Pinoy officials to promote PHL tourism at Turkey Fair

Turkish travel agencies invited the Philippine government to promote its tourist destinations in the "Travel Turkey Izmir 2012 Tourism Fair and Conference" from December 6 to 9 this year, a news release of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. Ambassador to Turkey Marilyn Alarilla discussed this issue, along with other possible areas of cooperation, with Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB) President Basaran Ulusoy in a meeting last January 24, the DFA said. "To enhance bilateral tourism flows between the Philippines and Turkey, the two officials discussed possible visits of travel agencies to both countries and participation in travel fairs," the DFA said.   "Travel Turkey" is an annual fair. It was participated in by 638 companies from 19 countries in 2011.   Study trips   Meanwhile, TURSAB officials expressed their interest in conducting study trips by Turkish travel agencies to the Philippines.   These trips aim to assess the international tourism potential of popular Philippine tourism and cultural sites.   A workshop may also be conducted for Turkish and Filipino travel sector professionals.   TURSAB was established in 1972 and aims to develop the travel agency industry while protecting professional ethics and solidarity.   It is a member of several international organizations and is represented in international platforms. - VVP, GMA News