ISTANBUL - A total of five Chinese journalists who were invited by Tourism Ministry to promote Turkey's historical and touristic places arrived in Istanbul on Thursday.
Photo reporter Lan Hongguang, editor Zhao Chun, their son Lan Hai, Pooge Magazine chief editor Wu Zhen, Beijing This Month Magazine deputy chief editor Sun Xin, He Xingwu from Beijing television and Beijing Municipality Press Affairs Director Ping Hulying were welcomed by Istanbul Provincial Tourism Director Yalcin Manav at Ataturk Airport.
Responding the questions of reporters at the airport, Lan Hongguang said that he had earlier come to Turkey as a correspondent and had good impressions, adding that he especially liked Istanbul Strait.
Manav said that Chinese journalists came to Turkey for the first time as a part of the promotion campaign and added that this program was very beneficial for the promotion of Istanbul, Izmir and Turkey.
Noting that Friday would be New Year of Chinese people, Manav said that more than a hundred Chinese tourists would visit Turkey between January 31 and February 2.
Chinese group which would stay at the Pera Palas Hotel stated that they would take photos of historical and touristic places in Istanbul and Izmir.
The group will stay in Istanbul for two days and their accommodation, food and transportation expenses will be met by Tourism Ministry. Chinese guests who will proceed to Izmir after Istanbul will visit historical and touristic places such as Cesme, Ephesus, Kusadasi, Selcuk and Pamukkale and return China on February 4.