Tourism minister calls for defense of 'freedom of travel' amid downturn

Tourism Minister Mahir Ünal has called on local and foreign industry representatives to "defend freedom of travel" against threats posed by terrorism, as the Turkish tourism industry continues to feel the chill of geopolitical uncertainty.

"We need to defend our freedom of travel and spirit of tourism as part of the fight against terrorism, which aims to prevent our freedom by creating fear and security concerns," Ünal told the opening session of a major two-day tourism event in Istanbul.        

"The most significant driving force of peace, brotherhood and unity is tourism," he said.

The World Tourism Forum Global Meeting 2016 is expected to attract thousands of industry figures to Turkey's largest city.        

Ünal said tourism should be supported regardless of the problems between states, in an apparent reference to recent tensions between Turkey and Russia.

Moscow recently re-imposed visa requirements on Turkish citizens.    
   
"Tourism, which has a positive impact on international relations, should not be used as a way of imposing sanctions," Ünal said.  

Jose Manuel Barroso, who served as president of the European Commission between 2004 and 2014, said at the forum that tourism was the "most important sector" in Europe after trade and construction. 

"Tourism is a major economic activity with positive impacts on the economy and specifically on employment," Barroso said, adding that tourism represents 10 percent of European GDP and provides 12 percent of jobs. 

On the issue of security, he said "the massive inflow of refugees and illegal migrants are now posing real trouble for Europe" but stressed that curtailing freedom of movement and closing borders would be a "mistake."      ...