The Turkish Embassy in Moscow recently discussed the resumption of cooperation in the field of tourism between Turkey and Russia.
Answering the question of Vestnik Kavkaza, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Turkish Republic Hussein Yayman said: "Turkey ranks sixth in the world in terms of visitor numbers arriving annually. These are tourists from the Great Britain, Germany, Iran and, of course, Russia. Therefore, we are waiting for all Russian tourists in our country with open arms. Two million tourists annually arrive in Turkey from Georgia, from Azerbaijan - 600 thousand people, from Kazakhstan - 400 thousand tourists. The more tourists we have, the more happy we are. The relations between the Russian and Turkish peoples are very strong and have a long history. These relations must develop in different directions. It could be culture, it could be art, maybe tourism."
In particular, Hussein Yaiman said in his speech: "We believe that the Turkish and Russian peoples are brotherly peoples. And we hope that in 2017 we will be able to host 5 million Russian tourists in Turkey. We hope that this long separation of the Russian and Turkish peoples will finally end." The deputy minister told about his meeting with the head of Rosturism Oleg Safonov, where they discussed issues of establishing a hotline between Turkey and Russia, the development of the Black Sea cruises, the arrival of tourists from Turkey to the 2018 World Cup in Russia and many other issues. "It will be a special pride for us to receive Russian tourists in Turkey this year and in the future. We are waiting for them in Antalya, Alanya, Cappadocia and other well-known tourist centers," Hussein Yayman said.
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkey to Russia, Huseyin Dirioz, noted that tourism plays a big role in the relations between the two countries: "Last week the meeting of the leaders of the two countries was held in a constructive and fruitful way. For the last year it was their fourth meeting. I'm not talking about phone conversations, the number of which is difficult to remember. During this meeting, 8 agreements were signed. And such contacts create the basis for building relations between people and between societies. "
Hoteliers Association of Turkey (TÜROB) President Timur Bayındır said: "In order to restore relations between the two countries, both tour operators and carriers have made a step towards Russian tourists, reducing the prices for both accommodation and flights."
