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AKDAMAR CHURCH IN LAKE VAN ENERGIZES TOURISM IN BITLIS
Today's Zaman
Sept 6 2007
Akdamar Church, located on an island in Lake Van, has stimulated
tourism since its restoration, with a three-fold increase in tourists
coming to Bitlis province following the re-opening of the old Armenian
church to the public.
Bitlis Governor Mevlut Atbaº underlined that tourism is the only
alternative for the region that embraces nature, culture and historical
heritage all at once. Saying that winter sports are given priority
due to the climate and natural environment, Atbaº noted they had
built a skiing facility on Mt. Nemrut but added that because of
the lack of publicity, the ski center had failed to reach its full
potential. However, Atbaº emphasized that with increasing advertising,
the facility will become a key element in Bitlis' tourism, leading
to an acceleration of investment in the center.
Atbaº stated that an average of 3,000 tourists visited Bitlis last
year. "We expect the tourism potential of the region to increase
this year. Following the church's opening on March 29, both local and
foreign tourists have begun to visit tourist sites in our region. An
anticipated 10,000 tourists will visit in 2007, with the help of
packaged travel tours," he added. Tatvan -- one of the major towns
in Bitlis -- Mayor Mehmet Emin Peker also said they have initiated
the training of guesthouse operators to better serve tourists.
--Boundary_(ID_BbOGjaTgGkJX6OG1GnAEVQ)- -
Today's Zaman
Sept 6 2007
Akdamar Church, located on an island in Lake Van, has stimulated
tourism since its restoration, with a three-fold increase in tourists
coming to Bitlis province following the re-opening of the old Armenian
church to the public.
Bitlis Governor Mevlut Atbaº underlined that tourism is the only
alternative for the region that embraces nature, culture and historical
heritage all at once. Saying that winter sports are given priority
due to the climate and natural environment, Atbaº noted they had
built a skiing facility on Mt. Nemrut but added that because of
the lack of publicity, the ski center had failed to reach its full
potential. However, Atbaº emphasized that with increasing advertising,
the facility will become a key element in Bitlis' tourism, leading
to an acceleration of investment in the center.
Atbaº stated that an average of 3,000 tourists visited Bitlis last
year. "We expect the tourism potential of the region to increase
this year. Following the church's opening on March 29, both local and
foreign tourists have begun to visit tourist sites in our region. An
anticipated 10,000 tourists will visit in 2007, with the help of
packaged travel tours," he added. Tatvan -- one of the major towns
in Bitlis -- Mayor Mehmet Emin Peker also said they have initiated
the training of guesthouse operators to better serve tourists.
--Boundary_(ID_BbOGjaTgGkJX6OG1GnAEVQ)- -