Travel Archives · Ankara Haftalik https://ankarahaftalik.com/category/travel/ National Focus on Turkey Mon, 13 Nov 2023 05:36:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://ankarahaftalik.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/cropped-Ankara-Haftalik-Favico-32x32.png Travel Archives · Ankara Haftalik https://ankarahaftalik.com/category/travel/ 32 32 Innsbruck: Where Medieval Marvels Snd Mountain Majesty Unite https://ankarahaftalik.com/innsbruck-where-medieval-marvels-snd-mountain-majesty-unite/ Tue, 12 Dec 2023 05:32:09 +0000 https://ankarahaftalik.com/?p=4417 Innsbruck is a city embraced by the Alps, painted with the most pastel tones by an artist, like…

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Innsbruck is a city embraced by the Alps, painted with the most pastel tones by an artist, like a canvas kissed by the enthusiasm of the Inn River

As we approach winter, I will talk about a city that I discovered in autumn, but it’s truly a winter destination. But before delving into the city, perhaps I should talk a bit about the region where this city is located.

Last week, during our 10-day family autumn vacation, we turned our direction to South and North Tyrol. This region, known as the Tyrol Region, is spread across two countries. The reason for this division is that after World War I, in 1919, Tyrol was split into northern and southern parts. After World War I, the northern part of the Tyrol Region, namely North Tyrol, was given to Austria in 1937, and the southern part of the Tyrol Region, namely South Tyrol, was given to Italy. North Tyrol is reasonably well-known today, but few may know that a portion of Tyrol is in Italian territory. Especially in terms of geography, South Tyrol, which has an entirely different appearance from the classic Italian view, is one of Italy’s autonomous regions. I will describe this region and its capital in more detail in my next article.

On this trip, where we had the opportunity to visit the capitals of these regions located in different countries and a few natural formations around them, I must say I was fascinated by Innsbruck, the capital of North Tyrol, one of Austria’s nine states.

Whenever I was asked which color I liked the most, I thought choosing one color from pastel colors would be unfair to the others. Well, Innsbruck is exactly like that. It seems as if the whole city has been painted with every color without being unjust to any pastel shade.

Its colorful houses, historical texture, Alpine views I encountered when I looked up, the enthusiasm of the flowing Inn River and the sunset I experienced on the Innbrücke Bridge have already become part of my unforgettable travel experiences.

Integrating with the surrounding Alpine Mountains and the Inn River flowing enthusiastically through the city center, Innsbruck offers a magnificent tableau with its natural beauties, historical texture and colorful streets. Innsbruck is like an award-winning masterpiece of a painter with its natural beauty, historical texture and colorful streets.

Known as the capital of the Alps, Innsbruck has ranked fifth among Austria’s largest cities. Located on the road connecting Germany, Austria and Italy, close to Munich in Germany and Verona in Italy, Innsbruck is situated on the Inn Valley. Especially during the winter sports season, the city hosts ski enthusiasts and has an airport located about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the city center. Since the airport is so close to the city center, while strolling through Innsbruck’s historic streets filled with short buildings, it feels as if you can almost touch the planes passing overhead by raising your hand.

Our baby, who is particularly fond of planes, couldn’t take his eyes off the sky in Innsbruck. Every detail in Innsbruck urged us to stay here for two or three days. However, I must say for travelers coming here, you won’t need too much time to visit its important places. Of course, apart from seeing the city center, there might be activities you want to do in this region. If you want to go up to the Nordkette Mountains near the city center, go skiing, visit the famous hiking routes in Karwendel Nature Park or go to the Alpine Zoo, you might need more time.

Maria Theresien Street

As soon as we arrived in the city, our first stop was the Saint Anna Column, located on Maria Theresien Street, the busiest street in the town. This column was built in the early 1700s to remember those who died in the war between the Bavarian Duchy and the Tyrol province. Rising to the sky, the Saint Anna Column, surrounded by magnificent baroque-style buildings and the Triumphal Arch at the end of the street, creates a splendid atmosphere. You can capture beautiful photos here.

A line of colorful buildings in Old Town Innsbruck, Austria, Oct. 18, 2018. (Getty Images Photo)
A line of colorful buildings in Old Town Innsbruck, Austria, Oct. 18, 2018. (Getty Images Photo)

Goldenes Dachl

While exploring the city, you might find yourself in the Old Town, or as the Austrians call it, Altstadt, many times. The colorful lined houses, restaurants sparkling with tables set on the streets and the structures from the Middle Ages make the heart of the city beat here.

