWS LINE WORLD The Policy Forum is designed to facilitate collaborative global discussion around five core elements: Strategy, Advocacy, Development, Engagement, and Enlightenment. This unique high-level event will bring together up to 40 policymakers, including national and regional government ministers, and political influencers with around 80 industry leaders. They will meet to exchange knowledge and best practice on how to make the most of the wide-ranging benefits that investment in conferences and meetings can bring, from income and employment to inward investment, education, scientific and cultural advancement. Current hot topics such as over-tourism, political instability, security, innovation and knowledge hubs will also feature on the Policy Forum’s agenda. The IMEX Policy Forum is organized in collaboration with European Cities Marketing (ECM), the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) under the auspices of the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC).

Vancouver Gears Up For Busiest Convention Year Ever In 2018, Vancouver will welcome 33 citywide conventions and events, the highest number the city has ever hosted in a single year. Over the course of 2018, these 33 events will bring over 100,000 out-of-town delegates to Vancouver where they will inject money into the local economy through hotel stays, dining, attractions visits, shopping, transit and more. In total, Vancouver’s meetings and conventions industry support more than 6,000 jobs and result in over $300 million annually in direct visitor spending and $500 million in economic impact for the Vancouver economy. Vancouver companies and organizations also benefit as it gives them the opportunity to connect with their worldwide industry peers, and puts their companies, and their fields, in a national or international arena. The tourism industry defines a “citywide” as a convention or event that will attract 1,000 or more out-of-town attendees, uses the Vancouver Convention Centre, and at least three downtown convention hotels. In 2017, Vancouver welcomed 28 citywide, which brought 63,000 visitors to the city. Tourism Vancouver, the Vancouver Convention Centre and other partners work together to market, and sell, Vancouver as a meeting, convention and event destination. Vancouver will welcome GLOBE in March (estimated 3,900 out-of-town attendees and 10,000 total), Sustainable Brands in June (estimated 2,000 out-of-town/total attendees), the American Society of Animal Science in July (estimated 4,500 out-of-town attendees and 5,000 total), the International Ornithological Congress in August (estimated 1,800 out-of-town /total attendee), and the Entomological Society of America in November (estimated 2,000 out-of-town/total attendees).Other high-profile convention groups meeting in Vancouver in 2018 include the American Bar Association in February (estimated 4,000 out-of-town/total attendees); the TED Conference,

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HOTEL & RESTAURANT

Since 1992

NEWS LINE WORLD celebrating it’s 5th anniversary in Vancouver in April (estimated 1,800 out-of-town/total attendees); and SIGGRAPH, returning to Vancouver for the 3rd time in August (estimated 13,000 out-of-town attendees and 14,000 total). Among the citywide events are the 2018 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships which just wrapped up in January (3,500 out-of-town attendees), HSBC Canada Sevens - World Rugby Sevens Series at BC Place in March (3,230 out-of-town attendees), and the internationally recognized BMO Vancouver Marathon in May (5,000 outof-town attendees).

Estonian Convention Bureau Celebrates 10th Anniversary The Estonian Convention Bureau celebrated the success of its first decade of operation on Wednesday with a festive gathering of members and partners. Held at the Tallinn Creative Hub, the January 24 event served to highlight the accomplishments achieved by the group since its founding in 2008, chief among them propelling Estonia into the ranks of Europe's best-known conference destinations. “One key ingredient of our work has been connecting institutions from a wide variety of sectors and businesses – hotels, tour companies, venue operators, city governments, tourist boards and universities. Now they're all pulling together to promote the country under the Team Estonia brand, and the results speak for themselves,” said ECB Managing Director Kadri Karu. “This kind of private-public partnership for promoting a country is truly unique and it has gained plenty of admiration from other convention bureaus on the international scene,” she added. In addition to launching the Team Estonia concept in 2015, other ECB milestones include creating conference ambassador programmes in Tallinn and Tartu in 2010 and establishing the annual “Conference of the Year” award in 2011. At the gathering, particular praise was given to Enterprise Estonia/Visit Estonia, with which the ECB has carried out a number of joint activities over the years. As a further show of appreciation, the ECB honored Enterprise Estonia Team with the event's 'ECB Best Friend' award. The cities of Tallinn and Tartu received ECB's award for 'Biggest Supporters', while the 14 ECB participants that have been with the organization since its founding were given special recognition as 10-year members.

More than 1.2 million visited at Messukeskus Helsinki in 2017 Last year, a total of 1,2 million visitors attended exhibitions, meetings, congresses, corporate celebrations, and other events at the Messukeskus Helsinki. The number of visitors was increased by a lively congress summer and the increasing number of visitor events in the Messukeskus premises. The public event with the greatest number of visitors was the Taitaja 2017 Finnish Championships of professional skills, bringing more than 99,000 visitors to the Messukeskus. The biggest exhibition held by the Messukeskus itself was the Helsinki Book Fair and Wine and Food combined event, attracting a record 84,156 visitors. Popular public fairs were also the Travel Fair and Caravan (71,587 visitors), the Helsinki International Boat Show (71,401 visitors), and Habitare, Antique and HighEnd Helsinki (55,964 visitors). In total, the Messukeskus organized or hosted 87 fairs, business events, congresses, and festivals. More than 9,300 companies were exhibitors in these. The Messukeskus’ Summer was marked by a record number of congresses. The eight international congresses hosted by the Messukeskus brought more than 28,000 visitors and over 40 million euros to the Helsinki metropolitan area. In addition to international

