ISTANBUL, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Promising Türkiye-Egypt relations in the tourism sector were showcased at the 6th Antalya Tourism Fair last week amid a backdrop of renewed diplomatic ties between the two countries after a prolonged period of strained relations.
The three-day fair, which concluded on Oct. 25 in Türkiye's Antalya province, served as a platform for Egypt to showcase its unique attractions and promote affordable tourism products to Turkish agencies.
Mohamed Atta Elsherbeiny, the International Tourism Director of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, emphasized the importance of the fair in strengthening industry relationships and sharing experiences between the two countries.
"The rapprochement between Türkiye and Egypt has affected tourism preferences," Elsherbeiny said, as quoted by Dunya Daily. "The number of Turkish tourists visiting Egypt last year tripled compared to 2022, reaching 140,000. This year, the figure is expected to reach 250,000."
He also noted that direct flights from Istanbul to Cairo have made the Egyptian capital an appealing destination for Turkish travelers interested in its history and culture.
Hamit Kuk, chief advisor to the president of the Turkish Travel Associations (TURSAB), also observed a significant increase in travelers from Türkiye to Egypt, driven by the collaborative efforts of industry insiders to create appealing tour packages.
"Egypt has emerged as a top choice for Turkish travelers, with a growing number of booking holidays there," Kuk told Xinhua. He highlighted that direct flights, visa facilitation, and attractive, affordable tour packages offered by Turkish travel agencies are key factors contributing to this trend.
Relations between Türkiye and Egypt soured after the ouster of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi in July 2013 and the subsequent banning of his Türkiye-backed Muslim Brotherhood group, which led both countries to expel each other's ambassadors. However, recent efforts indicate a mutual desire to rebuild and enhance relations.
Following Egypt's strong presence at the fair, Turkish media reported extensively on the allure of travel to the country, with headlines emphasizing Egypt as an attractive destination for Turkish travelers.
Deniz Iscan, a senior at Yedi Tepe University in Istanbul, expressed her keen interest in Egypt's rich history and cultural heritage. "Egypt is fascinating for history enthusiasts, with iconic sites like the pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Nile River," she told Xinhua.
She is currently looking for the right time to book her tour to Egypt through Turkish travel agencies, considering a package that includes round-trip flight tickets and four nights of all-inclusive accommodation in Sharm El Sheikh and Cairo for 579 U.S. dollars.
Throughout the fair, industry insiders engaged customers through demonstrations and interactive experiences, leading to the formation of new partnerships and projects. The event attracted around 30,000 local professionals and nearly 2,000 travel agencies from around the globe. ■