After a long photo break on the street, our next stop was the Goldenes Dachl, located in the Old Town. We could have saved the column for later and headed to the Triumphal Arch at the end of the street after seeing the Goldenes Dachl. However, the Goldenes Dachl, dazzling me with its golden glimmers, was calling me. It was the place I was most curious about before coming here.

This building, called Goldenes Dachl, has a balcony with a golden roof and is one of the symbols of the city. It is located right in the center of the Old Town.

Built in the 15th century, it to be used as a residence by Archduke Friedrich IV. The roof of the building, completed in 1500, was made using 2,738 copper nails covered with gold leaf. Even on a cloudy day, the roof is incredibly shiny.

On the building with this golden roof balcony built for Emperor Maximilian and his wife Burgundy Maria in memory of their wedding, there is also an inscription that catches the eye. Although it is not yet known exactly what it says, it is thought to mean, “Use every moment, dance every dance; you can’t take anything with you.”

I don’t know how many different angles I took photos of it. This building, which adds a different atmosphere to the Old Town and the square, seemed to have sprung from a fairy tale.

Triumphal Arch

At the end of Maria Theresien Street, there is a magnificent structure that has become the symbol of the city. We saved the Golden Roof to see it last, but actually, we could have visited the Triumphal Arch first. This structure is similar to the colossal arches you see in many cities such as Paris, Berlin and Munich, but it’s a miniature version. This Triumphal Arch was built in 1765 in honor of the marriage of Leopold II and Maria Ludovika have one face representing joy and another representing sorrow. It is said that the reason for this is the death of Leopold II’s father, Franz I, during the wedding celebrations.

Stadttrum

One of the striking structures in the square in the Old Town is the Stadttrum, which stands at a height of 30 meters. The “City Tower,” as it is called, is considerably taller than the surrounding buildings and is located right next to the golden roof.

This tower provides an opportunity for those who want to climb to high places without going far, where you can watch Innsbruck’s colorful medieval streets and the Nordkette mountain range.

Bergisel Ski Jump Tower

On a high hill in the south of the city stands a tower erected in 1892 in honor of the commander Andreas Hofer, who served during the Bergisel Battles. The area where the tower, which has been used for ski jumping competitions in the city since 1852, is located was also used in the Winter Olympics of 1964 and 1976.

Regarding skiing and winter tourism in Europe, Innsbruck is one of the first cities that come to mind. Innsbruck hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1964 and 1976, the Winter Paralympic Games in 1984 and 1988, and the inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Games in 2012. By the way, if I tell you that the world-renowned ski jumper is a sportsman from Innsbruck named Gregor Schlierenzauer, you probably won’t be surprised, right?

You can reach the tower, where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the city, by funicular or after a long walk.

Swarovski Museum

I left the most glittering detail of this colorful city to the end. The production and operational facilities of the world-famous Austrian brand Swarovski are located in this beautiful city.

In the museum inside the facilities, you can visit an exhibition about precious stones. You can explore this magical Swarovski world adorned with crystals. Undoubtedly, the most enjoyable part of the facility will be the room where you can experience how you can see your surroundings from inside a crystal.

Alpenzoo

A place I can recommend, especially for those traveling with children in Innsbruck, is Alpenzoo, known as Austria’s, even Europe’s, highest-altitude zoo. With its breathtaking view, Alpenzoo captures the hearts of adults and it attracts the attention of children with approximately 2,000 animals of about 150 species. Alpenzoo, which houses a large aquarium, also hosts Europe’s largest golden eagle. Here, you can see many native animal species living in the Alps.

Apart from all I have mentioned, other significant places you can see in Innsbruck include the Hofburg Palace and its garden, Hofgarten, Helblinghaus, St. Jakob’s Cathedral, Ambras Castle and Europe’s highest bridge, Europabrücke.

Also, if you want to enjoy the view of Innsbruck from above, you can take the funicular to Nordkette.

Of course, while you are in Austria, don’t forget to try the famous schnitzel. Later, make sure to visit Valier and Munding pastry shops to taste local desserts. Then, sitting by the Inn River on the Old Town side, enjoy a cup of coffee and let your spirits be lifted by the colorful houses on the other side of the bridge, enchanted by the magnificent view of the Alpine Mountains surrounding the city like a wall and reaching up to the sky.

