Kosovo aims to develop tourism and investment opportunities with Turkey
Kosovo aims to develop tourism and investment opportunities with Turkey
Kosovo's Deputy Prime Minister Emilia Redzepi said his country wants to cooperate more with Turkey in all areas and said: "We will never forget the support of Turkey, which was one of the first countries to recognize our independence. We want to develop these relations in the field of tourism and investment."
Stating that Kosovo is located in the "heart" of the Balkans, Redzepi said: "We are a country rich in our culture, history and natural beauty. We are an attractive country in terms of tourism with our mountains, streams and natural structure. Prizren, in particular, is one of the most vibrant cities in the Balkans. Many Turkish tourists want to come here to see and experience these historical sites because of our shared history. At the same time, the similarity of our cultures and traditions reinforces this interest."
Noting that possible joint projects with Turkey during Ramadan will further strengthen relations during this spiritual period, Redzepi said: "We are a country where the spirit of Ramadan is still very well preserved. We want to cooperate more with Turkey in all areas.
" "Turkey is our brotherly country"
Redzepi praised the existing Turkish investments in Kosovo, saying that Turkish companies are playing an active role in critical infrastructure projects such as airports and electricity grids, and that new investments will contribute to employment in the country.
Stating that the state offers special benefits to investors, Redzepi said:
"We are only 1.5 hours away from Albania, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro and are strategically located for all types of investments. Turkey is our brotherly country. We will never forget the support of Turkey, which was one of the first countries to recognize our independence. We are grateful for the support of the Republic of Turkey in the field of security and development. Now we want to develop these relations in the tourism sector as well."
Redzepi said that strengthening cultural and economic ties between Kosovo and Turkey will create great opportunities for both sides.
Message of support from TURSAB in Kosovo
Davut Gunaidin, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of TURSAB, stated that their support for Kosovo will grow, and said: "In addition to attracting tourists to Turkey, our important mission is to provide our citizens with alternative destinations abroad. In this context, we attach great importance to the Balkan countries. There are many ancestral monuments in this region, and there is serious interest in them."
Noting that Kosovo is one of such important areas, Gunaydin said: "For a long time, Kosovo was considered only as a transit zone, and we started working to change this situation. We are working in partnership with our agency operators to promote housing in Kosovo," he said.
Explaining that they provide all possible support to Kosovo in terms of promotion and personnel, Gunaydyn said: "As the TURSAB Academy, we have signed a protocol specifically for training personnel in the field of tourism. In this regard, our team of the TURSAB Academy went to Kosovo to meet with Kosovo officials. Advertising support and promotional events for our tour operators are also ongoing. In the near future, we will launch accommodation and tour programs in Kosovo," he said.
Gunaydin said that a special program will be organized during Ramadan, and that they plan to organize iftar programs in accordance with the traditions and customs of the Balkans and that they will go on sale before Ramadan.
Noting that there is a serious shortage of staff in Kosovo, especially in terms of staff in the tourism sector, Gunaydin said: "There are also not enough guides and staff to work in hotels. Together with our Anatolian Vocational School in Ankara, we will conduct research on personnel training for the hotel and tourism sector in Kosovo. In this sense, we will lay the foundation that will contribute to the development of professionals in the field of tourism in Kosovo," he said.
Gunaydin added that they plan to bring about 60 travel agencies and tour operators to Kosovo to promote the country more effectively.