Georgia makes its Euro 2024 debut against Turkey, a clash of contrasting expectations. The nation celebrates its first ever qualification for a major tournament, while Turkey looks to regain form after a slump. Georgia’s star player, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Turkey’s new coach, Vincenzo Montella, add intrigue to this opening group game.
Turkey kicks off its Euro 2024 journey against newcomer Georgia, aiming for a strong start to boost their chances of reaching the knockout stages. Despite mixed recent form, Turkey’s hopes rest on captain Hakan Calhanoglu. Meanwhile, Georgia faces an uphill battle in its first major tournament, relying on star player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Corendon Airlines has launched direct flights from Cologne/Bonn Airport to Bodrum, Turkey, offering a convenient way to reach the coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant nightlife. The route operates twice a week, making it easy to plan a Turkish getaway.
Turkey aims to make amends after a disappointing Euro 2020 campaign, facing off against first-time participant Georgia in their opening match. The Turkish team, led by captain Hakan Calhanoglu and rising star Arda Guler, seeks to secure a strong start in a group also featuring Portugal and the Czech Republic. Meanwhile, Georgia, led by Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, hopes to make history and leave its mark on the tournament despite facing a challenging group.
Turkey has announced a 40% additional tariff on vehicle imports from China, aiming to curb its widening current account balance and safeguard domestic automakers. The move comes amid concerns about China’s aggressive exports of electric vehicles, which many nations accuse of receiving heavy subsidies from Beijing. The European Commission is also considering imposing similar tariffs. The Turkish tariff will take effect from July 7th, with a minimum charge of $7,000 per vehicle. The trade ministry stated that the tariff is intended to bolster domestic production and reduce the import of hybrid and conventional passenger vehicles from China. Additionally, the ministry mentioned the importance of the tariff in meeting current account deficit targets and encouraging domestic investment and manufacturing. In 2023, Turkey had already imposed additional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports and implemented regulations governing EV maintenance and services. The government’s strategy involves promoting production and exports to mitigate the chronic current account deficit, which reached $45.2 billion in 2022.
Turkey’s cruise tourism industry is experiencing a surge in popularity, with passenger arrivals increasing by nearly 50% in 2023. The country’s strategic location at the crossroads of four seas and investments in modern terminals are contributing to its growing market share. Industry leaders are confident in reaching the target of 2 million cruise passengers in 2024, further bolstering the national economy. However, the Gaza Strip conflict poses a potential risk, but cruise lines remain optimistic.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticized the Eurovision Song Contest as a threat to traditional family values, following Switzerland’s victory with an openly LGBTQ+ performer. Erdogan claimed that participants are ‘Trojan horses of social corruption’ and that Turkey made the right decision to withdraw from the competition in 2012. He also expressed concern over Turkey’s declining birth rate, describing it as an ‘existential threat.’
The 5th Presidential International Yacht Races have commenced in Bodrum, Turkey, with 26 teams and 300 athletes from 16 countries participating. The event is organized by the Istanbul Offshore Yacht Racing Club and aims to promote Bodrum, Mugla, and Turkey as premier destinations for sports tourism.
The UK government has advised British tourists to exercise caution while engaging in adventure tourism in Turkey, urging them to take precautions during extreme sports, jeep safaris, water sports, and while using quad bikes or mopeds. These advisories emphasize the need for adequate travel insurance and reputable operators with appropriate licenses and equipment. The safety warnings stem from incidents such as injuries and fatalities related to extreme sports and the frequent accidents in jeep safaris.
A lucky construction manager from Yate, South Gloucestershire, secured a luxurious seven-night stay in Antalya for an incredible £10.85 through Jet2holidays’ ‘Bid for a Break’ initiative. Andrew Haskins’ winning bid, which combined his wife’s meeting date and his birth year, earned him a couple’s retreat to the NG Phaselis Bay LifeStyle Resort. Jet2holidays’ popular ‘Bid for a Break’ campaign has been a huge hit since its launch in 2021, with countless customers vying for luxurious vacations with bids starting as low as a few pence. This year, travelers have one final chance to bid for a week-long VIBE holiday to Dalmacija Places Hotel by Valamar in Split, Croatia. The bidding process closes on May 9th, and all bids must be placed through the Jet2 mobile app.
