A new resort – an alternative to Antalya – can be created in Turkey. At least, this is exactly what the head of the Commission for the Development and Restructuring of Tourism in the earthquake-hit city of Hatay, Omer Niziplioglu, made to the Turkish media. According to his estimates, this region can generally become the main tourist center of the Mediterranean, although for this it is necessary “to build hundreds of hotels for beach tourism in the region between Samandag and Arsuz.” However, plans may well be hindered by the insecurity of this coast, and not only seismic.
“It would be too optimistic to talk about tourism right now. However, if start-up research and investments are started now, great opportunities for tourism can be created in the coming period,” said Mr. Niziplioglu. So he noted the statement of the Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy regarding the efforts made to restore Hatay after the February earthquake.
“Hatay can become a tourist center of the Mediterranean. Our goal for Hatay to become a Mediterranean tourist city is to open the sea between Samandag and Arsuz for tourism by building hundreds of hotels and opening shopping streets,” said a local official. In addition to the beach, the province has many attractions to offer tourists – this is St. Peter's Church, “which is the most important church after Jerusalem”, according to officials, and other monuments.
However, plans for a “planned development of tourism” may interfere several circumstances. The territory of Hattai is not safe in terms of tourism. And the problem here is not only seismic hazard. But also in the fact that the province is located near the Syrian border. And not just with the Syrian border – suffice it to say that the “notorious” city of Idlib is located only 50 km from the provincial capital in a straight line through the pass …
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