On Monday, Libyan tour operators and Turkish officials from Turkey’s Eastern Black Sea region met to discuss strategies for boosting tourism in the area.
Organized by the Turkish conglomerate Karanfil Group, the event aimed to showcase the tourism potential of the Eastern Black Sea region. The meeting saw the participation of Libyan delegates and key regional leaders, including the mayors of Giresun and Trabzon, as well as the governor of Gumushane.
One of the key topics discussed was the proposed sister city protocol between Trabzon and Tripoli. This initiative is expected to foster stronger cultural and economic ties between the two cities, promoting Trabzon as a prime tourist destination for Libyans.
Murtaza Karanfil, chairman of Karanfil Group, highlighted Turkey’s record surge in tourism last year, with 57 million tourists visiting the country. He expressed optimism for another record-breaking year in 2024, projecting tourism income to exceed $60 billion.
Karanfil emphasized Trabzon’s growing appeal, noting a 38 percent increase in domestic and foreign travelers last year. “We aim to contribute to this growth by attracting more tourists from Libya,” he added.
The collaboration between Libyan and Turkish officials is seen as a strategic move to diversify Libya’s tourism offerings and create new opportunities for economic growth. By promoting the Eastern Black Sea region, Libya hopes to enhance its tourism industry and offer its citizens new travel destinations.
This meeting marks a significant step in Libya’s efforts to strengthen international tourism ties and explore new markets. The collaboration with Turkey, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, is expected to provide valuable insights and opportunities for the Libyan tourism sector.
As Libya continues to rebuild and diversify its economy, partnerships like these are crucial for fostering growth and development. The focus on the Eastern Black Sea region, with its unique attractions and natural beauty, is poised to offer Libyan tourists a fresh and exciting travel experience.
The event concluded with a shared commitment to furthering tourism collaboration and enhancing the cultural and economic connections between Libya and Turkey. Both sides expressed their eagerness to see tangible results from these discussions, paving the way for a prosperous future in tourism for both nations.
