“Fascinating Turkey”: From 10 to 14 March 2010 the focus will be on the partner country of ITB Berlin. Turkey, a favourite travel destination among Germans, will provide a fascinating and colourful programme of events, and spoil visitors with its legendary hospitality. On Tuesday, 9 March the opening ceremonies will kick off the world’s leading travel trade show in spectacular fashion. A colourful display will present all the various aspects of Turkey at a gala event. SUN, a fascinating show by Fire of Anatolia, will perform musical and dancing highlights from a country which spans both Europe and Asia.

For the entire duration of ITB Berlin 2010 the focus will be on the partner country as a very special travel destination. As one of the largest exhibitors at the fair Turkey will be represented in Hall 3.2, showing both traditional and modern aspects of its culture. Displays in an area covering 3,000 square metres will exhibit a cultural treasure trove, a wide range of tourism products, holiday regions in all their variety, and culinary delights from this popular travel destination.

One of the highlights will be Istanbul. Visitors can experience the diversity and dynamism of the European Capital of Culture on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds, and see how Istanbul spans East and West intellectually and culturally with both art and cultural attractions. Visitors will also be fascinated by the richly ornamented portal of a reproduction of the Divri?i Great Mosque. Built in 1229 in the province of Sivas, Anatolia’s oldest architectural testimony to Islam has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yet another World Heritage Site can be admired in Hall 10.2 in the shape of traditionally built houses from Safranbolu.

Seeing, smelling and tasting is what Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, the world’s oldest shopping centre, is all about. Visitors can experience the hustle and bustle of a covered bazaar with all their senses in six different shops. For those eager for more, there are culinary specialities from every Turkish region on offer at the SAHAN Restaurant next to Hall 3.2, as well as two Turkish snack bars between Halls 3.2 and 4.2.

During the open days for the general public fascinating shows on the stand of Turkey and on the large stage in Hall 4.1 will enthral visitors to the fair. Live Turkish music and folk tunes will provide just the right atmosphere. “ITB Berlin and Turkey have always maintained close ties“, is how David Ruetz, Senior Manager and Director of ITB Berlin, comments the long-standing friendship between Turkey and Germany, which has now culminated in Turkey’s participation as the partner country of ITB. “This popular travel destination has been represented on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds since 1968. ITB Berlin offers the ideal platform for Turkey to build on its standing in world tourism as a year-round holiday destination for holidaymakers and incentive travel organisers.“

Ibrahim Yazar, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey: “As far as travel is concerned Germany is Turkey’s most important source market. We are very much looking forward to presenting Turkey in the role of official partner country at this year’s ITB Berlin, particularly as this year Istanbul will fascinate visitors as the European Capital of Culture.“

Turkish Airlines is offering a special ten per cent discount on all flights to the world’s leading travel trade show, ITB Berlin 2010.