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congresses, nearly 2,000 meetings were held at the Messukeskus. A new territorial conquest for the Messukeskus in 2017 was in entertainment productions. The year-end indoor amusement park event, the Spring Electric Festival, and the Dance Festival in Helsinki which was launched in August, proved that the Messukeskus is suitable for a variety of productions and can attract new audiences with its programming. The upcoming year looks strong in regard to its fair program. New events include, among others, the On the Plate Event concentrating on special diets, and HupiCon organized together with the Children’s Fair – an event for enthusiasts, players, and DIY enthusiasts. The forestry, packaging, energy, and chemical industry combined event PulPaper, Wood, PacTec Helsinki, and Bioenergy will be held at the Messukeskus at the end of May. In the autumn, the story of the popular Automobile event, launched a couple of years ago, will continue, and in November the first Agricultural Machinery Fair will be opened. The highlights of entertainment productions are the Finnish language premiere of Mamma Mia! in May, the Electric Festival in July, and the Taken by Dance Festival Weekend in August. The Messukeskus’ hotel with its restaurants will be completely renovated in the renovation which will be done in 2018. The new service concept brings events and encounters into the service experience of hotel guests, aiming to become the best event hotel in Northern Europe. The Messukeskus promotes Finnish trade and industry by enabling profitable face-to-face contacts in fairs, trade shows, congresses, and other events. Exhibitions and fairs are Finland’s seventh largest media. In terms of impact, they are the most profitable, the richest in experiences, and the most social of all media. 75 different fairs and exhibitions and about 2,000 meetings and congresses are held annually at Messukeskus. The events attract 9,400 exhibitors and 1.2 million visitors each year.

Penang’s 2017 Business Events results reveal success The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) released the 2017 edition of the Business Events industry review. The review, which provides statistics and comparisons of the all the sectors and markets that contribute to the Business Events industry in Penang, presents 2017 as a successful year. The Chief Minister of Penang, the Rt. Hon. Mr. Lim Guan Eng said, “I stand here today, proud to announce that PCEB and its partners have reached the RM 1 billion target for Penang’s Business Events in 2017. The overall Estimated Economy Impact (EEI) for the year was RM 1.002 billion and Penang hosted a total of 2,511 events, with 267,518 participants. This resulted in RM 1.373 million for room fees with an accumulation of 457,806 room nights,” (1 billion RM is about US$256 million) “We have seen an increase from the 1251 events held in 2016 to 2511 events in 2017. Besides that, PCEB supported 94 international and national events in 2017, an increase from 37 events supported in 2016,” said PCEB CEO Ashwin Gunasekeran. With the service industry being the leading contributor to Penang’s economy, the Business Events industry is a growing contributor to the economy and is not only creating new jobs but also driving more private-sector investments into the state. This includes the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre slated to open in 2021 and nine new hotels by 2019. The review also showcases PCEB's initiatives and achievements throughout 2017. It also contains a summary of PCEB’s activities and events organized during that year, which include the first Penang Medical Expo and Healthcare Policy Conference, George Town Literary Festival and BE @ Penang. The PCEB annual review gives the Business Events industry partners an insight into the segments and markets of Penang that were available, and which areas had the potential for growth.

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Gaziantep Gastronomy

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just history, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a vibrant gastronomy

COVER STORY

aziantep is located in the North-western of Mesopotamia where mankind started to make the agriculture and livestock for the first time. The Mediterranean and continental climate could be seen in this region. The climate and fertile soil provide numerous different agricultural products for Gaziantep.

The city bears witness dozens of different eras in the human history. The city was established in one of the most important points of the historical Silk Road. For thousands of years; cultures, ideas, science were exchanged and city's Ali Nazik

Ingredients 400 gr. Large lean minced meat 1, 5 kg. ordinary eggplants or bell eggplant 1,5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2 cups of condensed yoghurt ( quark) 1-2 cloves of garlic 1 medium sized tomato 1 green pepper half tablespoon of pepper paste half tablespoon tomato table 1 tablespoon of ghee or butter 1 teaspoon black pepper Preparation Eggplants are grilled, peeled and finely minced. Then a cup water is added to the meat and put together in a pan. The pan lid remains closed, while the meat is slowly cooked at a low heat, till it runs dry. Butter is added, once it totally runs dry. Finely minced peppers and tomatoes are added to the mixture. Tomatoes and peppers are fried until they start changing their colour. The mixture is, then, stirred with a certain amount of tomato paste and a dash of black pepper. Warm eggplants are finely mixed with yoghurt, a dash of salt and minced garlic. They are heated again at a low heat and taken into a serving plate. Heated minced beef is added on top, and the mixture is seasoned with the remaining dash of black pepper.

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cuisine is affected by all these features. Gaziantep is the city which collated the dozens of different cultures from Yemen to the Caucasus in the North and from India to Aegean region of Anatolia on the eastwest line. Throughout the history, the city's cuisine has been the strongest element of this cultural blend. DIVERSITY IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS: When city's agricultural production and cultural diversity come together, it had led to originate a wide range of food - drink products. With the support of geographical and climatic conditions,

agricultural products have been presented on the use of numerous different option in Gaziantep cuisine. Grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, Gaziantep pistachio, dozens of different local herbs and spices, grown in local, have led to the creation of more than 400 unique dishes. DIVERSITY IN COOKING TECHNIQUES: There is a variety of cooking methods of the fruits, vegetables and legumes. All of these agricultural products are cooked with meat, boiled, seasoned with sauces, fried and grilled. Meats can be also seasoned, fried, boiled in sauce and grilled; sometimes it is served alone or combined with different meals and prepared with pastries in the “district bakeries”.

Bastik

Ingredients 1 cup of water 1 tablespoon of starch 1 tablespoon of pectin 1,5 tablespoon of granulated sugar Preparation: Half of the water is added to a pot, the remaining half is mixed with starch in a bowl. Some amount of pectin is boiled with the water in the pot. The mixture is then added to the boiled water-pectin, stirred continuously till the mixture gets homogenous and gets boiled.

