Forward of PM Narendra Modi’s go to to Russia for the BRICS Summit, scheduled to be held from October 22-23, during which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan can even participate and the 2 leaders prone to maintain a bilateral assembly, Turkish ambassador to India Firat Sunel spoke to Divya A about full potential of bilateral ties, and the way Turkey plans to woo vacationers and companies from India. Edited excerpts:
Has the West Asia battle impacted tourism footfall from India to Turkiye?
Tourism from India to Turkiye has remained sturdy, displaying a powerful progress regardless of world challenges. In 2023, Turkiye welcomed 2.74 lakh Indian guests, whereas in 2024, a 34% improve in Indian arrivals was recorded throughout the first 5 months in comparison with the earlier yr. Whereas it’s too early to evaluate full impression of current geopolitical occasions, Turkiye’s dedication to fostering ties with Indian travellers by enhanced advertising and marketing efforts, promotional actions, and collaborations ensures continued momentum in tourism progress from India.
What are the precise steps being taken on this regard?
A key a part of this effort has been a six-city Turkiye roadshow held not too long ago, designed to strengthen ties between Indian journey commerce and Turkiye’s tourism sector. Wedding ceremony tourism and MICE (Conferences, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) have emerged as precedence segments for us.
We’re working carefully with Indian marriage ceremony planners to place Turkiye as a major vacation spot for weddings and honeymoons. Our efforts additionally prolong to the booming Indian movie trade, with Turkiye’s distinctive areas showcased in main Bollywood productions.
Turkiye has additionally been a short-stay/transit hub for Indian travellers headed to Europe and America. Has the opposite battle — the Russia-Ukraine battle — impacted that?
Whereas Russia-Ukraine battle has influenced regional journey patterns, Turkiye’s strategic location as a transit hub for Indian travellers to Europe and the US stays intact. The nation continues to function a gateway because of its geographical benefit, airline connectivity, and tourism-friendly insurance policies. Nonetheless, some routes might have been quickly impacted.
You spoke about Indian movie productions. How is Turkiye being positioned as a filming vacation spot for Indian motion pictures?
Turkiye has change into a sought-after filming vacation spot for Bollywood, with main productions like Tiger 3, Race 2, and Dil Dhadakne Do utilizing its scenic areas. To additional appeal to the Indian movie trade, Turkiye presents tailor-made incentives for Bollywood producers. The Turkish authorities actively helps collaborations between Turkish and Indian manufacturing groups by logistical help, monetary incentives, and streamlined processes for filming permits. Movie initiatives function a cultural bridge between Turkiye and India. By showcasing Turkiye’s wealthy landscapes and cultural heritage in Indian movies, we foster higher mutual understanding and curiosity… improve people-to-people connections.
In the intervening time, what are the opposite features of bilateral ties in focus in your nation
Past tourism and movies, Turkiye and India take pleasure in sturdy commerce and people-to-people ties. Bilateral commerce continues to develop throughout sectors, together with textiles, equipment, and know-how. Turkiye’s efforts to draw Indian travellers and companies have additionally strengthened interpersonal connections, contributing to a extra vibrant alternate of tradition, concepts, and financial collaboration between the 2 nations.
