SARS that first affect Far East finally be a world problem and tourism is the most affected industry. Airlines started to cancel flights to Far East and travelers who planned to have vacations at Far East countries, changing the destinations now.

This is the most talked subject by tourism professionals at the Arabian Travel Market that is held in Dubai between 6 and 9 May. Tour operators added Far East packages to their catalogues are now adding new destinations. Tourism professionals, who are working with Far East countries, offered new packages to Arabs at the ATM.

Turkish tourism professionals took attention of visitors by their big stands in best locations. Arabs who planned to travel Far East before SARS crisis, now planning to have vacation in Turkey. Tourism professionals that came to Dubai with a large group had a successful exhibition this year. Lots of tour operators and hoteliers coming from different destinations of Turkey offered different holiday packages to Arabic travelers and promoted Turkey successfully.

We wish Tourism that brings people together would not be affected by wars, illnesses,… and other external factors.

Suat TORE