Istanbul Shopping Fest woos visitors from Qatar

Istanbul Shopping Fest woos visitors from Qatar, GCC

By C P Ravindran/Istanbul

A bus and a tramway, below, decorated with the Istanbul Shopping Fest visuals

Istanbul is gearing up for its second shopping festival next month, with special packages and programmes targeting people from Qatar and other GCC countries.

With Istanbul fast becoming a favourite destination of both Qatari citizens and residents, Turkish Airlines expects a big increase in passenger traffic from Doha during the festival.

The second Istanbul Shopping Fest (ISF) will be held from June 9 to 29.

Turkish Airline’s country manager in Doha, Mehmet Kürsad Caymaz, said yesterday that there had been a steady increase in the number of holiday travellers from Qatar to Turkey in the last few years.

“The outlook is very bright,” he said. “Turkey is fast becoming one of the favourite holiday destinations of Qataris.”

Caymaz pointed to the close relations between Qatar and Turkey, saying that this had helped strengthen interaction between the people of the two countries.

Turkish Airlines operates daily flights between Doha and Istanbul. “If the current trend of rise in passengers continues, we would think of increasing the Doha-Istanbul frequencies to 10 a week,” Caymaz said.

“Special prices starting from QR1,540 plus tax are being offered to Doha passengers for round trip during the shopping festival.”

Istanbul Shopping Fest promises to offer savings of 50% or more at thousands of outlets in the city’s most famous markets, including Taksim, Nisantasi, Sisli, Bakirköy, Fatih, Bahariye, Bagdat and the Spice Bazaar.

“This festival of shopping, culture and entertainment will please its visitors with up to 50% discounts on all brands and products from technology to fashion wear,” a senior ISF official said during a briefing to a group of GCC journalists visiting Istanbul.

“During ISF, avenues and streets will be decorated with special designs and lightings to make the event a colourful experience,” said Fusun Sonmez, the festival general manager.

“The 21-day festival will feature concerts by top singers, street parties and many other entertainment programmes,” said Sonmez.

Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram will be the star attraction of performances being staged in Taksim, a commercial and cultural hub in Istanbul, during the shopping festival.

“During the festival there’ll be lots of events at various points of Istanbul, in shopping malls and stores,” said Sonmez. “Istanbul will become a major entertainment centre for 21 days.”

The first Istanbul Shopping Fest was held between March 18 and April 26 in 2011. The event was moved to June this year so that visitors could enjoy better weather.

During ISF, avenues and streets will be decorated with special designs and lightings to make the event a colourful experience

The festival, being held under the auspices of the Turkish ministry of culture and tourism, the Istanbul governor’s office and many other agencies, will include shopping until 11pm, with special discounts being offered after 10pm.

Its other attractions include free gifts, raffles and prizes including a new car every day during the festival.

Turkish Airlines is considering increasing the baggage allowance during ISF.

Istanbul is known for its handmade rugs, clothing, antiques, spices, sweets, footwear and accessories.

Foreign guests may get back part of the tax they pay for goods from stands located in shopping malls and various points of the city, officials said.

Hakan Kodal, the festival co-chair, said the turnover touched 8bn Turkish liras (around QR16.50bn) during the 2011 ISF that ran for 40 days. “The 21-day target for 2012 is 7bn Turkish liras (around QR14.50bn).”

In the 2011 ISF period, the spending turnover realised through foreign cards in 40 days touched 252mn Turkish liras.

“Our target for 2012 is to reach this figure just in 21 days,” said Kodal.

The festival which hosted 5mn visitors from Turkey and abroad last year is expected to cross that figure during its 21 days next month.

Turkish Airlines is considering increasing the baggage allowance during ISF

Turkey attracted 31.46mn tourists in 2011, an increase of almost 10% compared to the previous year. Tourist receipts amounted to more than $23bn. Earnings from tourism are expected to reach some $30bn this year.

Songs and shows

The 21-day İstanbul Shopping Fest (İSF) starts on June 8 with an opening “party” in Taksim Gezi Park Concert Area. DJ Funky C will launch the party which will then liven up with the performance of Group Model and Hadise’s songs. The French group of Zalinde will present a percussion show. The night will continue with a performance by the music group Model. Pop singer Hadise will also present a concert on the opening night. Among the other groups performing during the festival period are Tiny People, The Toy Brigade, Boblins and Curious Noses. Shopping boulevards like Taksim, Nisantasi, Sisli, Bakirkoy, Fatih, Bahariye and Bagdat Avenue will be the main centres of activities

via Gulf Times – Qatar’s top-selling English daily newspaper – Qatar.