Turkey aims to double the number of Saudi Arabian tourists it attracts to 400,000 by the end of this year.
The country attracted 120,000 Saudi tourists in 2011 and 200,000 in 2012 and hopes to double that number in 2013, an official at the Turkish embassy in Riyadh told Aleqtisadiah newspaper.
Turkey had not previously courted the Saudi tourism market, said Huseyin E.S., the cultural and media attaché at the Turkish embassy in Riyadh.
But he confirmed that his country was interested in establishing strong relationships with the Saudi tourism market, and participating in relevant activities and events within the region.
These will include “large advertising campaigns especially in the summer, as well as allowing GCC nationals a visa-free entry to Turkey,” he told Aleqtisadiah.
Through a website, Saudis can obtain a 90-day tourism e-visa to Turkey for $20. The e-visa allows multiple entries within the 90 day period.
E.S. confirmed that Turkey wanted to reach a larger audience in Saudi Arabia through online activities and social media networks.
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