ISTANBUL, Jan 13 (A.A) - Tourism Minister Mustafa Tasar hosted on Saturday dinner for nine French tour operators and administrators of two French magazines in Istanbul.
Tasar hosted the dinner within the framework of the campaign to promote and revive Turkish tourism.
Responding to questions prior to the dinner, Tasar said that the guests visited Sultanahmet, Topkapi Palaca, Yerebatan Cistern and some other historical places.
Tasar noted that France was an important market for Turkey and that 550 thousand tourists came from France to Turkey last year.
Tasar noted that there was a 20 percent increase in number of French tourists visiting Turkey and that they aimed to increase the number over 600 thousand.
He guessed that there could be a more increase in the number of French tourists visiting Turkey in the following year in the direction of today's meetings, Tasar pointed out.
Tasar said that the French people were giving importance to history and culture.
''Istanbul, Cappadocia. From now on, we are expecting French tourists to Antalya region, Bodrum and Mugla and their townships for summer tourism,'' Tasar noted.
Tasar pointed out that the visit of tour operators to Turkey was the evidence of security in Istanbul and Turkey and said that this organization was made with the contributions of Turkish Airlines (THY).
He would host his Romanian counterpart in Turkey within this month, Tasar stated and said that he would attend a working meal that the Oger Tour would host for tour operators in Frankfurt.
Tasar added, ''that is, I will take part in any tourism initiative. We are exerting these efforts to have more expectations from tourism in 2002.''
FRENCH JOURNALIST FIGUER SAYS THEIR AIM IS TO DIRECT TOURISM MOVEMENT FROM FRANCE TO TURKEY
L'Univers Des Voyages Editor-in-Chief Bertrand Figuer said on Saturday that their aim was to direct tourism movement from France to Turkey.
Figuer, who attended the dinner hosted by Tourism Minister Mustafa Tasar in honour of nine French tour operators and French journalists to promote Turkey's tourism, said that tourism stagnated in France following September 11th terrorist attacks.
There was a decrease in demand to Istanbul, Figuer noted.
So, they organized that tour, Figuer stated.
Figuer said that their aim was to direct tourism movement from France to Turkey by showing that there was not any problems but there was a secure medium in Turkey and especially in Istanbul.
Figuer pointed out that they would write about their tour in ten pages, adding that they would fulfil their responsibilities and write that Istanbul was a very secure destination.
Maxi Tour Operator Sale Director Alex Benzaquen said that they had spent a good day in Istanbul, adding that they had once more seen Turkey's hospitality, smiling face and tolerance.