On 11 February, the 14th edition of EMITT, the East Mediterranean International Travel & Tourism Exhibition will open in Turkey, welcoming thousands of tourism professionals and travel enthusiasts.  This year, the event will feature 50 countries, from Turkey’s nearest neighbours to long-haul holiday destinations, as well as over 100 cities and regions, and over 500 resorts, travel agencies, tour operators from within Turkey.

Visitors to EMITT are used to seeing a wide variety of destinations at the show, many of which are regular participants.  However, the event is also recognised as an effective platform for new destinations to promote themselves to Turkey’s travel market.  This year, companies from Algeria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Japan, Tanzania and Tatarstan will be promoting their services for the first time, alongside many new Turkish organisations, including the Western at Black Sea Development Society (BAKAB), who will be representing cities and resorts from the western Black Sea region.  Event Director, Hacer Aydin, is looking forward to welcoming the newcomers, “I’m always very pleased to introduce new destinations to the Turkish travel market.  Our travel industry is developing rapidly.  Turkish travellers are looking for something different and new destinations always attract a great deal of attention so I’m sure our new exhibitors will find even more than they expected EMITT!

A variety of initiatives will be launched during the event by the participating companies, including early booking discounts and draws for free holidays.  This year’s guest country, Egypt, has also planned a number of cultural shows to entertain EMITT’s visitors, including an Egyptian Night, featuring traditional dancing.  Nehad Gamal Eldin of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism office in Istanbul comments, “We have taken part in the EMITT fair every year since it started.  Our results from the show prompted our decision to sponsor the fair as ‘guest country’ […].  Our Ministry representatives will take part in the fair, alongside 15 tourism agencies from Egypt [...].  The EMITT fair is a great opportunity to show the values of Egypt to Turkey and the world.

EMITT 2010 takes place on 11-14 February in TUYAP Fair, Convention and Congress Center in Istanbul, Turkey.