The Impact of Culture on Congress Tourism and Destination Marketing

Elif Balcı Fisunoglu Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau

Cultural tourism (or culture tourism) is the subset of tourism concerned with a country, region or city's culture, specifically the lifestyle of the people, the history of those people, their art, architecture, religion(s), and other elements that helped shape their way of life.

Cultural tourism is one of the largest and fastest-growing global tourism markets.

The Impact of Culture on Tourism examines the growing relationship between tourism and culture.

Convention and meeting industry as another fast growing sector became one of the drivers of the regional/national economies. Estimated that 1/3 of world tourism income is generated from meeting industry.

Cultural tourism is not a quick fix. It’s not simply a new style of marketing. Cultural tourism is about understanding the collective cultural offer of a destination matching that offer to the tourism sector industries.

TURKISH CULTURE

Byzantine, Ottoman, Balkan, European, Middle Eastern, Central Asian Mediterranean, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Civilizations, East &West, Muslim, Anatolia, Modern,

Turkish Cuisine, Baklava, Meze, Rakı, Wine, Ayran, Turkish Bath- Hamam, Hospitality, Belly Dance, Turkish

Tea & Coffee, Turkish Tea & Coffee, Turkish Delight- Lokum, Mevlana, Dervish, Mosques, Churches,

Architecture, Sea & Sun, Sultan, Bosphorus, Bridge, Archaeology, History, Shopping …….. And many more

Turkish Culture is unique in the world in that it has influenced and has been influenced in return by cultures and civilizations from China to Vienna and from Russian steps to North Africa for over a millennia. Turkish culture reflects this unparalleled cultural richness and diversity, and remains mostly shaped by its deep roots in Middle East, Anatolia and Balkans, the cradle of many civilizations for at least twelve thousand years.

The Ministry of Culture & Tourism of the

Republic of Turkey is responsible for promoting

the wonders of Turkey internationally as well as

for preserving Turkey’s historic and cultural

heritage.

The Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Tourism

merged in 2003 despite many objections.

Tourism Strategy of Turkey & Istanbul by 2023

100th anniversary of Turkish Republic

50 million tourist 50 Billion $ tourism income Top 5 tourism destinations

Istanbul 23 million tourist

1980

2012

1,2 million

31,7 million

1990 5,3 million

2000 10,4 million

Turkish Tourism

Total Number of Visitors

TOURISM REVENUES of TURKEY

2012

0,4 Billion$

36 Billion $

3,2 Billion $

7,6 Billion $

1980

1990

2000 $

Total Income (Foreign Tourists)

2002 2012 2011 2012/2011 (%)

ANTALYA 4.747.581

10.298.769

10.464.425 - % 1,58

İSTANBUL 2.705.848 9.383.054

8.056.390 % 16,47

Major Tourism Destinations

3s (Sea- Sun-Sand))

3s

+ Culture History

Gastronomy Congress & Incentive

Golf Health

Adventure Shopping

Winter

Turkish Tourism

The Perception of Turkish Tourism Unique History & Culture Turkish Hospitality Natural Beauty Diversity in Tourism

2013 Advertising Campaign of Ministry of Culture &

Tourism

European Countries

United States

Russia, Ukraine, Balkan Countries

Turkic Countries, Japan, India

ISTANBUL

A unique destination; Bridge to Europe and Asia History: 8.500 years Capital City of Ottoman, Byzantine, Roman Diversity (Churches, mosques, palaces) Modern and state of art infrastructure

Direct flights to 230 destination worldwide by Turkish Airlines 2 billion people in 6 hours Two international airports Easy VISA requirements 7 purpose-built convention centers and 3 exhibition centers Over 89.000 hotel rooms, 94 five-star hotels Unique historic venues including palaces, cisterns and more

What makes Istanbul one of the world’s top 10 conference destination?

Istanbul is even more asociated with culture and arts since it was named 2010 ECOC. In 2010 Istanbul was the host city of festivals, international summits, artistic events and urban projects. Istanbul shot up 10 places in the ICCA rankings from 17th in 2009 to 7th in 2010.

İstanbul Shopping Fest Istanbul Fashion Week Contemprary Art Istanbul Istanbul Biennal Istanbul Jazz Festival Istanbul Gastro Festival Istanbul Tulip Festival

Istanbul City of Festivals & International Events

Visitors to Istanbul from ME Market increased % 50,6 in 2012

New campaign to attract more visitors to Istanbul from Middle Eastern Counties during the Ramadan period.

Turkish television dramas are wildly popular in Turkey and are among the country’s most vital exports, both in terms of profit and public relations. The television drama industry has played a pivotal role in enhancing Turkey's popularity in the neighboring countries. Balkans and South Eastern Europe Middle Eastern Countries Sweeden

Turkish Series

2 cities of Turkey among the top 10 international tourism destinations- UNWTO

2012

ANTALYA 10.298.769

İSTANBUL 9.383.054

In 2002 Istanbul’s ranking was no 34 in the world with 33 congresses.

THANK YOU