8th International Antalya Tourism Fair Started with 40 Thousand Representatives from 100 Countries

The eighth International Antalya Tourism Fair (ATF26), one of Türkiye's most important international tourism meetings, opened its doors at ANFAŞ Antalya Fair Center. The opening ceremony of the fair was held with the participation of Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin and many sector representatives. In the giant organization that brings together more than 40 thousand visitors from more than 100 countries, commercial cooperation, new era tourism targets and the future of the sector will be discussed.

In addition to Governor Hulusi Şahin, Antalya Deputy Sururi Çorabatır, Deputy Mayor of the Metropolitan Municipality Büşra Özdemir, and Bilim University Rector Prof. attended the opening ceremony. Dr. Semih Ekercin, district governors, mayors, TRNC Consul General Aslı Erkmen, Provincial Culture and Tourism Director Ayhan Gök, ATF Board Chairman Selçuk Meral, AKTOB President Kaan Kaşif Kavaloğlu and sector representatives attended.

"Turkish Tourism is a Resilient Sector"

Speaking at the opening, Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin said that Türkiye is among the top 5 countries in the world in terms of both the number of visitors and income in tourism. Emphasizing that the sector has a strong structure against disasters, Governor Şahin said, "Although Turkey has survived various difficulties, from minor winds to major storms, it can maintain its position in tourism. This shows that tourism is a sector that is resistant to disasters and negative effects."

"We Are Not Each Other's Competitors, We Are Supporters"

Noting that Antalya is the heart of Turkish tourism, Governor Şahin stated that 111 million overnight stays were made in the city and 44 percent of Türkiye's tourism revenues were provided from Antalya. Referring to the importance of destination partnership, Şahin said, "A city cannot produce tourism on its own, and if it does, it cannot be permanent. We cannot think of Antalya's tourism separately from Istanbul, Cappadocia, Muğla and Mersin. We are not each other's competitors, we are each other's supporters."

"It Became the World's Fair"

Şahin stated that product diversity is essential in tourism and that one should not rely solely on sea-sun tourism, and emphasized the success of the organization on a global scale. Noting that Antalya Tourism Fair has become an important meeting point for Mediterranean and world tourism, Şahin invited all participants to benefit from this experience.

After the opening speeches, Governor Şahin visited the stands and chatted with the participants and inspected the fair area. The fair, which hosts thousands of tourism brands and travel agencies, can be visited between 26-28 October.

#ATF26 #AntalyaTourismFair #Tourism #Antalya #ValiHulusiŞahin #ANFAŞ #Alanya

For more local news, you can visit Alanya Net News