Turkey Tourism News
Canyon Ranch Kaplankaya, Turkey, set for July opening
As a founding voice in the world of holistic wellness, Canyon Ranch has the wisdom and expertise of spending nearly 40 years helping its guests achieve well-being. Now, the life-enhancement brand that’s built a devoted global following is going global itself. Under the guidance of the brand’s new chief executive, Susan Docherty, the company has announced the development of its first-ever international destination, Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort at Kaplankaya, on a spectacular peninsula of the sun-kissed Aegean coast.
Expo 2016 Antalya opens in Turkey
President of the International Association of Horticultural Producers, Bernard Oosterom, congratulated Turkey on creating a spectacular opening to the International Horticultural Exhibition, during opening of Expo 2016 in Antalya. Speaking alongside president Erdogan of Turkey, prime minister Davutloglu, senior Turkish government ministers, secretary general of the BIE and ambassadors from around the world, Oosterom addressed the 5,000 guests and TV audiences telling them: “This Expo has brought together the horticulture industry, countries and their governments from all over the world around themes designed to promote ‘a green life for future generations’.
Etihad to expand services to Istanbul, Turkey
Etihad Airways will expand its services to Istanbul during 2016 with a new four times weekly service to Sabiha Gokcen Airport. The service will commence on July 1st 2016 and be served by an Airbus A320-200, with 16 seats in business and 120 in economy. The route will provide more travel options for guests travelling between the UAE and Istanbul as well as access to over thirty two-way connected markets and over 240 weekly connections around the world over the Abu Dhabi hub.
MSC Cruises pulls out of Turkey following latest terror attack
MSC Cruises has announced that it has decided to suspend its calls in Turkish ports until further notice. The decision will impact MSC Magnifica’s itinerary as the ship will be based out of Venice, Italy as of March 26th.
Emirates boosts Istanbul services with latest departure
Emirates has announced its plans for a second gateway in Istanbul with the launch of a daily service to Sabiha Gokcen Airport, beginning December 15th, 2015. The new service complements Emirates’ existing 11 weekly flights to Ataturk Airport, offering even more convenience for both inbound and outbound travellers.
Breaking Travel News interview: Sura Hotels & Tourism Group chairman, Hüseyin Kaygısız
With two of the leading hotels in Istanbul under management. Sura Hotels & Tourism Group is working to redefine the luxury hospitality in Turkey. Here Breaking Travel News editor Chris O’Toole sits down with group chairman Hüseyin Kaygısız to discuss his plans for expansion, the ever changing luxury market in Istanbul and what it takes to ensure his hotels exceed guests’ expectations every time.
UK travellers warned over fake Turkish visas
ABTA, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Get Safe Online are warning travellers to Turkey to only obtain e-visas from the official Republic of Turkey website. The warning is being issued after up to a hundred UK holidaymakers purchased fake e-visas which were only discovered on arrival in Turkey.
Istanbul signs on as Destination Partner for WTM Latin America
WTM Latin America 2015 has welcomed Istanbul as its official Destination Partner. The leading business-to-business event aims to bring the world to Latin America and promotes Latin America to the world. With an abundance of historic, cultural and artistic riches to showcase to the Latin American market the Istanbul Municipality, the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and Istanbul Convention and Visitors’ Bureau have teamed up to be the official Destination Partners at WTM Latin America 2015.
Pegasus Airlines expands UK network with new Gatwick departure
Low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines is launching new flights between London Gatwick and Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen. The flights will offer passengers a chance to fly onto destinations across Turkey and beyond as well as to North Cyprus from May 1st. This new route flying between London Gatwick and Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen will operate six days a week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, connecting on to further destinations across Turkey, including top summer destinations, cultural hotspots and gourmet havens, and beyond.
Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau appoints European representation
The Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau has appointed Redmint Communications as its public relations agency for the UK, France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. Redmint Communications will be promoting, publicising and strengthening Istanbul’s brand image as a leading congress and meetings destination via an effective and meaningful PR strategy.
Istanbul suicide bomber kills Turkish police officer
Tourists in the Turkish city of Istanbul are on high alert after a female suicide bomber blew herself up in a crowded area. One police officer was killed during the incident, while another was left with serious injuries. The woman walked into a police station in the historic area of Sultanahmet, close to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
Latest balloon crash kills tourist in Turkey
A tourist has been killed in the Güvercinlik Valley in Cappadocia, Turkey, following the latest in a string of balloon crashes. Nine others are reportedly injured following the incident, with the balloon carrying Chinese and Malaysian tourists.