The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism is exhibiting in a prominent space again this year at the World Travel Market (WTM) on the stand EM1000-1050. A huge variety of partner stands are providing information on the diversity of experiences on offer in Turkey, one of the world’s most popular destinations.

In new guidance for foreign passport-holders entering Turkey, passports must be valid for at least 60 days from the date of expiry of a traveller’s visa, visa exemption period or residency permit to be able to enter the country before December 31st 2014. That is to say that a traveller leaving Turkey on August 20th 2014 for example should hold a passport that is valid until at least October 20th 2014.

Bursa and Cumalikizik, considered the birthplace of the Ottoman Empire, and the multi-layered cultural landscape of Izmir’s Pergamon have been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The decision was made at the recent 38th World Heritage Committee meeting, held at Qatar’s National Congress Centre in Doha.

In a move that makes travelling to Turkey simpler and easier, a new visa procedure has been in place since 11 April 2014. The new Electronic Visa Application System enables visitors to obtain an e-Visa conveniently online.

Please note that after 10 April 2014, it will not be possible to get a visa on arrival in Turkey. Visitors arriving in Turkey after this date must obtain an e-visa online before travel.

Hilton Worldwide has signed agreements on four hotels in Turkey to further boost its portfolio in the country to 24 trading properties and 25 in its development pipeline. This latest announcement sees Hilton Worldwide expand its existing presence in Istanbul and the port city of Izmir, home to Turkey’s third largest urban population, with two new hotels in each city.