Americans flocks to Turkish stands in Washington travel show

WASHINGTON – Anadolu Agency

Locals flocked to Turkish stands at the annual travel show in the U.S. capital Washington on Jan. 20, Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

The 14th annual Travel & Adventure Show hosted hundreds of exhibitors from around the globe, celebrity keynote speakers, renowned chefs, travel industry insiders and exclusive travel deals to contact people seeking ideas for their next travel excursion.

During the show, Turkey’s official Yunus Emre Institute (YEE) cultural organization and Turkish Airlines represented the country under the auspices of the Washington Embassy’s Turkish Culture and Tourism Office.

“With the support of Turkey’s ministry of culture and tourism, we are here to introduce Turkish culture and to inform visitors about country’s tourist destinations through cultural diplomacy,” the Yunus Emre Institute’s U.S. Director, Halit Bulut, told Anadolu Agency.

Saying the high interest of visitors was “no surprise,” Bulut said there is “always high demand” for Turkey and its culture among tourists.

“They [Americans] want to learn about Turkey from reliable sources. That is what we have been doing here as the Yunus Emre Institute and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism,” he added.

In addition to receiving information about Turkey, visitors also formed long queues to get their hands on Turkish coffee and Turkish delights distributed at the stands.

The Yunus Emre institute provides services in many countries aiming to improve friendship between Turkey and the outside world, increasing cultural exchange. Since its establishment in 2009, the institute has taught Turkish to nearly 100,000 people in 43 countries. Named after the 13th century poet Yunus Emre, it now has nearly 54 cultural centers around the world offering artistic, social and scientific programs.