Source: Daily Sabah

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Chios Island Secures €500,000 in Funding for Tourism Promotion https://ankarahaftalik.com/chios-island-secures-e500000-in-funding-for-tourism-promotion/ Sun, 05 Nov 2023 14:13:30 +0000 https://ankarahaftalik.com/?p=3113 The Greek island of Chios will be promoted through a far-reaching program to be carried out by the municipality and the Greek National…

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The Greek island of Chios will be promoted through a far-reaching program to be carried out by the municipality and the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), announced Migration Minister Notis Mitarachi.

The Greek minister recently met with GNTO Secretary General Dimitris Fragakis and Chios Mayor Stamatis Karmantzis to discuss ways to promote the island and increase tourist flows.

In addition to a series of ongoing upgrade works expected to contribute to the increase in arrivals, Mitarachi said the ministry would be allocating 500,000 euros to the Chios Municipality to jointly formulate a targeted marketing strategy for the island in collaboration with the GNTO.

(L-R) Migration Minister Notis Mitarachi; GNTO Secretary General Dimitris Fragakis. Photo source: Migration Ministry.

The agreement, to be finalized in the coming weeks, foresees the international promotion of Chios for a 12-month period to be implemented in three phases.

“Tourism is a key pillar of development for Chios in the coming years… but promotion is necessary,” said Mitarachi referring to additional funds channeled for the promotion of the island in the past in efforts to restore its reputation after the refugee crisis.

“The refugee issue is no longer a topic of discussion for future visitors to the island. It is no longer putting a disproportionate burden on the island,” he said.

Mitarachi went on to express his optimism, adding that there was still more room for improvement. In this direction, he said the creation of a private tourism promotion agency, support from the Chamber and from local stakeholders is crucial to the island’s tourism development.

“Chios is one of the 10 Greek islands which are on a development path and in the coming years will play a very important role as part of a new type of tourist product,” said Fragakis.

Source: GTP

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‘Greek Breakfast’ Initiative Promoted Abroad https://ankarahaftalik.com/greek-breakfast-initiative-promoted-abroad/ Thu, 02 Nov 2023 14:10:44 +0000 https://ankarahaftalik.com/?p=3110 The ever-growing “Greek Breakfast” initiative, which introduces Greek food products to travelers staying at hotels in Greece, will be promoted abroad through a series…

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The ever-growing “Greek Breakfast” initiative, which introduces Greek food products to travelers staying at hotels in Greece, will be promoted abroad through a series of actions.

More specifically, the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH), which launched the project a decade ago, has teamed up with Marketing Greece for the creation of related content to be featured in discovergreece.com as well as for the launch of a special campaign and promotion through Marketing Greece’s social media, newsletter and posts.

The aim is to promote Greek breakfast habits and culture through recipes and products and to bring together the primary sector with the tourism industry and integrate local food products into the traveler experience.

“The ‘Greek Breakfast’ initiative is moving into the new era, upgraded and improved on all levels, with planned actions so that it remains relevant and dynamic, while meeting the needs of its members,” said Aris Soulounias, HCH vice president and head of the initiative.

“The value of gastronomy and its contribution to the identity of the Greek tourist product is a given,” said Marketing Greece CEO Ioanna Dretta, adding that through Greek gastronomy, travelers can gain immediate insight into the authentic way of life.

Earlier this year, hoteliers on ChiosKarpathos and Kasos  joined the “Greek Breakfast” program showcasing local Greek products through breakfast menus.

Source: GTP

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Country offers so much more than just sun, sea and sand https://ankarahaftalik.com/country-offers-so-much-more-than-just-sun-sea-and-sand/ Thu, 29 Jun 2023 20:03:00 +0000 https://ankarahaftalik.com/?p=3791 Turkey, now renamed Turkiye, is a vast nation that spans two continents. It offers plenty for tourists, but…

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Turkey, now renamed Turkiye, is a vast nation that spans two continents.

It offers plenty for tourists, but the legend of Santa Claus may be something of a surprise.

Experts in the country say they have uncovered the tomb of St Nicholas, who is believed to be the inspiration for Santa.

