Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Türkiye.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Fethiye takes its place at the TTI Izmir Tourism Fair
The 18th edition of the TTI Izmir International Tourism Trade Fair and Congress recently concluded in Izmir, bringing together prominent figures from the global tourism sector. Representing Fethiye and the Fethiye Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FTSO), Board Chairman Osman Çıralı and Board Member Süleyman Kaya participated in the event.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, TRNC Deputy Prime Minister Fikri Ataoğlu highlighted the economic contributions of tourism, education, and construction in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). He announced new incentives for charter flights starting January 2025, emphasizing the TRNC’s historical and natural attractions.
Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Zafer Levent Yıldır revealed that the city welcomed approximately 1.6 million tourists in the first ten months of 2024. Hasan Eker, Vice Chairman of the Union of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), underscored the critical role of travel agencies, noting that 80% of tourists visiting Turkey arrive through their services. Eker highlighted Turkey’s 5th place ranking in global tourism, attributing it to decades of experience and sectoral collaboration.
Following the opening ceremony, FTSO representatives Osman Çıralı and Süleyman Kaya hosted sector professionals at the Muğla stand and Fethiye table within the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality’s pavilion. They also engaged in numerous bilateral meetings and explored other stands. Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Muhittin Böcek was among the visitors to the Muğla stand.
FTSO Chairman Osman Çıralı expressed gratitude to the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality for its support in promoting Fethiye under the Muğla umbrella. “The fair was highly productive for tourism professionals,” he said. “TTI Izmir serves as a crucial platform for connecting tourism suppliers and professionals while fostering regional promotion. It plays a vital role in advancing the sector. We had fruitful meetings with our guests and will continue our efforts throughout the fair.”
FTSO representatives emphasized that their activities at the fair were part of broader preparations for the 2025 tourism season. The event facilitated valuable networking opportunities, solidifying Fethiye’s position as a key player in Türkiye’s tourism landscape.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiye-turizm-fuarinda-yerini-aldi
Fethiye Prepares for London Health Tourism Expo 2025
Fethiye is set to make a major international impact at the London Health Tourism Expo on February 15, 2025, showcasing its growing health tourism sector. The Fethiye Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FTSO) will represent the region at four dedicated stands, highlighting its medical services, wellness treatments, and unique tourism offerings that combine nature, history, and wellness.
FTSO Chairman Osman Çıralı emphasized the importance of diversifying Fethiye’s tourism profile to include health services, such as dental, medical, and wellness treatments, for year-round visitors. Preparations for the Expo have involved collaboration with local health professionals, aiming to increase Fethiye’s international visibility and attract more foreign clients.
The initiative addresses limited global awareness of Fethiye’s health tourism potential, with the Expo serving as a platform to boost recognition and position the region as a key player in this growing market. FTSO plans to complement this effort with digital marketing campaigns to ensure lasting global outreach.
The London Health Tourism Expo is expected to play a pivotal role in Fethiye’s strategy to significantly increase its share of international health tourism and establish itself as a prominent destination for wellness and medical travel.
Ancient sarcophagus discovered at St. Nicholas Church in Türkiye’s Antalya
Excavations at St. Nicholas Church in Antalya’s Demre district have revealed a limestone sarcophagus, providing new insights into the region’s history. The church, believed to be near the burial site of St. Nicholas—the historical figure who inspired Santa Claus—has been the focus of archaeological study since 1989.
This year, the site became part of the “Heritage for the Future” project, led by Ebru Fatma Fındık of Hatay Mustafa Kemal University and overseen by Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The sarcophagus, measuring about two meters, was uncovered in a two-story annex of the church.
Experts suggest the burial aligns with local practices, and they hope inscriptions on the sarcophagus may offer further clues about its origins. Fındık stated that the discovery supports historical accounts linking St. Nicholas’s burial to this sacred site near Myra, though additional research is necessary to confirm this connection.
Turkish coffee leads as country’s favorite brew
Turkish coffee remains Türkiye’s most beloved coffee, cherished for its rich flavor, unique brewing methods, and deep cultural heritage. On December 5, World Turkish Coffee Day highlights its significance as both a culinary tradition and a global cultural treasure.
Nuri Çolakoğlu, head of the Turkish Coffee Culture and Research Association, noted the coffee’s international acclaim. “Turkish coffee became the first cultural drink to be included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2013. This milestone has greatly enhanced national and international awareness of our coffee culture,” he said.
The UNESCO designation, achieved through efforts by the association and Türkiye’s Culture and Tourism Ministry, safeguards the tradition and ensures its continuation for future generations. While Türkiye does not grow coffee beans, its unique preparation styles—such as menengiç, süvari, and dibek coffee—have made Turkish coffee an integral part of its cultural identity.
Despite rising prices, Turkish coffee retains its dominance in Türkiye, holding over 30% of the coffee market. Women are its primary consumers, with a growing preference for drinking it “sade” (unsweetened).
Globally valued at over $100 billion, the coffee market sees Türkiye contributing $1 billion annually. As Turkish-origin brands gain recognition abroad, and with its cultural and culinary legacy intact, Turkish coffee continues to solidify its place on the world stage.
Source: https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-coffee-leads-as-countrys-favorite-brew-203325
Türkiye plans new travel route highlighting Neolithic sites in Şanlıurfa
The Culture and Tourism Ministry is developing a new travel route to showcase the ongoing excavations of Neolithic sites in Şanlıurfa, including the world-famous Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe. Deputy Minister Gökhan Yazgı announced the initiative, explaining that the plan will eventually include other sites such as Sayburç and Sefertepe.
“In addition to Göbeklitepe, Karahantepe is becoming a second major destination. As excavation results unfold, we aim to incorporate other sites into new travel routes,” Yazgı told Anadolu Agency.
The project, part of the ministry’s Stone Hills Project, is described as the largest interdisciplinary excavation initiative in the world. Excavations are currently underway at 12 different locations across Şanlıurfa, underscoring the region’s historical significance.
Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy is spearheading the project, with a dedicated budget and a team led by Professor Dr. Necmi Karul. The project also collaborates with international scientists to conduct extensive research on the discoveries, which include significant cultural treasures from Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe.
“Our excavations at Karahantepe and other sites are advancing rapidly, complementing ongoing work at Göbeklitepe,” Yazgı said, emphasizing the importance of the multifaceted investigations.
The project includes significant promotional efforts, such as a collaboration with Turkish Airlines to produce a commercial showcasing the sites. Yazgı noted the growing global interest in Göbeklitepe and the broader Stone Hills Project, positioning Şanlıurfa as a potential major tourism hub.
“This initiative is drawing increasing attention every day. From this perspective, Şanlıurfa is a strong candidate to become a key destination for cultural and historical tourism,” Yazgı added, expressing gratitude to all contributors involved in the project.
SPORT
Fethiyespor
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Ziraat Cup
Fethiyespor lost their away match against Alanyaspor in the fourth round of the Ziraat Cup on Wednesday 4th December. The final score was 4-1
League Matches
Fethiyespor won their away match against Kırklarelispor on Sunday. The final score was 1-2
Fethiyespor are in 9th position in the league table.
Sunday 15th December at home against Erzincanspor. The kick-off time is at 14:00.
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Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 44.27 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 44.15 TL.
The US Dollar bought 34.74 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 34.68 TL.
The Euro bought 36.74 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 36.99 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
