Mumcu: We Target To Make Turkey A Destination Known With Its Qualities

LONDON - Culture and Tourism Minister Erkan Mumcu has said that the government targeted to make Turkey a destination known with its qualities.
Mumcu, who is currently in British capital London to attend the World Tourism Fair, held a press conference before leaving for Turkey.
Speaking at the press conference, Mumcu said that that the Turkish tourism sector had made a positive beginning this year, but the war in neighboring Iraq and people's concerns about Turkey's possible involvement in the war had affected the bookings negatively.
''However, Turkish tourism sector has been progressing rapidly to reach its target. We expect a growth of at least 3 or 5 percent in the tourism sector this year,'' he said.
Referring to their promotion efforts in Britain, Mumcu told reporters, ''in Britain, there should be travel agencies specialized in Turkey. Turkey is generally known as an interesting and exotic country. Our government targets to make Turkey a professional destination known with its qualities such as Italy, France and Spain.''
''The failure in protection of our historical and cultural heritage has stemmed from deficient source and organization. Recently, we have been trying to develop a working system to be carried out by local administrations, private sector and foundations to solve this problem,'' he added.
(UK) 13.11.2003