Besides consumed as fresh fruit, they are made as sorbet, compotes, jams; also sundried and they can be used in desserts or salads. Pistachio named as Gaziantep pistachio can be used in dishes and salad, such as simply, puré, crushed, mixed with sugar. DIVERSITY IN CONSUMING TECHNIQUES: As seen in this city, it is ensured that the diversity of agricultural products are in different combinations and techniques rather than consuming ways. However, it should be indicated that the main feature of Gaziantep cuisine is to consume the foods fresh and in the season. The fruits and vegetables are very limited in fresh consumption time, then these products are processed and stored with traditional methods and are later consumed. When the summer comes, families in this city begin to prepare for winter. Tarhana, tomato paste, pickles, sundried fruits and vegetables, jams, grape molasses are prepared; pomegranate sour sauce is made and legumes February 2018 | MeeTurkey | 27

COVER STORY

are sun-dried. When the winter comes, olives are salted and pickled, olive oil is extracted and so it is provided to use the agricultural products for four seasons.

Food and its varieties When the diversity in agricultural products combines with the diversity of cooking and consuming methods, the number of Gaziantep cuisine dishes have been increased. There are more than 400 dishes in the city. 291 species of them have already been registered. Because of the various dining meal, the dishes in Gaziantep cuisine are first classified and then presented. Variety of products and cooking techniques are the main classification materials and it is seen that these are decisive in the definition of city cuisine. According to this separation, it could be said that there are 12 different types of food in the city. These are as follow; 1. Kebabs

7. Vegetable Dishes

2. Meat dishes

8. Meatballs

3. Dishes with yoghurt

9. Pastries

4. Olive oil Dishes

10. Salads

5. Desserts

11. Stuffed vegetables

6. Pilafs

12. Soups

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This list can be seen differently in various sources due to the merge under the subtitles or categories. However, according to the most common type of classification, there are 12 kinds of dishes in Gaziantep cuisine. There are dozens of different recipes under each species. For example in Gaziantep cuisine, there are;

More than 30 varieties of kebabs

More than 30 varieties of dishes with yoghurt

More than 40 varieties of meat and meatless aubergine dishes

More than 30 varieties of soup

More than 50 varieties of meat and meatless various vegetable dishes

salad, appetizers More than 20 varieties of pastry and lahmacun (Turkish pizza)

More than 10 varieties of More than 30 varieties of stuffed vegetables and stuffed meatballs grape leaves More than 30 varieties of desserts More than 30 varieties of

Some meals are prepared collectively during festivals, holidays or picnics as part of the social life culture. Some of them may be widely prepared everywhere as part of the meal. This diversity in the city cuisine let to the companies are specialized in different areas. Some restaurants offer only Eksili Köfte Ingredients kebabs, some others have soups 300 gr. lean meat Half cup of chickpeas and others have only desserts. 500 gr. fine bulghur 1 small sized onion 1 medium-sized onion 1 tablespoon of tomato paste 1 tablespoon of red pepper 3 cloves garlic 1 coffee spoon of black pepper 1 tablespo2.Group: The sauce on of dried 150 gr. Low-fat minced meat mint 1 big sized onion 1 lemon ju1 teacup of crushed walnuts ice or sour 1 pinch of safflower sumac 1 coffee spoon of black pepper 3 tablespo3.Group: Meat to be boiled on of ghee 400 gr. Hashed lean meat or butter Preparation Hashed meats are taken into a pan, mixed with some water and let to get boiled. Then, soaked chickpeas, chopped onion cubes and salt is added and cooked over a medium heat. Before it gets cooked, tomato paste and sour sumac are added. For ‘’AKITMA’’, the sauce, in other words, medium-fat minced meat is fried in a pan with half cup water added. A finely minced onion, a dash of salt and black pepper is added to the same mixture. Cooking process lasts until the onion pieces start changing colour. Once it gets cold, crushed walnuts and safflower is added to the whole mixture and put in a refrigerator to get frozen. A certain amount of fatless meat, bulghur, finely chopped onion, red pepper and black pepper and some dash of salt are put in a tray. The mixture is kneaded for 15-20 minutes, some water is added until the mixture reaches the certain thickness. Equal rounded pieces are obtained. These meat pieces are ditched by using a fingertip. After waiting some time in the fridge, the meat is taken out, small meatballs are obtained, hands can be soaked in order to give a good shape. The remaining amount of minced meat is rounded with a size of a single chickpea grain. Pieces are put in a strainer and put on the boiling pot and left to be cooked with the steam of the boiling water for 15 minutes. Some hot oil and a coffee spoon of peppermint are added and quickly taken into service. NOTE: Another name given to this plate is “ Anali Kizli Ufak Köfte”. Instead of lamb meat, turkey or chicken can be used as well.

The shops, selling katmer (a kind of sweet eaten mainly at mornings), beyran (a soup eaten instead of breakfast and an occasional cold winter morning) sheep's head, soups, wraps, creams, pastries, liver kebabs and Turkish bagels (made with dough and sesame) are the concrete example of this diversity and specialities. MEAT DISHES: In Gaziantep cuisine, meat dishes are generally cooked with the juice in the pot. However, lahmacun, counted as a meat dish, is prepared on the thin lahmacun dough and cooked

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COVER STORY in the “district bakeries”. The main ingredient of the meat dishes is the meat. Meats are sometimes cooked with their bones and different sauces. In order to enrich meat's nutritive and taste, small amount of onion, garlic or some herbs and vegetables can be added to the meat dishes. In some dishes, grains are also used. However, none of these ingredients could be dominated in the meat dishes. Another common feature of the meat dishes is to use meat and spices all together. OLIVE OIL DISHES: Not only Gaziantep but also in Turkey generally, olive oil dishes have a special interest and these dishes are cooked in homes and also dishes are on the menu in restaurants. The olives in Mediterranean basin come originally from Gaziantep. The usage of olive oil is really ancient and up to the first human society. In the city, many of the meat casseroles are cooked with olive oil. In contrast, under the title “Olive Oil Dishes”, there are dishes such as consumed cold, usually meatless, fresh vegetables using herbs, onion and garlic. PİLAFS: Since the first human society, grains have been the main food ingredient in Gaziantep. There are various kind of pilafs such as coarse cracked wheat, fine wheat called simit, smoked wheat called firik, lentils, chickpeas, rice and dövme. In the majority of pilafs, grains and cereals are used singly or combined ways. All pilaf dishes are cooked with tomato paste, herbs and spices. Sometimes pilafs are cooked with some fresh vegetables and meat. All kind of pilafs are being boiled in a pot, then vegetables and meats are roasted and later they are mixed in the pot during the cooking process. MEATBALLS AND VEGGIE BALLS (KÖFTE): There is a general misconception that meatballs are always prepared with the meat. In Anatolia, köfte is prepared with different grains and vegetables. In Gaziantep cuisine, spices, herbs and tomato paste are added to the grains and vegetables. Köftes which prepared with meat, are usually cooked on the grill. For the other köftes, prepared with grains, its ingredients are first boiled and then blended with tomato paste and spices. 30 | MeeTurkey |February 2018

