I have long thought that Turkey misses a trick when it comes to marketing. It comes not from what it has (as seen in these photos) but how people who have never been perceive it. Generally inaccurately.
I remember picking a friend up from Dalaman for his first ever visit to Turkey (he only came because we were living there) and noticing him looking around as we drove to Fethiye. "It's not what you thought, is it?" I said. He said not at all, he imagined desert, camels, bushy bearded men, the lot. I asked him what he thought the bar staff might look like - men in flowing white clothing, curly shoes, serving alcohol wrapped in paper bags? Well..yes!
Advertise the history and the scenery of Turkey because it is indeed breathtaking - but let people know it is also a modern, buzzing scene as well. People don't know that and don't book because of that.
Every time I see a Turkish person on telly they seem to reinforce the stereotype - weathered old goatmen, women with hair covered - yes that is part of Turkey, but it isn't all of Turkey. That Spain v Turkey advert drives me insane - where Spain is a beautiful woman in a red dress and Turkey is a moustachioed bloke with a fez on his head and a carpet slung over his shoulder!!! Well if I knew neither country I'd book Spain in the morning...
An advert with the usual that includes one or two (sensationally) beautiful Turkish ladies wearing jeans (ok maybe a sensationally good looking Turkish man in jeans too) and having a great night out, might just change perceptions, and if it does - people might try it.
