STORY: Türkiye's tourism insiders upbeat about prospect of culinary tourism
SHOOTING TIME: May 19, 2024/File
DATELINE: May 20, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:38
LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Türkiye
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): HAMIT KUK, Chief advisor to the president of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies
3. various of Türkiye
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): NALAN YESILYURT, Owner of a tourism company in Istanbul

STORYLINE:

A growing presence of Türkiye's restaurants in the prestigious Michelin Guide is fueling a surge in culinary tourism across the country, tourism insiders have said.

Türkiye now boasts 110 Michelin-starred dining establishments, with two of them given two stars and 11 others receiving a single star.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): HAMIT KUK, Chief advisor to the president of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies
"It's not just about eating and drinking; gastronomy tourism encompasses a broader range of experiences. Therefore, it has a distinct significance compared to other forms of tourism.
In the context of promoting Turkish tourism's brand, the growing presence of Turkish restaurants in the Michelin Guide will substantially contribute to the long-term development of Turkish tourism."

An owner of a local tourism company also highlighted the increasing trend of Chinese tourists dining at Türkiye's top-tier restaurants, including those boasting Michelin stars.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): NALAN YESILYURT, Owner of a tourism company in Istanbul
"There has been a shift in the preferences of Chinese tourists, with many now eager to explore and taste the cuisine of the countries they visit. For them, it has become important to document their experiences dining at these restaurants for their social media followers or acquaintances."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Istanbul, Türkiye.
(XHTV)