Arabian Travel Market: Turkish Airlines strengthens focus on fast-growing Middle East market with ne

Turkish Airlines is further strengthening its focus on the Middle East market, one of the airline's fastest growing markets, having recorded a 49 percent growth in passenger traffic in the past two years, and almost 1 million additional passengers from the Middle East in 2012 compared to 2011.

Turkish Airlines is showcasing its newest campaigns, especially appealing for Middle East visitors, at the Arabian Travel Market, the region’s largest travel and tourism exhibition, to be held from May 6 to 9, 2013, at the Dubai International Convention Centre.

Connecting 223 destinations across 99 countries, Turkish Airlines will present at its largest presence at the ATM, to date, a showcase of award winning services including the newly launched ‘Turkish Corporate Club,’ ‘Miles & Smiles’ loyalty programme and ‘Touristanbul,’ a free tour of the famed city for beyond destination stop overs.

Building on its credentials as one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, Turkish Airlines now operates from 32 destinations in the Middle East, with Aqaba Jordan recently added, and almost 1 million additional passengers travelled with the global airline last year, a 29 percent increase compared to 2011, taking advantage of the network that provides access to more countries than any other airline.

The rising popularity of Turkey as a holiday destination for GCC tourists is also propelling the airline’s growth; tourism numbers increased by over 370 percent from the UAE comparing August 2011 to August 2012 figures.

Turkish Airlines President and CEO, Temel Kotil, Ph.D said: “The Middle East is the fastest growing market for Turkish Airlines across the global network, with increased passenger demand spearheading new frequencies and destinations as part of planned global expansion. In fact in the first three months of this year we have already recorded a 29 percent increase in passenger traffic from the Middle East.”

He added: “Our robust growth is also evidence of the continual support from Turkish Airlines travel partners and tourism and aviation industries across the region. This year we have held appreciation ceremonies to honour their contribution, which have so far been held in Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi, with many others to follow.”

“As Turkey’s national carrier, we are thrilled at the rising popularity of Turkey as a tourism destination, the diverse all year round offering of beautiful natural scenery, historical marvels, stunning coastlines and exhilarating adventures, all less than 5 hours away from most countries in the Gulf region. The county boasts a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences and attraction for GCC tourists is highlighted by cultural linkages with the Middle East.”