A Christian bishop of Greek origin who was known for giving to the poor, he lived between the years 270 and 343 and the legends are believed to have inspired the Christmas tales we tell today that Santa Claus will bring presents if you’ve been good. St Nicholas’ tomb was found in St Nicholas Church in Demre, in the Antalya district of southern Turkey.

Antalya is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey, known as the Turkish Riviera. One of its top resorts is Alanya, where there are miles of sandy blue flag beaches on both sides of the town. They offer a range of watersports, including jet skiing and windsurfing with plenty of bars and cafes nearby.

We stayed in a small hotel near a less crowded beach, where you can peacefully enjoy a seascape with the Taurus mountains as its backdrop.

But it’s much more than sun, sea and sand. For those who want to split their time between sunbathing and absorbing the region’s culture and history, there are fewer finer places.

That is where the Turkish tourism board helped us with a couple of guided tours, led by travel professional Volkan Asli, a man with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the region.

Before becoming modern-day Turkey, a state founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1923, the Antolyan region was colonised and conquered by many races, from the early Hittites, through to the Greeks, the Romans, Seljuks, Byzantines and the Ottoman Empire.

Their legacies are written large across the Turkish landscape. Alanya Castle, which dates back to the 13th century was built on the ruins of a former Hellenistic fortress by Seljuk Turk leader Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat with the aim of keeping marauding pirates at bay.

Sitting high above the town on a rocky outcrop, its surrounding defensive walls are six kilometres long and outside are ruins of mosques, a caravanserai and a covered bazaar.

Within the walls can be found a ruined cistern and a Byzantine church and the usual medieval artefacts you would expect to see together with modern bazaars and cafes.

Getting up and down can be challenging so it is worth taking the cable car which will take you more than halfway to the top and offers stunning views on the way back down to the city.

Before the cable car, stop off at the Gardenia restaurant and enjoy the panoramic view across the miles-long Cleopatra Beach while enjoying a meal or just a drink.

Named after the ancient Egyptian queen, legend has it that Cleopatra fell in love with this beach after swimming in its azure waters and sunbathing on its golden sands.

Nearby is the equally spectacular Damlataş Cave, a 15,000 year-old ancient wonder underneath the castle that was discovered during the construction of a ferry pier in 1948. It has a startling array of stalactites and stalagmites, some as big as 15 metres, and lit up with a kaleidoscope of colours.

The air composition with a significant increase in carbon dioxide is said to have healing properties, and particularly helpful for those with breathing problems.

The city of Alanya itself is a vibrant, bustling mini-metropolis of chic stores, bars and bazaars. Try the Güverte and Kaleichi Meyhanesi restaurants that overlook the harbour, where pleasure cruisers disguised as ancient galleons are moored alongside the yachts of the super rich.

Perhaps one of the best ways to see the surrounding areas are the various jeep tours, which can range from half a day to a full day and cover most other touristic sites as well as excursions up into the Taurus mountains which overlook the city.

Our trip with local firm Timtur Alanya took us into the mountains to the Dimchay river with its huge imposing dam, which provides water for the irrigation of the area and a hydroelectric power plant. A brilliant way to see inland Turkey, but be prepared with sensible clothing though.

The ancient city of Side is worth the couple of hours drive from Alanya. Founded by Greek settlers around the seventh century BC, it lived for centuries under Greek and then Roman rule.

It features an ancient Greek amphitheatre with the centrepiece the Temple of Apollo and Athena. With its five imposing columns, it’s a monument to a glorious and chequered past.

As well as the walk through ancient history, the site had a bustling array of designer outlets as the road swoops down to a central square at the ancient harbour, dominated by a statue of Ataturk.

A four-hour flight from Birmingham, for those worried about security issues, don’t be, as airport measures are strict with visitors having to go through an initial security check before even getting into the airport proper. Then they go through the usual check-in process.

Like many countries, its tourism has been badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic, and then Turkey suffered the devastating blow of the giant earthquakes in the east of the country, leaving tens of thousands dead. But it is a country with so much to offer and an influx of tourists will have a major beneficial effect on its economy after such disasters.

