The 8th International Turkic World Tourism Congress, hosted by the Faculty of Tourism at Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University, opened with a ceremony. Following a moment of silence, the Turkish national anthem was performed, and the program continued with a dance performance and a concert.
Marina Semenova, Minister of Culture of the Autonomous Region of Gagauzia in Moldova, expressed her pleasure at being in Ankara in her opening remarks. Saying that she brought greetings from Gagauzia, Semenova said they would introduce the Gagauz people's dances, songs, cuisine and culture at the congress.
Semenova said the greatest riches of the Gagauz people are their customs and traditions, adding that they want to introduce these values to the Turkish people.
MHP Deputy Chairman Mevlüt Karakaya, Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Naci Bostancı, Faculty of Tourism Dean Prof. Dr. Muharrem Tuna, Association of Anatolian Tourism Operators Chairman Birol Akman and numerous guests attended the opening.
Panels and workshops will be held at the congress
Stands representing associations, several embassies in Ankara and various institutions will be set up at the congress. Academics and experts will take part in panels on tourism, culture and history in the Turkic world as part of the program.
The congress will feature online and in-person panels and workshops addressing tourism, artificial intelligence, hotel management, digitalization, culture and history. The congress will continue until September 27.