Daily News awarded for contributions to tourism

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

Özgür Korkmaz from Daily News (L) receives the award from Hakkı Kahveci. DAILY NEWS photo

The contribution of the Hürriyet Daily News to Turkish tourism has been appreciated by sector professionals with an award.

Turkey’s first and oldest English daily was given the “Special Award” at the “Best of 2012” ceremony organized by the Influencers in Tourism Platform (TUR-YÖN) on April 5 in Istanbul.

Other names and organizations awarded at the ceremony included Vatan daily columnist Can Ataklı, Hakan Bayrakçı, the head of polling company SONAR, Turkey’s flag carrier Turkish Airlines (THY), Rixos Hotels and online accommodation booking agency booking.com. Daily News Content Editor Özgür Korkmaz received the award on behalf of his colleagues from Hakkı Kahveci, the honorary chairman of TUR-YÖN, who praised the daily’s role in efforts to promote Turkey as a 12-month tourism destination.

Speaking at the ceremony, Osman Ayık, head of Turkish Hotaliers Federation, said the tourism sector was “indispensable” for Turkey. “Tourism is not important only for income. It is a way to know about different cultures and tolerance,” he said. “We might call it the peace sector.” TUR-YÖN is a platform that brings together tourism professionals aiming to share their knowledge and experience.