Source: Shropshire Star

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Kazakh Low-Cost Airline to Launch Flights from Astana to Uzbekistan’s Tashkent https://ankarahaftalik.com/kazakh-low-cost-airline-to-launch-flights-from-astana-to-uzbekistans-tashkent/ Mon, 01 May 2023 22:41:19 +0000 https://ankarahaftalik.com/?p=3265 BAKU, Azerbaijan – FlyArystan, a Kazakh low-cost flight operator, will launch direct flights from Astana, Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan’s capital…

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BAKU, Azerbaijan FlyArystan, a Kazakh low-cost flight operator, will launch direct flights from Astana, Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan’s capital Tashkent, trend reports, citing FlyArystan.

The air carrier says that the first flight on Astana – Tashkent – Astana route is scheduled for July 3, 2023. Regular flights in this direction will be carried on Airbus A320/neo aircraft, twice a week – on Mondays and Wednesdays.

The price of the one-way ticket in this direction is set at 21,800 Kazakh tenge ($48). The price includes a seat and the right to carry one piece of luggage.

The tickets can be purchased via the company website and mobile application.

Recently, the company resumed flights from Almaty, Kazakhstan to Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The flights on Almaty – Samarkand – Almaty route take place twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The 2-hour-long flights are carried out on Airbus aircraft.

Source: MENA FN

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Ukraine Will Not Resume Flights of Civil Aircraft Until it is Safe – UkSATSE https://ankarahaftalik.com/ukraine-will-not-resume-flights-of-civil-aircraft-until-it-is-safe-uksatse/ Wed, 26 Apr 2023 23:47:23 +0000 https://ankarahaftalik.com/?p=3328 Civil aviation will not resume flights in Ukraine until complete security is ensured in the airspace. This was…

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Civil aviation will not resume flights in Ukraine until complete security is ensured in the airspace.

This was stated by Deputy Director of UkSATSE Oksana Ozhyhova in a commentary to the Kiev TV channel.

“We call everything that we have as a result of today’s night attack “danger”. We associate everything related to aviation with the word security. Until a 100% security situation is guaranteed in the airspace of Ukraine, it is too early for us to make any forecasts” – said Ozhigova.

According to her, UkSATSE is now carrying out preparatory work to restore flights as soon as possible, “when possible.”

Source: EPravda

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I tried Zorba The Greek in Chelmsford before its closure and the food transported me back to Crete plateau https://ankarahaftalik.com/i-tried-zorba-the-greek-in-chelmsford-before-its-closure-and-the-food-transported-me-back-to-crete-plateau/ Sun, 12 Mar 2023 20:00:00 +0000 https://ankarahaftalik.com/?p=2871 One of the most memorable meals I have ever eaten was on the Greek island of Crete, several…

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One of the most memorable meals I have ever eaten was on the Greek island of Crete, several years ago. Some friends and I had taken a jeep tour up into the mountains to see the sights and catch a glimpse of what life was like for people living on a plateau up there.

All the food they made for themselves; they worked the land, raised their own livestock, and farmed all the veg you could want. In the afternoon, our driver took us to a small, family run restaurant who would often cater for tourists. The food was very simple; meat, potatoes, salad, dressing. But my word, it was exquisite. The most fresh and flavoursome dishes I had ever put in my mouth, and a meal I will always remember.

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The finest compliment that I can give Zorba The Greek in Chelmsford is that it reminded me of that meal. We all heard the very sad news this week that Zorba, based in The Arches near Chelmsford Train Station, would be shutting its doors for good this Saturday (February 11) after six years. I had been recommended Zorba by some friends, but sadly had never got around to trying it, so the news was disappointing to hear.

However, I decided to change that and see what the fuss was about before the chance went away for good. I couldn’t attend the restaurant in person before closure, but I ordered a meal to my house this week. I opted for the mixed grill version of the Chargrilled Souvlaki – a popular Greek fast food consisting of small pieces of meat and sometimes vegetables grilled on a skewer.

My meal contained chicken, pork, beef and chorizo along with a very healthy portion of chips coated in oregano and salt, plus a Greek-style salad and small pitta bread. I was immediately impressed by the packaging and portion of the food – it arrived in very good time (25 minutes) and was packaged neatly with all food intact.

One mouthful of each item told me that I was onto a winner. The meat was perfect temperature, tasted fresh and was easy to eat, with so much of it that I couldn’t even finish the last piece. My favourite was the chorizo, as I’m a sucker for the more tangy and zesty flavour from usual pork or beef offerings, but the beef and chicken pieces were also well coated in seasoning and cooked perfectly.

