Dutch media promotes 'safe, peaceful holidays' in Turkey

MUGLA, Turkey

Two Dutch reporters have dispeled the notion that Turkey is not fit for foreign tourists in the aftermath of recent violent incidents in the country.

The reporters, who were invited on an all expenses paid visit to Turkey's tourist resort town of Marmaris in southern Mugla province on behalf of a Turkish hotelier, also interviewed local Turkish citizens and wrote about their "safe and peaceful" holiday for the Dutch daily, "De Telegraaf".

Their report titled "Youngsters enjoy Turkish discos" was printed on the forefront of their newspaper on July 30.

A Dutch tourist, Edo De Reuver, who said he was having a "nice" holiday for nine days in Marmaris, said he faced no problems in Marmaris. "Here it is very safe and Turkish people are very hospitable," he added.

Another tourist Kim Thoen said: "Marmaris has only party and entertainment".

The two reporters were invited on behalf of the Turkish hotelier Okan Belger and Netherlands-based tour operator Corendon.

Belger said that Marmaris had been affected by the "negative" news reports which emerged in the aftermath of recent attacks in Turkey, adding that a false impression was given that such incidents were taking place in the country’s touristic areas.

"This situation also impacted companies that bring foreign tourists to the region," he said.

About the decision to invite the Dutch reporters to Turkey, Belger said that this was done to dispel the notion that Turkey was not safe.

"No matter how hard we tried, we failed to change this perception through social media alone, therefore, we decided to take such a step," Belger said.

He said that the newspaper reporters had enjoyed the holiday in Marmaris for two days, during which the readers of their news reports got to learn how very safe and peaceful holidays could be enjoyed in Turkey. He urged everyone to do more to promote tourism in the country.