Tourism potential btw Turkey, India rose, envoy says

By Yunus Okur and Murat Aslan

ERZURUM, Turkey (AA) - Tourism potential between Turkey and India has risen almost 80 percent, India's ambassador to Turkey said on Tuesday.

“Indian tourists usually prefer Istanbul and southern coasts [of Turkey],” Sanjay Bhattacharyya told Anadolu Agency in the eastern Erzurum province.

In his visit to provincial governor's office, Bhattacharyya underlined the “close” relationship between the two countries.

He said: “I will try ski tracks in Erzurum tomorrow and taste traditional foods like cag kebab.”

“Erzurum is a historically rich city. A tourism program including skiing and visiting historical places would attract more tourist into the country,” the ambassador added.

“We are planning to hold a huge festival in Istanbul, Ankara, Konya and Izmir [provinces]. It will feature different activities in music, dance, food, beverages and yoga.”

Taking his office eight months ago, Bhattacharyya said he sees Turkey as his second home.