The Greek salad was as you’d expect – a healthy drizzle of olive old and a good balance of greens, red onion and tomato, and the pitta bread was equally satisfying, coated in herbs and olive oil. Everything tasted so fresh and was so well presented I felt like I was back in the mountains of Crete, eating food which had been raised and prepared less than a mile away.

While chips are not what you’d call authentic Greek food, they were also a highlight. The crips, golden finish they had along with the coating of salt and oregano was absolutely perfect, and they’re some of the best chips I’ve tasted from a takeaway in Chelmsford.

In the end, the amount of food was too much for me, and I had to turn down the last chunk of meat I had in my box, but what a meal it had been. I was thoroughly satisfied, but also extremely sad that I had only just discovered this lovely little eatery now, days before closure. At £19.99, it was on the pricer side for a takeaway, but for what I got, the price was worth it.

For anyone thinking about trying Zorba before its closure this weekend, I heartily recommend it.

Source: Essex Live

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Greece Welcomes More Than 4 Million Cruise Passengers in 2022 https://ankarahaftalik.com/greece-welcomes-more-than-4-million-cruise-passengers-in-2022/ Sat, 11 Mar 2023 20:00:00 +0000 https://ankarahaftalik.com/?p=2868 Cruise tourism to Greece picked up pace in 2022 with 48 Greek ports welcoming 4,614 cruise ship arrivals…

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Cruise tourism to Greece picked up pace in 2022 with 48 Greek ports welcoming 4,614 cruise ship arrivals and 4.38 million passengers, said the Hellenic Ports Association (ELIME) this week.

According to ELIME, the number of cruise ship stops up to September 2022 exceeded pre-Covid 2019 levels by 16 percent with the figure expected to reach 20 percent for the whole year. Passenger arrivals were still down over 2019.

In 2022, the number of cruise ships stopping at Greek ports increased by 123.5 percent over 2021 (2,064 cruise ship arrivals) and by 209 percent in terms of passenger arrivals compared to 1.41 million a year earlier.

Top cruise destinations in 2022

Top cruise destinations in Greece were Santorini, Mykonos, Piraeus, Corfu, Rhodes, Heraklion, Patmos and Katakolo.

Leading destinations in terms of cruise ship passengers were Santorini, Mykonos, Piraeus, Corfu, Rhodes, Heraklion and Katakolo followed by Chania, KefaloniaIthaca, Patmos, Lavrio, Thessaloniki, Volos and Nafplio.

To demonstrate the demand for Greece, ELIME said cruise ship arrivals at Lavrio increased by 291 percent in 2022 over 2021, in Thessaloniki and Santorini by 259 percent, Mykonos by 141 percent, Volos by 114 percent, Corfu by 96 percent, Rhodes by 95 percent, and Heraklion by 92 percent.

Additionally, homeporting activity also increased at the ports of Thessaloniki, Piraeus, Lavrio, Corfu and Heraklion (Crete).

Earlier this year, the Piraeus Port Authority (PPA) said it was expecting based on prebooking data almost 800 cruise ships to make port calls at Piraeus in 2023 with cruise passenger arrivals set to rise by 16 percent over 2022.

Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias has said that further developing cruise tourism and ensuring cruise ship arrivals all year round are top priorities for the ministry. Looking ahead, ELIME expects a good year for cruise travel to Greece with current bookings up by around 15 percent for almost all destinations.

Source: Greek Travel Pages

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Hilton makes it three Greek Curios https://ankarahaftalik.com/hilton-makes-it-three-greek-curios/ Thu, 02 Mar 2023 20:00:00 +0000 https://ankarahaftalik.com/?p=2830 Hilton Worldwide has signed a franchise agreement with Zetland Capital to open a third Greek Curio Collection site…

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Hilton Worldwide has signed a franchise agreement with Zetland Capital to open a third Greek Curio Collection site within three years, this summer.

Lindian Village Beach Resort Rhodes, Curio Collection by Hilton will bring 196 keys under the brand and will be managed by SWOT Hospitality.

Rhodes first

The resort will be the first Curio Collection hotel in Rhodes, one of the most visited Greek islands. Situated in the south-eastern part of the island near the town of Lindos, the property will offer sea views and garden views with access to a private, sandy beach. All guestrooms will be fitted with a private outdoor area and 85 rooms will also include a private pool or hot tub.

