Turkey to attract 400,000 Saudi tourists in 2013

Menafn, May 23 –  Turkey is seeking to attract 400,000 Saudi tourists this year, according to a Turkish diplomat in the Kingdom.

Hussein Aas, media and cultural adviser at the consulate, said that 120,000 Saudis visited Turkey in 2011 and 200,000 in 2012.

Aas said Turkey has a solid tourism infrastructure to accommodate and meet all the requirements and wishes of Saudi tourists.

"We are keen to build a strong and established relationship with the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of familiarizing all parties concerned with the rich landscape of Turkey's nature, and its historic value," said the diplomat.

He said Turkey is trying to attract more Saudis by actively participating in tourism events and activities in the Kingdom and communicating with people through social networking sites.

"We have already established a website to provide visas electronically without the need to personally visit the embassy," he added.

He said Turkey has a rich landscape with wide green spaces, rivers, lakes and waterfalls, which attracts all Arab tourists.

"All this, along with the rich historic assets of Istanbul, the Black Sea and other places filled with exotic landscapes, represent an attractive destination for tourists."

The country, he said, has many shopping centers, restaurants and entertainment facilities for individuals and families.

Menafn