PASTRIES: Under this subtitle, it is possible to find pastries prepared both in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;district bakeriesâ&#x20AC;? and fried in the frying pan. Most of the pastries are prepared with meat, the others are prepared with feta cheese and even prepared with sugar and eaten as a dessert. SALADS: The main ingredients of the salads are fresh herbs, vegetables, olive oil, lemon juice and Gaziantep's famous pomegranate sour sauce. Salads, prepared with special Gaziantep cheese, are peculiar to the city of Gaziantep. Almost in all salads; herbs, vegetables, garlic and onion are finely chopped. Olive oil, lemon juice, spices and pomegranate sauce enrich the nutrition and taste. STUFFED VEGETABLES (DOLMA): In Gaziantep cuisine, fresh and sun-dried vegetables are used for stuffed vegetables. Lots of vegetables such as eggplants, pepper, white cucumber, tomatoes etc. and grape leaves are used for dolma. The ingredients of dolma can be prepared with either meat or only grains. Fresh and sun-dried vegetables, different herbs and spices are used in dolma. Stuffing is prepared separately and stuffed vegetables are seethed in the pot. SOUPS: Grains are the main ingredient used in Gaziantep soup. Dried and fresh vegetables, herbs, spices and tomato paste are added into the soup according to the type of soup. There are also other soups that grains are not used that much and instead of the grains, vegetables and legumes are consumed in those soup recipes. Using meat in the soup is really rare. KEBABS: In these subtitles, kebabs are the most common type of food at the national and international arena. More than 30 varieties of kebabs are the most striking dish in Gaziantep cuisine. The main ingredients of the kebabs are mainly meat and bakery products ( pita, thin bread and wraps). Except for the plain minced meat and shish kebab; lots of fruit and vegetables like truffle and mushroom are consumed in kebabs according to the season. For example, truffle kebab can be only made during the spring. Butchers providing kebab ingredients and bakeries have a very important place in Gaziantep cuisine. Serving in this industry, butchers prepare the meat instantly according to customer demands.Bakeries are ready to offer fresh products at any time. In these two sectors are located side by side all the time in the city as a historical tradition. February 2018 | MeeTurkey | 31

COVER STORY WRAPS: In a intensive daily business life, Gaziantep's delicious and tasty kebabs offered as wrap became an eating culture and started to spread throughout Turkey from Gaziantep. The logic behind the wrap is to add some vegetables and various spices into the cooked meat, liver and legumes which are served with the pita bread. There are dozens of wrap varieties. It is a kind of eating culture that economically every people from the society eat it easily and fondly. VEGETABLE DISHES: Gaziantep cuisine is very rich in terms of vegetarian dishes thanks to the variety of vegetables and fruits. Apart from the many meat dishes, there are still many meatless meals. In these dishes, all kind of vegetables are used and vegetables of the region are at the forefront. Using fresh and sundried onions, garlic, dishes are cooked with yoghurt and gravy. Generally, these dishes are consumed as warm. DESSERTS: Gaziantep has very rich dessert culture and the most important is baklava in the national and international level. This kind of desserts belong to Ottoman cuisine and in the course of time, they have been identified with the name of Gaziantep. Well-known dessert baklava had been emerged as "Antep Baklava" by cook masters of Gaziantep who developed special methods through their efforts in the 19th century. Antep Pistachios, local clarified butter and flour produced locally are used in this dessert and these ingredients increase the taste of this special dessert.

Beverages and its varieties In Gaziantep, beverage culture is one of the main parts of the food culture. The preparation and consumption of drinks is the most prominent part of the social life activity. In Gaziantep, hot or cold beverages can be consumed before or after the meal. Apart from, the coffee which is the most known in the Anatolian food and beverage culture, it exists and so unique in Gaziantep because it is prepared by different ingredients. Using local herbs in the syrups and herbal teas are unique beverages in Gaziantep cuisine. MENENGÄ°Ă&#x2021; (TURPENTINE) COFFEE: This coffee is made from roasted and ground seeds of Antep pistachio. MenengiĂ§ fruit is the fruit of wilding Antep pistachio tree (unvaccinated) and this fruit is dried and roasted; at the end, turpentine coffee is obtained by grinding those fruits. These seeds are cooked in milk or water and boiled for a long time. Also instead of seeds, crushed turpentine is sold in cans in the form of a liquid which is preferred, for being easy to prepare: adding water or milk in that liquid and they are boiled altogether; "turpentine coffee" is then prepared and ready to serve for coffee lovers. This 32 | MeeTurkey |February 2018

