Turkey feels like home, says Dutch kite surfer

By Durmus Genc

MUGLA, Turkey

A Dutch kite surfer, who is also Turkey’s tourism ambassador, said Tuesday that coming back to Turkey felt like coming home.

Annabel van Westerop who attended the Kiteboarding World Cup from Oct. 5-8 in southwestern Mugla province said she will take home good memories and would like to pay a second visit.

Westerop, who was featured in a short-video titled Home of Turquoise, shot by Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2016 in Mugla, said: “People from other countries should visit Turkey and enjoy its beauty.”

The short film continues to air on television channels and has won dozens of international awards.

She said she had no idea that so many people had watched her on television screens worldwide.

Westerop came second in the women category in the World Cup.

“I enjoyed it. I am happy,” she said, adding that wind conditions in Akyaka district, where the tournament was held, are perfect for athletes.

She praised Turkish food, and the people for their hospitality.