A fascinating blend of east and west, Turkey is the cradle of civilizations and cultures connecting Europe with Asia and is the capital of civilizations that have ruled over the in the lands of Anatolia for long periods of time. Turkey is a truly unique destination that is surrounded by stunning scenery and stunning ancient ruins and a rich cultural heritage. Turkey is now one of the top world destinations.
In the last two years, Turkey has placed among the top tourist destinations in the world. According to World Tourism Organization (WTO) figures, Turkey has been ranking as the 6th most traveled country worldwide since 2012, and has maintained the position until 2014 with a record-breaking 41 million visitors from all across the globe. For Europe, Turkey is the 4th most visited destination.
Ministry of Culture and Tourism is implementing and preparing innovative strategies to develop new tourism products to satisfy the need for tourism through various methods. When it comes to alternative tourism, referred to as the “Capital of Golfing in Turkey’, Belek is a niche as well as the upscale resort is in Antalya situated on the Mediterranean coast.
Belek is the world’s most sought-after golfing destination in Turkey and has courses created in the name of Sir Nick Faldo and Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie. Apart from the stunning golf course, Belek is also close to the rich tradition and culture of Antalya.
In the present, Turkey has nearly 25 international-level golf courses. The year 2008 was the time that Turkey has been awarded “The The Golf Resort of the the Year” according to the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO). Following the time that Tiger Woods played golf in Turkish Airlines Open in 2013, Turkey has got attraction as a golfing destination across the world.
Golf has seen rapid development over the last twenty years within the Mediterranean. It is also an essential factor in tourism development for the EMA region. Turkey is, due to its rapid growth in golf, has been fighting the top players of Mediterranean Market in Spain and Portugal. Lagardere the Senior Vice-President Golf Roddy Carr stated at the Turkish Airlines Open 2015 that “Spain required 15 years to achieve what Turkey accomplished in just 3 months.” In the coming time, Turkey is expected to compete better.
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At the beginning of the the 90s Belek is located in Antalya was chosen by the Turkish Government to develop into a golf destination because of the benefits of the this region:
High-level accessibility. (Antalya International Airport (IATA) is among the largest airports within Turkey)
The availability of a huge portion of land that is attached to the coast that is suitable for a variety of golf course developments.
The right climate conditions permit for playing throughout the year round and provide the best golf conditions during the autumn and spring.
The abundance in sweet waters.
Due to these reasons, Belek-Antalya is now a major city for golfing in Turkey. However, Antalya is also one of the major “sea and sun” as well as “historical as well as cultural” tourist destinations in Turkey. With 16 luxury gold resorts, Belek offers golfers a “full family holiday”.
In the course’s improvement, Belek has turned out one of the top stars of golf in the last 10 years.
In addition to Belek-Antalya, Istanbul serves with two major golf courses and there are three golf courses (2 in Bodrum-Mugla, and one in Kusadasi-Aydin) located along The Aegean coast. The influence of architecture from many cultures, the Sultan’s riches the breathtaking views of Bosphorus draw millions of tourists in Istanbul each year.
Because of its stunning splendor, Istanbul serves golf lovers with two of the oldest clubs in Turkey: Kemer Golf Club and Klassis Golf Club. Both clubs have hosted national as well as international competitions, such as the PGA Seniors Tour, European Club Cup Trophy since 1995.
The town in the local area of Kusadasi is home to 185 acres, an 18-hole course that offers a stunning panorama of Samos Island. It’s an unforgettable and challenging adventure in the olive and carob trees. Vita Park Golf Club in Bodrum is the first golf course located in Turkey and the third in Europe to make use of the high-cost Paspalum turfgrass that is eco-friendly.
In the context of developing Golf Turkey Golf Federation’s efforts are necessary to emphasize. Turkish Golf Federation was established in 1895, with the title as “Istanbul Klassis golf Club” however it was rebuilt in the 90s at the beginning. In 1996, the Turkish Golf Federation was founded and was incorporated into to the European Golf Association (EGA) in 1997.
The purpose that the organization has is to promote golf and tourism in the golf industry. Turkish Golf Federation owns and manages numerous golf clubs across Turkey. TGF the president Ahmet Agaoglu stated that they are committed to developing the golf sport for the younger generation of golfers as well as making sure that those who are currently playing get the help they need to continue to play in the years to come.
Since TGF the year it was founded the passion for golf has helped bring playing golf across Turkey to the level it is today and has become one of the world’s most sought-after golfing destinations. Golfers from all over the world are aware about the beauty of Turkey, and what’s accessible in terms of designer courses and top-of-the-line hospitality.
We are now looking forward to sharing the sport with our citizens, so that they will also be part of the international golfing community. Contrary to popular opinion that golf is restricted to the western regions of Turkey There are several cities in the eastern region that have registered golfers active in their communities to improve the sport and travel to compete in tournaments and play all over the world.
According to Agaoglu TGF Federation is working closely with the Turkish Government and the group of public and private investors to discover more places where golf courses as well as training facilities can be constructed. There are currently at least 35 golf course being planned within Turkey with locations discovered along the coast and throughout the country , to meet increasing demand locally and internationally.
The Turkish Golf Federation established its Junior Golf League, in which junior golfers from around the world take part in a competition to join the Turkish nation’s golf squad. Turkish Airlines supports the Turkish National Golf Team which is an initiative from which there are hopes of sending at least one player to participate in Tokyo in the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Not just the TGF but as well Turkish Airlines contributes Golf sport by developing new opportunities. It is essential to recognize all the work of our National Flight carrier Turkish Airlines (THY).
There are currently numerous amateur and professional tournaments in the Turkish Golf Association’s calendar for 2015. In the list three of the most important professional golf tournaments that are on their calendar are the Turkish Airlines Challenge, Turkish Airlines Open and the Turkish Airlines Ladies Open, each of which is being held in Belek.
These three events comprise Turkish Airlines’ title sponsored events, which are contributing to the increase of Turkish people’s understanding of golf through bringing major tournaments in Turkey. Particularly Turkish Airlines Open Turkish Airlines Open has helped to boost the profile of the event and increase awareness about Turkey as a golfing destination.
It is the Turkish Airlines Open and Ladies Open is now a keystone for the European Tour’s “Final Series’ as well as the Ladies European Tour – takes place in the month of May. It is attended by some of the most prestigious players in the sport. It also has one of the biggest purses in the world. The tournament is held in March. Turkish Airlines Challenge is also an important event that is part of the European Tour.
In addition, Turkish Airlines continues to help golfers across the board including the last round of the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup Amateur Series scheduled to take place before opening day of the Turkish Airlines Open. It is now in its third year this Amateur Series continues to cross the globe and leave its mark on the game of golf.
With more than 70 events across 47 nations The Amateur Series begins in Johannesburg and continues to travel around the world, giving the opportunity for amateur golfers to play in the hope of making it to the Grand Finals in Belek. Alongside this competition, Turkish Airlines offers to carry one piece of equipment for golf free to golfers who decide to golf while in Turkey.
Because of the numerous advantages mentioned over, the game of golf can be among of the major components of tourism in Turkey. Turkish Government is keen on golf as a way to boost tourism. There are close to 25 golf courses planned in Antalya and eight others in other regions of Turkey.
It is also possible that golf is increasing rapidly throughout Turkey as well. One of the biggest challenges associated with this expansion is to increase the interest in golf locally in the near future so that we can keep the game alive in Turkey.