DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Monday, February 28th 2011 [ME NewsWire]
* Aimstostimulateretail salesduringthe festival periodtoreachUSD10 billionbythe centennialof Turkeyfounding in2023
Under the patronage of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Istanbul Governor’s Office and numerous other agencies, Istanbul’s first International Shopping Festival (ISF) will take place March 18-April 26.
The forty-day long shopping event is expected to attract millions of bargain hunters from across the globe who will win all kind of prizes, including a brand new car every day during the festival. Tourists will enjoy tax-free shopping as well as heavy discounts on a wide range of items, including jewelry, perfumes, textiles, handicrafts and electronics items as shops and malls try to outdo each other in sales. The İSF is also known for its colorful events ranging from music to street performances offering wholesome family entertainment.
Mr. Sedat Gönüllüoğlu, The Turkish Cultural & Tourism Attaché, said: “Istanbul is gearing to have yet another mega tourist event and for 40 days and 40 nights, the first annual Istanbul Shopping Fest will transform the cosmopolitan city into a shopping heaven. The campaign for the annual Shopping Festival is kick-started today by the Turkish tourism minister, governor and the mayor of Istanbul and the leaders of major business organizations. The event is set to attract millions of shoppers from surrounding countries who can visit Turkey without a visa.”
“Istanbul attracts more than 700 thousand tourists from the Gulf countries at this time every year and we hope to attract more than 1.2 million tourists from the region during this year’s festival. Our aim is to stimulate retail sales during the festival period to reach USD10 billion by the centennial of Turkey founding in 2023”, said Mr. Gönüllüoğlu.
“Organizers have been planning for the İSF for a long time to ensure its success. Our objective is to increase shopping lovers every year, making the Istanbul Shopping Festival a premium shopping event worldwide. The 2011 Istanbul Shopping Festival is expected to give much needed boost to Istanbul tourism industry and the retail sector,” he added.
Istanbul has rapidly emerged as the tourist capital of the world and a very busy shopping destination for the surrounding countries. With a population of 14 million people, Istanbul has over 90 brand new shopping centers and many street venues. Topping all that, the city has the world’s biggest and oldest shopping center, The Grand Bazaar, infamous for its jewellery, hand-painted ceramics, carpets, embroideries, spices and antique shops.
During İSF, shopping outlets will be open until 11 pm with special discounts, up to 50 per cent, offered after 10 pm, as well as price reductions and activities at some of Istanbul’s most famous markets, including Taksim, Nisantasi, Bakirkoy, Fatih, Bahariye, and the iconic Spice Bazaar.
Besides the shopping, a number of entertaining and colorful events, for children and adults, will take place at İSF. Visitors can participate with their families in all kind of shows, arranged by the city and its people. Dining is also a major attraction of İSF visitors, where gourmet food can satisfy their taste buds from delicious Turkish cuisine and from all corners of the world.
Turkish Airlines is a major supporter of İSF and will offer visitors special fares and will consider increasing travelers’ baggage allowance during the festival.
“The İSF is set to be a celebration for shopping lovers to visit Istanbul– a city that has been a top choice for shoppers for more than 1,500 years. From hip boutiques in trendy neighborhoods and colorful bazaars and markets to over 90 modern malls featuring top designers, travelers and locals can expect a diverse shopping experience when perusing Istanbul’s wares. Famous for its handmade rugs, clothing, antiques, spices, sweets, footwear and accessories, visitors to Istanbul rarely walk away empty-handed,” concluded Mr. Gönüllüoğlu.
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About shopping in Istanbul Istanbul has been a top choice for shoppers for more than 1,500 years and is famous for its handmade rugs and carpets, clothing, antique silver and jewellery, semi-precious stones, spices, sweets and - , footwear and accessories. Markets: Grand Bazaar in Beyazit is one of Istanbul's greatest tourism attractions, even if you do not intend to buy anything. New and antique jewellery, inlaid woodwork furniture, textiles and embroidery, metal ware and more can all be found beneath its covered alleyways. Like its more famous neighbour the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar in Eminonu is worth a special trip. It smells marvelous, and looks marvelous too, with stalls piled high with olives, dried fruits and nuts, herbs, and mounds of bright-coloured spices and gorgeous sweetmeats. Shopping Centres: There are about 90 large shopping malls in Istanbul's suburbs, such as; and Kanyon and Metro City, in the Levent district;Cevahir in Sisli; Akmerkez, in Etiler.. Key Areas: Sultanahmet, Istanbul's prime tourist area, is awash with shops selling authentic antiques and handicrafts. These, however, are outnumbered by an even vaster number of establishments selling well made cheap imitations. Brand names such as Gucci, Armani and Hugo Boss can be found in all shopping centers and major shopping venues like Nisantası, Bağdat caddesi and İstiklal caddesi.
About Turkey
Turkey is a modern country with a captivating blend of antiquity and contemporary and of East and West. The cradle of civilization and center of world history today stands as one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the world. Turkey was the site of the first human settlement; the seat of the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman Empires; the birthplace of Homer and the last home of the Virgin Mary, just to name a few. Today Turkey, with its spectacular coastline, majestic mountains, cosmopolitan cities and quaint villages is one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.
Contacts
Mr. Ameen Nassar
00971 50 6366 188
00971 4 3448807
ameen@mediumr.com
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On behalf of Turkish Culture & Tourism Office in Dubai
www.istanbulshoppingfest.org
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