coffee is not well-known around Turkey but in Gaziantep and its surroundings. However, this coffee is considered as curative and that’s why citizens of Gaziantep would keep this beverage in their home. It is used in order to treat a sore throat, coughing and the common cold. SYRUPS (SHERBET) AND FRUIT JUICES: Sherbets have an importance for special occasions. Different kinds of sherbets are consumed during circumcision ceremonies, Islamic memorial ceremonies, weddings, births and Ramadan month. Sherbets are usually made from fruits such as cherry, orange, lemon, apricot and plum. Orange and tangerine juices are added sugar; apricot and plum fruits are added water and sugar, then they are boiled together, later they are bottled and kept in the refrigerator. AYRAN: Ayran is prepared by diluting some yoghurt in water. Although it is not known exactly when it was found it is thought that yoghurt was discovered approximately 4500 years ago in Central Asia. Thanks to the migration of various tribes, yoghurt moved to Eastern Europe and Mediterranean Coast. Eventually, the yoghurt had become a part of Egyptian, Greek and Roman cuisine. Ayran is a widespread beverage in many parts of Turkey as in Gaziantep. The unique Gaziantep kebabs and pilafs are always consumed with ayran. Because ayran is an essential part of the kebabs and pilafs. Ayran is consumed by copper bowl and copper spoon which are unique cultural material in Gaziantep cuisine. In recent years, bowls have left their place for glass cups in some restaurants, but in some restaurants and homes, they still present ayran with copper bowls and spoons. LIQUORICE (MEYANKÖKÜ) SHERBET AND “SEBİL”: Liquorice sherbet is consumed in Gaziantep during the religious days, Ramadan months and in the summer. Including Gaziantep, all over Anatolia, liquorice plant is grown in many regions. This sherbet is sometimes produced in homes. It is also possible to find it in the streets where vendors are selling it and carrying it behind their back in the "sherbet bags". During the religious time, liquorice is distributed to people from "sebil" for free. Both consuming in religious days and being healthy, the consumption of liquorice sherbet is very common today and in the past in Gaziantep. HERBAL TEAS AND THYME TEA (ZAHTER): In Gaziantep food culture, herbal teas are periodically consumed during the winter. It is possible to see people are having teas any time in a day. When all family members come together, herbal teas are consumed with Antep pistachio. Herbal teas such as linden tea, rosehip, clove, cinnamon, sage tea are mainly consumed during the winter. It is believed that these herbal teas are raising body's resistance against cold. Zahter (thyme tea) is also one of the herbal tea which is unique for Gaziantep. Zahter looks like sun-dried wild thyme and it is brewed-up with hot water and served as a hot drink. ( Source; Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality) February 2018 | MeeTurkey | 33

MEET AT EXPO

Expo Turkey 2018 in Doha, Qatar The second edition of Expo Turkey took place 17-19 January 2018 in Doha, Qatar. The trade show organized at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. Turkey Expo is an important opportunity for bilateral meetings between Qatari and Turkish businessmen, which paves the way to achieve cooperation between both parties by establishing partnerships that strengthens the trade exchange between both countries. The Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani and president of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) Rifat Hisarcikiloglu participated inaugurate the forum. Representatives of more than 150 Turkish companies specialized in infrastructure, building, pharmaceutical, medical supplies, foodstuffs, agriculture, glass and plastic, industrials equipment, electricity, logistics and security systems attended the event. The Independent Industrialist and Businessmen Association (MÜSİAD) is the main sponsor of the event, which aims at strengthen commercial ties between Turkey and Qatar. The event also hoted discussion sessions on investment opportunities both in Qatar and Turkey. Qatar Expo was chosen by the Republic of Turkey to plan, organize, and market Qatar’s first international Trade Fair dedicated to Turkish products and services. The bilateral trade volume between Qatar and Turkey in 2016 reached over $1.44bn (QR5.24bn) against $1.43bn in the previous year. Qatar’s exports to Turkey in 2016 were at $908.5m, while imports of goods from Turkey stood at $538.9m. The trade balance continued to be in favor of Qatar at $369.6m, marginally down from $384.4m in 2015.

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MEET AT FESTIVAL Izmir Short Film Festival The 18th International Izmir Short Film Festival was held in Turkey’s Aegean city of Izmir between 7 and 12 November 2017. The festival announced its award winners on Saturday, November 11 at Historical Havagazi Cultural Center. The winning films were selected from 4 categories from international and national finalists by the Festival's jury members. This year, the festival received a record-breaking number of submissions from over 42 countries, including fiction, documentary, animation and experimental short films. WINNERS – INTERNATIONAL FICTION The international jury this year included president András Muhi, Alev Fatos Parsa, Sali Saliji – Sallini and Murat Tolga Sen. Winner of the Golden Cat Award – Best Film Animal. Director Bahram Ark, Bahman Ark (15min, Iran) Second Runner Up for The Golden Cat Award is: Limbo. Director Konstantina Kotzamani (29min, France) Third Runner Up for The Golden Cat Award is: 8 Minutes. Director Giorgi Gogichaishvili, Davit Abramishvili (13min, Georgia)

WINNERS – NATIONAL FICTION The international jury this year included president Handan Ipekci, Harika Uygur, Ali Dusenkalkar, Deniz Cakir, Aytekin Cakmakci, Aziz Imamoglu. Winner of the Golden Cat Award – Best Film: Toprak. (8min) Director Onur Yağız (11min) The festival also awarded the following; Second Runner Up for The Golden Cat Award is: The Trap National fiction Best Editing: Toprak / Toprak, Director / Kapan. Director Korhan Günay (8min) Onur Yağız (11min) Third Runner Up for The Golden Cat Award is: Story of a National fiction Best Cinematography: Beyoglu Cinema / Job Interview / Bir İş Görüşmesi. Director Alkım Özmen Beyoğlu Sineması, Director Ömer Ferhat Özmen (15min) (15min) National fiction New Comer: Orhan Öztokat for his role Winner of the Golden Cat Award for the Best in Prettiest of All Possible Lives / Mümkün Hayatların Documentary: Away From Her / Uzaktaki Kadın. En Güzeli, Director Derin Biricik (17min) and Miray Director Özgür Demirci (14min) Sahin for her role in Wire / Tel, Director Berkay Hasbay Winner of the Golden Cat Award for the Best Animation: (15min) The Valley / Vadi. Director Can Erkan, Salih Toprak National fiction Migros Youth Award – Voted by (10min) university students: Learning How to Swim / Yüzme Winner of the Golden Cat Award for the Best Öğreniyorum, Director Serpil Altın (12min) Experimental: Fifty Six / Elli Altı. Director Dilara Şahin

February 2018 | MeeTurkey | 35

MEET AT EXHIBITION

Travel people meet at EMITT-Istanbul Better known as EMITT 2018, the fifth-largest travel show in the world surpassed itself in January with an outstanding 22nd edition, boosting its profile on the travel industry.