Food and beverage offerings will encompass five restaurants serving a range of local and international cuisines, two bars and one gelateria, all with concepts designed by Trastelis Group, owner of two Michelin star restaurants. Amenities will include two outdoor pools, a fitness centre, a spa, water sports, a tennis court and two meeting rooms that will be able to accommodate up to 150 people.

Ideal location

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Hilton said: “Joining more than 60 Curio Collection by Hilton hotels trading or under development in Europe, Middle East and Africa, we are delighted to announce the signing of Lindian Village Beach Resort Rhodes, in partnership with Zetland Capital and management company SWOT Hospitality.

“An increasingly popular destination, welcoming more than 5 million international travellers so far last year, Rhodes is an ideal location for Curio’s unique upscale offering. This fantastic resort marks Curio’s continued growth in popular island holiday destinations, following recent openings in Santorini, Crete and Sardinia.”

Significant refurbishment

Ahmed Hamdani, founder and chief investment officer of Zetland Capital, commented: “Following significant refurbishment, we are excited to announce Curio Collection by Hilton’s first hotel in Rhodes. Located ten-minutes drive from  the high-end picturesque town of Lindos, with numerous restaurants and a private beach, Lindian Village Beach Resort Rhodes is sure to be a hit with travellers.

“Our second property in partnership with Hilton, we look forward to welcoming guests to this unique and impressive resort next summer. This acquisition underpins our investment strategy to invest in well located hotels in prime Mediterranean destinations and work with strong local partners, like SWOT Hospitality to capitalise on the post covid-19 demand for hospitality services.”

Elevating hospitality

Stelios Koutsivitis, president and one of the main shareholders of SWOT Hospitality, added: “As a team, we are excited to enter into this agreement with Hilton. We believe that the new Lindian Village will redefine the hospitality scene in Rhodes with the distinctive savoir-faire of the Curio Collection by Hilton brand.

“Our vision is to continue elevating the hospitality scene of Greece with top-class facilities and services echoing authenticity and local warmth.”  

Distinct portfolio

Launched in 2014, Curio Collection by Hilton is a global portfolio of more than 120 hotels and resorts each selected for its distinct character, appealing to travellers seeking unique adventures and an independent hotel experience.

The Rhodes resort will join Hilton’s two trading properties in Greece, both under the Curio Collection brand: Sea Breeze Santorini Beach Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton and The Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton.

Looking ahead, in the country’s capital, the 117-key Pantelikon Athens hotel is undergoing a multi million Euro renovation to re-emerge as Pantelikon Athens, Curio Collection by Hilton in Q2 2024.

Source: Tophotel

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Israeli flight to Turkey delayed after plane crash photos sent to passengers’ phones https://ankarahaftalik.com/israeli-flight-to-turkey-delayed-after-plane-crash-photos-sent-to-passengers-phones/ Thu, 19 Jan 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://ankarahaftalik.com/?p=2745 A flight to Turkey from Ben Gurion Airport was delayed on Friday and 10 passengers were removed after…

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A flight to Turkey from Ben Gurion Airport was delayed on Friday and 10 passengers were removed after travelers received photos of plane crashes and threatening messages on their Apple devices.

One of the photos sent to passengers on the Pegasus Airlines flight was an image of the 2009 Hudson River plane crash in New York, and was captioned, “I wish all of us will die,” in Arabic, according to images provided by the Israel Airports Authority (IAA).

“The suspect and another nine travelers were removed from the flight per the request of the airline company and the police,” the IAA spokesperson said in a statement.

“The passengers were taken in for questioning at Ben Gurion Airport,” the IAA added.

“People were in a panic when they saw the photos of the crashed plane and were very frightened. We turned to the flight attendants and they took care of it,” Channel 12 quoted a passenger telling police.

The flight departed only after passengers’ luggage was checked, the Ynet news site reported.

In a similar incident in November, a Pegasus Air flight to Turkey from Ben Gurion Airport was delayed after passengers received threatening videos on their cell phones. One passenger was detained in connection to the affair.

In May, a flight was delayed after several passengers found photos of plane crashes had been sent to their cell phones. A number of passengers were later arrested.

Flights to Venice and Dubai from Tel Aviv also saw similar incidents.

Source : Times Of Israel

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