ETS International Tours Director İbrahim Cenk Okumuş talked about how his company has responded to growing demand from customers by offering more options for places to go at more attractive rates. Noting that international tourism facilitates economic interaction between nations, Okumuş stressed that it is now possible to have a weeklong international vacation for the price of a two-day domestic tour. However, although he said his company has made significant improvements in response to the growing tourism industry, Okumuş added that there is still a lot of progress to be made.
Countries that do not require Turkish citizens to obtain a visa offer the possibility of a fun, exotic yet inexpensive vacation. According to research conducted by Sunday's Zaman, a number of countries -- including Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Thailand, Singapore, Argentina and Brazil -- do not require a visa for Turkish citizens. Vacations in these countries can often be the same price as a vacation in Turkey. Tours of Dalmatia rank first in the list of inexpensive and attractive possibilities, followed by tours of Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Thailand and Singapore.

Air and sea tours

Okumuş said that his company's Dalmatia tour, which departs from İzmir every Saturday, has been attracting a great deal of attention. Over the course of the tour, tourists see the Dalmatian coast, Albania, Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

There are also many tours that go to Egypt, which grants a visa upon presentation of a passport, two photos and copy of your national ID. The tours typically feature diving in the Red Sea, white sands, warm water and of course the chance to see the Pyramids in Cairo. Tourists normally stay in Sharm El-Sheikh, one of the world's favorite tourist destinations. The city is particularly popular because of its lack of humidity.

Tunisia is the best option for those who want to see a different country at a reasonable price. Grabbing your passport as you leave the house is enough to have a great and inexpensive vacation in this country. Noting that it is difficult to find a nice and inexpensive hotel at this time of year in Turkey, Okmuş said: "In Turkey, a nice hotel in a nice location asks 100 euros for a one-night stay this season. For this reason, Tunisia is attracting attention because the prices are reasonable, and it is easy to get there. With just a one-hour flight, you can see a whole different country." His company offers a vacation package of four nights, five days at a price range between 349 and 399 euros.

For those who prefer a cultural tour, Morocco also offers a visa-free vacation. The cities of Casablanca -- for which the movie was named, and which was named the greatest romantic movie of all time by the American Film Institute -- and Marrakesh, offering more of a desert ambiance, are the most popular spots to see and visit.

Far East not that far

Eman Turizm International Tours coordinator Mustafa Saraç has also noticed a growing demand for international tourism, specifically to the Far East. Noting that in the past Turks generally believed that traveling to the Far East was costly and difficult, Saraç said: "Up until recently, people used to travel by bus in Turkey. From İstanbul to Alanya is a 12-hour bus ride, while İstanbul to Thailand is just a nine-hour flight."

Describing the Far East as "magnificent," Saraç noted that tourists will experience the beauty of the sand and sea and become familiar with a different culture there. "During this season, those who make a reservation in Turkey have to spend 700 euros for a one-week vacation. In comparison, the Far East is still affordable because it does not require a visa, and my tour operators offer quotes starting from 549 euros for tours to Thailand," he added.

Vacation in the wilderness

South Africa, which also does not require a visa, is the best place for those who want to experience something different and join a safari. On a tour to South Africa one can visit Pilansburg Park, Kruger National Park, Sun City, the famous Kristenbosch botanical garden, and Robben Island -- where Nelson Mandela was an inmate. One can also visit vineyards or go on expeditions to see whales.

Todayszaman