| Turkey
only incorporated policies relating to holiday making and tourism in
its economic planning in the early 1960s, establishing the first
official tourism organization in 1963. Turkish tourism was in its
infancy in the 1960s, and the phenomenon and dimensions of tourism
were not yet fully grasped. This was the time when tourism
everywhere in the world was newly gathering momentum.
In the 1970s the state turned its
attention to tourism, drawing up tourism development projects
regional plans and initiating infrastructure projects for the
sector. In 1983, to encourage Turkish and foreign investment
companies to participate more effectively in the development of
Turkey's tourism sector, policies were amended by the Government.
The main objectives of Turkish
Tourism Policy are;
- To develop tourist supply
(services technical infrastructure, suprastructure..)
- To create the best possible social
conditions for tourists,
- To ensure the harmonious use of
natural resources.
On the basis of these objectives, the
Government supports the investments of the foreign companies
experienced in this area in order to provide for the establishment
of high standard tourism facilities.
Foreign enterprises which choose to
invest in the tourism sector in Turkey are directed according to
"The Foreign Investment Law" number 6224.
This law orders that the investment
of a foreign enterprise must be profitable and beneficial for the
development of tourism in Turkey. That is, it must increase the
tourism potential of the country. Additionally, it must provide
foreign tourism marketing possibilities.
Under the provisions of this Law the
investor should first apply to the Prime Ministry, Undersecretariat
of Treasury, to obtain a "Permit and Encouragement
Certificate" for investment. This certificate is a document
that allows the establishment of a company in Turkey, the
participation of foreign capital and indicates the state aid
measures to be gained if the investment is realized. Upon receipt of
the "Permit and Encouragement Certificate", a foreign
investor may receive all the privileges and state aid measures
provided to local investors.
As a result of these efforts, Turkey
has become the newest tourism country in the Mediterranean basin.
There has, in fact, been significant
development in Turkish tourism since 1983 and a steady rise in the
number of tourist facilities and bed capacity as well. The number of
foreign tourists was 6.5 million in 1993 and tourism accounted for $
3.9 billion US in revenues; the existing bed capacity in Turkey is
235,238. In 1994, the number of foreign tourists was 6.7 million and
revenues from tourism totaled $ 4.3 billion US. The existing bed
capacity increased to 265,136. In 1995 the number of tourists was
7.7 million and as of October 1995 revenues from tourism totaled $
4.5 billion US. The existing bed capacity was increased to 275,342
as of November 1995.
Source: Ministry of Tourism
(1) Provisional
In conclusion, with its unique
location, ideal climatic conditions, rich historical heritage and
culture, unspoilt natural beauty, variety of foods, friendly and
hospitable people, Turkey is a country for tourism.
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