All eyes are on Antalya this week as 37 world leaders are set to descend on the city for the 10th leaders G20 summit. This comes just a couple of weeks after the controversial November 1st election with the new AKP government expecting the event to boost the economy by over $215 million (200 million Euros).
Increased security measures throughout Turkey and Antalya
Security measures in Turkey have been stepped up as the country prepares to host the G20 summit in Antalya’s Belek district from this Friday. The event is made up of 20 countries and various leaders from the European Union Commission and business and trade organisations. To put the event in perspective, it is the G20 countries that make up over 80% of the worlds global trade and economy.
According to the Daily Sabah, Bulut Bagci, President of the Young Tourism Professionals Association and World Tourism Forum, all the hotels where the leaders are staying are now closed with some countries spending a fortune on security measures. Saudi Arabia have a 1,000-man team attending with a total budget of around 17.5M Turkish lira to cover security, accommodation and logistics. This will include 500 Mercedes VIP cars and all hotels surrounding their host hotel to be closed during their stay. The Chinese, US and Russians will also give Turkeys economy a huge boost with their spending over the week.
Although the G20 talks are officially to take place on November 15th and 16th, many of the main access roads to Belek and the Antalya region will be closed or offer limited access between the 10th and 17th. There are 1km barriers now in place surrounding the area reserved for the summit and image recognition and government security cameras now installed in key areas. A fleet of protection cars have been brought in and some private luxury villas and hotel suites playing host to the world leaders have been modified to include bullet proof windows, voice and facial recognition systems.
This G20 summit and the world leaders attendance comes at a time when Turkey really does need some positive media coverage. Many are hoping that it will help restore faith in the country showing that it is a safe destination for tourists and investment. Daily Sabah report that Kaya Palazzo will host the press and media teams from over 150 countries and a 50,000 square meter marquee has been built to offer the 5,000 or so journalists a media centre and catering service. Representatives throughout the event will be encouraged to visit local tourism areas and historical sites like Perge and Aspendos. In addition they will have the opportunity to sample and enjoy a wide variety of Turkish and Anatolian cuisine and enjoy many of the leisure activities available.
Suleyman Akbay, MD at Oceanwide Properties believes; “The G20 summit couldn’t have come at a better time for Turkey. The attendance of so many world leaders in Antalya should help to restore faith in our country. It will hopefully boost the economy and tourism no end.”
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