|
Travel |
 |
|
 Israeli
Tourists Discovering TurkeyCompiled by: Mahmut Esat Ozan, The Turkish Forum - Israeli newspaper Haaretz, in an article about Israeli tourists who prefer to spent their holidays in Turkey, wrote: "Turkey's popularity as a tourist site has had its ups and downs in Israel. That is why, in addition to more conventional tourists, other market sectors are now being targeted, including sports fans, aficionados of small unique hotels, nature lovers -- and the simply affluent." The change in the type of Israeli tourist going to Turkey came after the state outlawed gambling a few years ago, said Eran Borochov, CEO of Medraft Exciting Outdoor Adventures: "After Turkey lost its stigma as a casino destination, a completely different type of Israeli tourist discovered the breathtaking landscape, the history, archaeology, culture and food of Turkey." According to the article, Medraft specializes in Turkey exclusively and has an operational system that includes a resort lodge and trout farm in the Taurus mountains, a rafting site on the Koprucay river, a fleet of jeeps and local guides. The tours reveal as yet unknown aspects of the country, and include a jeep safari near the Black Sea, in the Cappadoccia region and the Taurus mountains, treks through the Kackar mountains, sailing on the river and much more. The tourists sleep in boutique hotels and inns, and eat authentic meals in small inns and private homes. A six-day jeep tour to the Black Sea and the Kackar mountains (four people per jeep) costs $1,000 per person. The article suggested that those looking for a more in-depth tour try the Geographical Society, which offers a 14-day tour of western Turkey and includes the port of Izmir, the antiquities of Ephesus, the white pools of Pamukkale, the beaches of Lykia, a day of jeep touring in the Taurus mountains, the Koprucay Canyon and a visit to the Roman theater at Aspendos, and trips to Cappadoccia, Istanbul and Ankara. Cost per person: $1,615 all included. Another option for travel in Turkey, according to the article, is on a gulet cruise on one of the picturesque wood-paneled yachts that ply the southern waters. These indigenous seagoing vessels can be hired for a day or for up to a week with a local crew that is responsible for sailing, cleaning and food. On each gulet there are four to ten double cabins, each with their own shower and bathroom. There is also a tanning deck, dining room and social room on each boat. This type of vacation is recommended for a group of couples who are friends or for families that like to travel together, said Yaron Eshkolot, CEO of Charter 1, which recently began selling vacations on gulets. "Landlubber tourists who want to keep their distance from large, crowded hotels can check out the boutique hotels in Antalya and Bodrum. Eshkolot is also the CEO of Incentive Tours, which markets these boutique hotels from Israel," wrote the newspaper. |