The event started on a high, with the opening ceremonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high-profile speakers attracting a large crowd. An impressive 54,364 visitors descended on the TĂźyap Fair Convention and Congress Center, 15% more than the 2017 event. The show was open to tourists and holidaymakers on the final two days, where they were able to get a feel for the destinations themselves, sample food and enjoy performances of national dances and music. After a busy four days of meetings, contacts, and business, the travel industry is set for another year of healthy tourism results.

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February 2018 | MeeTurkey | 37

EAT & MEET South African Tourism promoted at EMITT Istanbul Accompanied by a number of emerging tourism businesses as well as established industry players, The South African Embassy of Turkey , together with the South African Tourism country manager for Turkey and representatives of tourism industry in South Africa participated ın the East Mediterranean International Tourism and Travel Exhibition (EMITT) in Istanbul, Turkey from 25 to 28 January 2018. Turkey Ambassador Pule Malefane hosted Turkish business and media in a dinner at Conrad Istanbul Hotel. The Middle East market is a new focus area for South African Tourism in its ‘5-in-5’ strategic goal to increase tourists to South Africa. As part of this bid to boost arrivals from this region and led by South African Tourism, 10 South African exhibitors have participated EMITT in January. The United Nations World Travel Organisation recently announced that more than 1.3 billion trips were taken around the world in 2017, a leap of 7%, with international tourist arrivals in Africa booming by 8%. Between January and October 2017, South Africa saw an almost 5% increase in tourists arriving from Middle Eastern countries, when compared to the same period the previous year. Noting this trend, South African Tourism’s Chief Executive Officer, Sisa Ntshona, said: “Tourism is currently a powerful global economic engine, which gives South African Tourism extra impetus in our mission to constantly explore new markets in pursuit of our 5-in-5 strategic goal.” A selling point of South Africa’s tourism offering is its diversity of experiences. Ntshona noted that research had found that travellers from the Middle East appreciate value-for-money destinations, making South Africa a perfect fit, and that their favoured travel season is during the northern hemisphere summer months of May to September – which coincides with South Africa’s low tourist season. Going forward, South African Tourism plans to train members of the Middle Eastern travel trade in how to sell South Africa as a destination, sign more joint marketing agreements with trade partners, and explore platforms for South African trade players to gain access to the region’s markets, such as business-to-business roadshows.

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FAME & GAME Snow Volleyball at mount Erciyes The trendy sport of Snow Volleyball is now growing across Turkey. The opening event of the 2018 CEV Snow Volleyball European Tour took place 12-14 January 2018 at the Mount Erciyes, Turkey for the third time. Mount Erciyes, which is one of the highest peaks in Turkey, has new ski resorts that are now becoming more and more popular all around Turkey and in Europe as well. By putting winter sports and winter tourism at the top of their agenda, Erciyes A.S aims to raise the profile of the city of Kayseri by hosting national and international sports events, such as World Championships and maybe the Olympic Games in the long term. The organisers want to make Mt. Erciyes a centre for winter sports, a place known all over the world. The countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fifth-highest peak at 3,917 m â&#x20AC;&#x201C; where a Snow Volleyball event of this calibre is taking place for the second straight year. The first stop of the 2018 CEV Snow Volleyball European Tour was one of the major highlights on the programme throughout this winter season. The tournament featured a DJ right by the centre court to contribute to a perfect atmosphere. The event had some extra fun times and shows along with Snow Volleyball activities.

The players and visitors had the opportunity to taste the delicious Turkish cuisine, with dishes including sucuk, pastirma, yaglama, yag mantisi, and katmer. The women's team from Turkey and the men from Russia were the ones adapting to the weather the best. A total of three medals for Russia, two for Turkey and one for the Czech Republic were presented in this much anticipated season opener. The next event in Turkey will be held in Uludag, Bursa from 1 to 4 March 2018. A total of 76 players from 11 countries (Belgium, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkey) participated the event. The winning teams in both men's and women's category received 1000 euro prize.

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MEET AT HERITAGE

Vazelon monastery awaits restoration It is not widely known as Sümela but another monastery built on the cliffs of Maçka, a town in the northern province of Trabzon, awaits restoration. Officials say a restoration project is underway to revive the glory days of Vazelon, named one of the oldest monasteries in Anatolia. Alternatively called Zouvalon, the monastery is believed to be built around 270 A.D. and is dedicated to John the Baptist. Over the centuries, it fell into disrepair as the Christian population in the region declined. A public tender will be launched next year for the restoration work while a newer monastery built in the eighth century will also be restored by the local municipality. Trabzon has been an important center of Christianity in the north of present-day Turkey before Turks gained control of the city and a final conquest by the Ottomans in the 15th century ended the Christian rule. Maçka alone hosts five monasteries though only three of them have survived. Vazelon has been left in ruins for about a century during which it was looted by treasure seekers. Maçka Mayor Koray Koçhan said the town hosted "big and spectacular" monasteries and they examined old maps to locate other possible monasteries. "We only know the names of Vazelon, Sümela and Kuştul. There are two other monasteries but they were destroyed beyond repair," Mayor Koçhan said. He said the town can be a place worth visiting like Cappadocia - an ancient region in central Turkey known for churches carved into rocks. Kuştul Monastery, also known as Peristere, will be next in line for restoration. Like others, it is located on a steep cliff overlooking the valley where the town is located. The mayor said that they are currently preparing a project to restore it. Restoration work is currently underway on the Sümela Monastery, located at an altitude of 1,200 meters. Crews working on the restoration had recently come across a previously inaccessible chapel on the site. Sümela is the most well-known monastery in the region and drew hundreds of thousands of visitors annually before it was closed for a comprehensive restoration two years ago. The monastery will be primarily a tourist attraction as Trabzon hopes to boost revenues from faith tourism. With its lush valleys and highlands, the city is a popular spot in the country's Black Sea region. Since the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) came to power in 2002, Turkey has been pursuing a policy to revive religious heritage. Apart from returning properties seized from religious minorities decades ago, Turkey also undertook ambitious restoration projects for churches, synagogues and monasteries. Most were abandoned after they were forcefully seized by the state in the past while others closed their doors due to a declining congregation.In January, a Bulgarian church in Istanbul that had been closed for years was reopened in a highprofile ceremony after it was restored by the state. (Daily Sabah)

