Türkiye Celebrated as Global Tourism Hub Bridging Asia and Europe

Turkey

Türkiye has been praised as a leading global tourism destination, uniquely positioned at the crossroads of Asia and Europe.

Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), described Türkiye as a "major tourism powerhouse" with a rich cultural and historical heritage, emphasizing its strategic value as a global travel hub.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Hamid shared his evolving perception of Türkiye:

"While I once considered Türkiye part of Asia, I now see it as something broader. Türkiye is like the world, because it is the bridge between Asia and Europe," he said.

Istanbul: The Gateway City

Highlighting Istanbul’s key role, Hamid noted that the city serves as the primary gateway to the country, offering immense growth potential.

"It is the gateway where you have the access — there are thousands of hotels in the city, attractions from modern and new culture, the cuisine, the people," he stated.

While Istanbul remains the dominant destination, Hamid acknowledged that many other cities in Türkiye attract visitors based on their interests.

"If somebody likes to fly, they will go to Cappadocia. I like golf, so I want to go to Antalya," he explained, illustrating the country's diverse appeal.

Connectivity: A Major Strength

Türkiye’s strategic connectivity is one of its most significant advantages, especially with increasing demand from across Asia.

"The Indian market is definitely the closest to Türkiye, along with the Middle East. However, the bigger market is from Asia, including Southeast Asia, North Asia, Japan, China, Korea, and Hong Kong," Hamid noted.

Istanbul's emergence as a global aviation hub is integral to this dynamic.

"Istanbul is truly becoming one of the major hubs in the world. Everyone flying from different parts of Asia notices that flights on Turkish Airlines are consistently full," he said.

He added that many travelers use Istanbul not only as a holiday destination but also as a transit point for trips to Europe and beyond.

Türkiye: A World of Diversity

Reflecting on his personal experiences, Hamid remarked on the country's unique identity.

"We always thought Türkiye is part of Asia, but it’s not — Türkiye is like the world. You have hundreds of different cuisines, ethnic groups — it’s not just Turkish; it’s a mosaic of diverse cultures," he said.

He also expressed his admiration for Türkiye’s architectural and cultural richness:

"I love the architecture, the malls, the iconic sites like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Türkiye’s history and culture are truly impressive, not just from what I see when I visit but also from the stories I hear."

Collaborating for Sustainable Tourism

Hamid emphasized the importance of accessibility as a fundamental element of sustainable tourism growth. PATA continues to collaborate with the Türkiye Tourism and Development Agency (TGA) on joint initiatives.

"The key is to have accessibility," Hamid stressed.

TGA has been a long-standing member of PATA, and both organizations are committed to promoting Türkiye as a diverse and accessible global destination.