$6 Billion Investment for Winter Tourism

Up to now, regional development policies and incentives of successive governments have been unable to stem this flow but now there is a new opportunity in the region. The Istanbul Chamber of Trade is taking action to make the East Anatolian region a center of world winter tourism. Seeing the future of the region in tourism, the chamber initiated the ‘East Anatolia Regional Development Project for Tourism and Winter Olympics Research’. Chamber President Mehmet Yildirim indicated that the project could bring the 2014 World Winter Olympics to Turkey. Pointing out that they predicted an investment of $6 billion for the sports facilities and other necessary infrastructure revenues, Yildirim said, "When the project is finished, at least 1 million people will find jobs and three million tourists will come to Turkey. The region will attract foreign capital. We have conducted all the necessary research, now it is the government’s turn."

Justice and Development Party (AKP) Erzurum deputy Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ilicali disclosed that they formed an executive board with the deputies from the AKP and the opposition party. Erzincan Mayor Mehmet Buyuruk said, "The project is important to show the potential of Eastern Anatolia where there is little scope for industry, agriculture and trade." Explaining the research, chamber president Yildirim emphasized that their aim was to develop the Eastern Anatolia region as soon as possible and added, "17 skiing centers should be established for the project to be in the scope of Olympics. The region will be able to compete with the world in winter tourism. The project would enliven many sectors and bring foreign capital to the region." The following cities would be affected by the project: Agri, Ardahan, Artvin, Bayburt, Bitlis, Erzincan, Erzurum, Gumushane, Igdir, Kars, Mus, Rize, Trabzon and Van.