State visit is 'good publicity for Turkey'

Friday May 16th , 2008

Tourism chiefs in Turkey have responded positively to the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II in the country.

The British monarch is currently on a four-day state visit, during which she will visit places such as Ankara, Istanbul and Bursa.

According to the South Marmara Hoteliers and Administrators Association, this is very good publicity for the country.

Suphi Dilmen, chair of the body, told TurkishPress.com that the state visit casts the country in a positive light and is helping to promote it overseas.

He added that the Queen's arrival is also a good opportunity to show off many of Turkey's natural and historical attractions to the world at large.

This is Her Majesty's first visit to the south-east European country in nearly four decades.

Speaking on her first state visit to the country in 36 years, Queen Elizabeth described Turkey as a "confident and dynamic democracy".