The Minister of Culture and Tourism of Turkey, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, has formally declared to the media that the coronavirus is completely under control in the country’s tourist regions, and therefore, Turkey is now well-prepared to welcome tourists.
The Turkish minister said: “Turkey has taken a series of measures to boost tourism, and the country is ready to welcome tourists this season, as Covid-19 is fully under control in the country’s tourist regions.”
Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy met with tourism professionals and representatives from associations established by foreigners living in Turkey, and during the “Healthy Tourism, Safe City” meeting held in Alanya, Antalya, the presence and participation of the Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, was also noted.
Ersoy emphasized that the necessary measures were taken immediately as soon as the first Covid-19 cases appeared in the country, adding that it was an opportunity to test Turkey’s years of healthcare infrastructure.
“We have received positive results from this investment…” he added.
Lower Numbers
Addressing the meeting, the minister stated that Covid-19 cases in Turkey’s tourist cities are among the lowest compared to Europe.
“For instance, in Antalya, which has a coastline of more than 700 km and a population of over 2.5 million, the total number of cases has been around 520 since March 11. There are four or five daily cases in Antalya.”
Ersoy continued by saying that the virus is completely under control in these tourist regions and that they are well-prepared in this regard.
He highlighted the importance of Turkey’s “Safe Tourism Certification Program,” which is exemplary in Europe.
He noted that tourism investors participate in the program voluntarily.
Any tourist facility with more than 50 rooms must obtain the certificate, and the minister said that so far, there have been over a thousand applicants, with many more expected.
