The Ambassador of Türkiye to Bahrain, Esen Çakıl, recently reassured that her country remains eager to welcome visitors from the Gulf region with traditional Turkish hospitality. Despite a recent incident involving a knife-wielding Turkish man, Ambassador Çakıl emphasized that such incidents can happen anywhere and should not reflect the broader Gulf-Turkey tourism relationship. She highlighted the significance of the tourism sector in the relationship between the Gulf states and Türkiye, noting that thousands of Gulf nationals visit Türkiye annually, some even purchasing real estate in the country.
Last year, Türkiye welcomed over 1.5 million visitors from the Gulf, a number that Ambassador Çakıl expects to increase in the future. This is due to Türkiye’s traditional hospitality, coupled with its natural and cultural attractions and advanced tourism infrastructure, which have made the country a top global tourism destination, attracting 57 million visitors worldwide in 2023. Addressing recent events circulating on social media, the Ambassador reiterated that isolated incidents should not be used to make generalizations, as they are incorrect and malicious.
Despite the allegations, the Gulf nations have continued to visit Türkiye, showcasing their trust in the country and its people. Ambassador Çakıl also mentioned the recent unilateral visa exemptions extended by Türkiye to citizens of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, and other Gulf countries. This move aims to ensure a seamless and welcoming experience for all Gulf visitors to Türkiye. The Ambassador emphasized that Türkiye’s doors are always open to its brothers and sisters from the Gulf countries, including Bahrain, and they will continue to welcome guests with ancient traditions and hospitality.
The tourism sector plays a vital role in the relationship between the Gulf states and Türkiye, with thousands of Gulf nationals visiting the country each year. Despite recent incidents, such as the one involving a knife-wielding Turkish man, Ambassador Esen Çakıl emphasized that isolated events should not overshadow the broader Gulf-Turkey tourism relationship. Türkiye’s traditional hospitality, natural and cultural attractions, and advanced tourism infrastructure have established the country as a leading global tourism hub, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Ambassador Çakıl highlighted the continued flow of Gulf tourists to Türkiye, indicating that the recent incidents have not deterred visitors from the region. The recent visa exemptions extended to citizens of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, and other Gulf countries further demonstrate Türkiye’s commitment to providing a seamless and welcoming experience for all Gulf visitors. The Ambassador assured that Türkiye welcomes guests from the Gulf region with open arms, ensuring they experience the country’s ancient traditions and hospitality throughout their visit.
Overall, Türkiye remains eager to welcome visitors from the Gulf region and continues to prioritize the tourism sector in its relationship with the Gulf states. Despite challenges, the country’s strong tourism infrastructure, cultural attractions, and traditional hospitality have made it a sought-after destination for travelers worldwide. With ongoing efforts to enhance the visitor experience, such as visa exemptions for Gulf citizens, Türkiye is committed to ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all guests from the Gulf region. The Ambassador reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to welcoming Gulf visitors and providing them with the warm hospitality for which the country is known.
