Museum cards to be sold online

ISTANBUL – Anadolu Agency

A new agreement between the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB) and Biletix has allowed the online purchase of tickets for museums and ancient sites affiliated with the Culture and Tourism Ministry and the Museum Card. The ceremony was held yesterday at the Istanbul Archaeology Museum.

Istanbul Culture and Tourism Director Ahmet Emre Bilgili said that the museum culture of the Turkish people was weak, citing museums’ high prices as a cause. He said the Müzekart (Museum Card), which grants access to all museums and ancient sites affiliated with the ministry for one year, will aid museums in drawing more visitors. “The Müzekart was improved and became a model for the world. From now on, Turks will use the Müzekart more,” he added.

Bilgili said the military museums were also included in the system and that he believed other museums affiliated with the municipality would also be included. The Museum Card will be offered online through the Biletix website.

TÜRSAB President Başaran Ulusoy said last year’s record number of museum visitors was broken on July 30, as 153,000 people visited museums.

Biletix Director Kemal Erdine said the new service would contribute to Turkey’s promotion abroad. “With this agreement, people will be able to buy the Müzekart online, as well as museum and ancient sites tickets. Also, tourists from around the world will be able to buy their museum tickets and Museum Pass cards when planning their holidays,” he said.

According to the agreement, museum tickets in the near future will be sold through mobile apps, call centers, foreign websites, Istanbul Sea Bus ports, as well as in 80 Biletix kiosks and 2,000 ticket ATMs across Turkey.