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HEALTH & WEALTH

Turkish health tourism grows A tourism report issued by the Turkish Hoteliers Federation (TĂ&#x153;ROFED) stressed that Turkey is among the leading countries in organ transplants, while the country's national policies boost health tourism. The report also states that around two million medical tourists and $20 billion revenue are expected by 2023. The report indicates that Turkey ranks third among countries having the highest number of health care organizations accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). The country is also the first choice of medical tourists coming from a number of countries, including Germany, England and Russia. While Turkey's national policies support medical tourism, Turkish Airlines (THY) offers considerable discounts to medical tourists. Being among leading countries in face and other kinds of organ transplants, Turkey is expected to host two million tourists and secure around $20 billion in revenue from health tourism by 2023. Turkey stands out as an appealing health tourism spot thanks to the significant places in Istanbul and Antalya provinces in world health tourism and the presence of international pharmaceutical companies in the country. It also has reliable systems requiring advanced technologies such as robotic surgery. Moreover, Turkey is one step ahead of other countries in the sector with the additional benefits the Health Ministry's Health Tourism Department offers such as the provision of price-quality relation in the most efficient way and it serves patients in several languages, including English, Arabic, German and Russian. Besides, Turkey ranks first among European countries having the richest sources of thermal springs, which will certainly contribute to the growth of medical tourism in the country with an added plus that the health care services are cost-effectively provided.

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DESTINATIONS - ANKARA

Ankara, the capital of Turkey, is located in the center of Anatolia province. With a known history of around 3000, Ankara has seen great heights in the past. Around 3000 years ago, the Hittites established a city by the name of Akuwash (old name for Ankara) at the intersection of two trade routes in Turkey. During its earlier phase, Ankara was ruled by Phrygians, Macedonians (under Alexander the Great), and Romans. Seljuk Turks captured the city in 1071 AD and renamed it as Enguriye. Most important moment in the history of Ankara came when Atatürk founded his provisional government here in 1920, and in 1923 when it became the capital of Turkish Republic. The city has seen a number of changes since then, however it has been successful enough in maintaining a fine balance between the old and the new and thereby living up to its unique identity as the “Melting Pot of East and West”. Today, Ankara is a sprawling urban mass thoroughly organized and well - planned and much European in look than most of the cities in Turkey. Its wide-open roads, large hotels, restaurants and government offices distinguish the city. Besides, there are several tourist attractions and meetings in the city making it an ideal destination for the tourists and mice industry.

City At a Glance Population: 3,627,098 Traffic Code: 06 Telephone Code: 0312

How to go Ankara’s international Esenboga Airport is well connected to other cities in Europe as well as to important destinations in other parts of the world.

What to do The foundations of this citadel were laid by Galatians to be completed by the Romans. Byzantines and Seljuk made major changes later on. The citadel is located atop a hill in the old city where one can see some fine examples of traditional architecture of Ankara.

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What to see

The Ankara Citadel The Museum of Anatolian Civilization Anıtkabir The Temple of Augusts The Roman Bath The Column of Julian Had Bayram Mosque The Hatti Monument Victory Monument Monument of the Republic Yeni Mosque Kocatepe Mosque

DESTINATIONS - ANTALYA

Visit the picturesque old quarter of Kaleici; narrow, winding streets and old wooden houses around the ancient city walls. Since its founding in the second century B.C., Antalya has been continuously inhabited. The region, bathed in sunshine 300 days of the year, is a paradise of sun-bathing, swimming and sports activities like windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, mountain climbing and hunting. If you come to Antalya in March or April, in the mornings you can ski the slopes and in the afternoons you can swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. Important historical sites await your discovery amid a landscape of pine forests, olive and citrus groves, and palm, avocado and banana plantations. The Turquoise Coast is the tourism capital of Turkey. Its full range of accommodations, about 35 000 delegates, sunny climate, variety of excursions and activities, and its warm hospitality make it a soughtafter venue for meetings and conferences. The Antalya Convention Bureau, ACB, is an independent, non-profit making organization. Founded in 1995, the Antalya Promotion Foundation (ATAV) has become a member of the European Federation of Conference Towns (EFCT) in 1997. A Culture, Exhibition and Congress Center was opened in 1996 in the Konyaalti district. The Congress Center is located in a glass pyramid.

City At a Glance Population: 1.132.211 Traffic Code: 07 Telephone Code: 0242

How to go Antalya airport is 10km east of the city center, and has direct flights from Europe. It is well connected to other parts of Turkey, and daily direct flights from Istanbul and Ankara.

