YEREVAN. – Manager Cengiz Kelleci—whose grandmother was Armenian—of the Association of Turkish Tour Operators is in Armenia’s capital city Yerevan these days, to attend the 12th International Annual Tourism Fair in Armenia CTS (Caucasus Travel Show) 2013. And taking this opportunity, news reporters posed him several questions.     

What are your expectations from this forum?

The objective of my visit is to establish new business ties, since Armenia has a huge tourism potential for Turkey. You know that many Armenians [from Armenia] spend their vacations in Turkey. 

What obstacles do you see standing before the development of touristic visits between the two countries?

In fact, there are no obstacles. Perhaps we can speak solely about the absence of a Yerevan-Istanbul-Yerevan direct flight. But the Yerevan-Van-Yerevan two weekly flights will start as of April 5; the duration of this flight will be 33 minutes.    

Is the absence of diplomatic relations [between Armenia and Turkey] not an obstacle?

We are engaged in the tourism business. Everyone wants to have a good time, and we are helping in this. In this sense, politics stay out. 

Does Armenia present an interest to Turkish tourists?

Naturally. My grandmother was Armenian; I grew up eating Armenian food. I always wanted to visit Armenia and see how all that is carried out in Armenia. I am in Armenia for the past three days, I am enjoying [my time here], and I do not feel like I am in a foreign country. The hotels, restaurants, [and] public areas are much cleaner than I imagined. Everything is beautiful, convenient. I have been to the four corners of the world, [and] I can say that your drinking water is the best.