Turkey is expecting 2.2 million tourists from Russia this year, Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Atilla Koc said at the Moscow International Tourism Fair. “Culture and tourism play an important role in the development of bilateral contacts, and the increasing number of Russian tourists in Turkey is a proof to that,” he said. “We are trying to develop not only seaside tourism, although the majority of Russians associate Turkey with the sea, the beach, and the glimmering sun. Our country has huge cultural and environmental resources, and a growing number of tourists visit regions outside the seaside for studying our culture.”

“The bird flu situation will not affect tourism,” the minister said. “National authorities cooperated with the international community in the solution of this problem, and the World Health Organization acclaimed our efforts. We care for health of Turkish citizens and other foreign guests.”

The Moscow International Tourism Fair, which is one of the four leading world tourism exhibitions, is being attended by about 50 Turkish companies.
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