What to do With its palm-lined boulevard, internationallyacclaimed marina, and old castle with traditional architecture, all set amidst a modern city, Antalya is a major tourist center in Turkey. In addition to the wide selection of hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shops, the city also plays host to a number of sporting

events throughout the year, like International Beach Volleyball, triathlon, golf tournaments, archery, tennis and canoeing competitions. Opened in 1995, the Cultural Center hosts cultural and art events. The main area of interest in the city is central old quarter within the Roman walls, known as Kaleici, and there are many interesting museums around the city. ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡

What to see

Archaeological Museum Truncated and fluted minarets Hadrian’s Gate Old Harbour Perge, Side, Aspendos Düden and Kursunlu Waterfalls Antalya Castle

February 2018 | MeeTurkey | 47

DESTINATIONS - ISTANBUL

The former capital of three successive empires -Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman- Istanbul is a fascinating mixture of past and present, old and new, modern and traditional. The museums, churches, palaces, mosques, bazaars, and the sights of natural beauty seem inexhaustible. As you recline on the shores of the Bosphorus at sunset contemplating the red evening light reflected in the windows and slender minarets on the opposite shore you understand, suddenly and profoundly, why so many centuries ago settlers chose to build on this remarkable site. In addition to its unique historical and cultural background and innumerable attractions, modern hotels, exclusive restaurants, nightclubs, cabarets, bazaars and shops make Istanbul a superb site for meetings, conferences and conventions. Istanbul is fast becoming one of the most popular international congress and exhibition destinations. The opening of the Lütfi Kirdar International Conference Center (ICC) doubled the capacity of congress facilities in Istanbul. The ICC is ideally located in the modern district of Harbiye, at the center of the city’s business, cultural and commercial life, surrounded by some of Europe’s top quality hotels. Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau (ICVB) has all the contacts and information for your meetings in Istanbul.

City At a Glance Population: 14.000.000 Traffic Code: 34 Telephone Code: 0212 (European side) - 0216 (Asian side)

How to go Istanbul city has modern and new international airport, which is well connected by regular flights, with most important destinations in Europe, Middle East, and North America with. Besides, vast networks of flights fly between Istanbul and various other cities of Turkey. Ataturk International Airport is 20 km from city center. Helicopter service is also available between the cities.

What to do While in Istanbul there is so much to do and look forward to. The museums, castles, palaces, great mosques, bazaars and sights of natural beauty seem inexhaustible.

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Being a cultural and historical center, exploring the grand heritage of the city should be the top most priority. Shopping which can be a pleasure in the markets of Istanbul should form another important part of your itinerary. More than anything else a walk down the lanes and by lanes of the many bazaars in Istanbul can be a great experience, if interested in feeling the culture and lifestyles of the people of this amazing land. ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡

What to see

Dolmabahçe Palace Küçüksu Pavillion St. Irene Blue Mosque Topkapi Palace Mosaic Museum

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Covered Bazaar St. Sophia Kariye Museum Beylerbeyi Palace Yerebatan Cistern Miniatürk

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DESTINATIONS - IZMIR

Izmir, historically known as Smyrna, is the third most populous city of Turkey and has the country’s largest port after Istanbul. It is located in the Gulf of Izmir, by the Aegean Sea. It is the capital of Izmir Province. Izmir has the inherit of almost 3,500 years of urban past, and possibly up to that much more in terms of advanced human settlement patterns. It is Turkey’s first port for exports and it has free zone, a Turkish-U.S. joint-venture established in 1990, is the leader among the twenty that Turkey counts. Its workforce, and particularly its rising class of young professionals, is concentrated either in the city or in its immediate vicinity (such as in Manisa). Izmir is widely regarded as one of the most liberal Turkish cities in terms of values, ideology, lifestyle, dynamism and gender roles. The Izmir Convention & Visitors Bureau (Izmir CVB) was founded in 2007 by Izmir Tourism Promotion Foundation (IZTAV), as a non-profit and independent organization. Izmir CVB’s mission is to promote the city’s rich cultural and natural assets .It has great potential on a national and international level and is seeking guidelines and best practice to develop the city’s congress tourism.

City At a Glance Population: 3,627,098 Traffic Code: 35 Telephone Code: 0232

How to go Adnan Menderes Airport, 16km south of the city center, has several daily flights to Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya. There are also regular flights from many European cities.

What to do While in Izmir see the sights, the Archaeological Museum near Konak Square, which houses a superb collection of antiques including the statues of Poseidon, and Demeter that in ancient times stood in the agora. Neighboring the Archaeological Museum, the collection of the Ethnography Museum contains folkloric artifacts among which are fine collections of Bergama

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and Gördes carpets, traditional costumers and camel bridles. Situated on Atatürk Caddesi (Street) there is an old Izmir house used by the founder of the Turkish Republic, the Atatürk Museum, exhibits photographs of the leader as well as some of his personnel belongings. The Selcuk Yasar Art Museum is a private museum on Cumhuriyet Boulevard with a collection of 20th century Turkish art. Wander in the bazaar, sip drinks and dine at the pleasant waterfront restaurants. ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡

What to see

Agora Pergamum – Bergama Milet - Dydima Clock Tower Kemeralti Kadifekale

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Asansor Ephesus – Selcuk Virgin Mary Alacati Seferhisar Cesme

With which artist would you like to

have coffee?

TANER CEYLAN, cup and saucer

Artist and designer products found exclusively at the Istanbul Modern Store! Designer Collection: Alvar Aalto “littala” – Erdem Akan – Eray Carbajo – Meral Değer – Gamze Araz Eskinazi – illy Art Collection – Tamer Köşeli “Symbolicities” – Lexon – Mer’s – Mud Republic – Felekşan Onar – Osenmi – Selben – Ayhan Ünal – Yuka Artist Collection: Erol Akyavaş – Avni Arbaş – Roger Ballen – Taner Ceylan – Burhan Doğançay – İnci Eviner – Mehmet Güleryüz – Hoca Ali Rıza – Özer Kabaş – Fikret Mualla – Hikmet Onat – Arslan Sükan – Cem Turgay – Ömer Uluç – Burhan Uygur – Fahrelnissa Zeid – Fausto Zonaro... Products featuring the works of these and many other artists are available at the Istanbul Modern Store.

STORE - ISTANBUL MODERN

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