KUWAIT CITY, May 28: In a scene that reflects the deep-rooted ties and cultural closeness between Türkiye and the Gulf states, the provinces of Rize and Trabzon in northern Türkiye warmly welcomed media delegations from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The visit was organized by the Union of Tourism and Travel Agents in the Middle East, headed by Mr. Hussein Kark. This visit served as a platform to promote mutual understanding, media and tourism cooperation, and to explore investment and promotional opportunities in the Black Sea region. Distinguished delegations representing Kuwait and Saudi Arabia received a warm welcome from local officials and communities, with a packed program of official meetings, cultural exchanges, and field visits. During the meeting with Rize Governor Mr. İhsan Selim Baydaş, he reaffirmed that Türkiye welcomes all visitors from the Gulf with open arms, and that every tourist should feel as if they are in their second home. The governor strongly condemned racist remarks and xenophobic sentiments occasionally seen on social media, emphasizing that Turkish society is built on hospitality and mutual respect.

When asked about the global inflation and its impact on tourist pricing, Mr. Baydaş revealed that his administration is currently working on a standardized pricing mechanism across restaurants, cafés, and tourist services in the region. A barcode pricing system is being implemented to ensure transparency and prevent tourists from being overcharged. “Tourists are our guests and their protection is our responsibility,” he said.

In Trabzon, the delegations were received by Ortahisar Mayor Mr. Ahmed Kaya, who expressed his appreciation for the visit and emphasized his municipality’s readiness to offer facilitation to Gulf investors and residents. He also highlighted the importance of raising awareness on social media platforms and stressed the role of the media in countering misinformation. Mr. Kaya thanked the visiting journalists for their high-quality and balanced media coverage.

In the sports arena, the delegations met with Mr. Murat Iskender, Vice President of Trabzonspor Football Club, who expressed admiration for the remarkable development of sports in the Gulf, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. He welcomed the idea of future cooperation with Gulf clubs and national teams, offering training camps and potential investment partnerships. “We are open to all forms of collaboration that strengthen ties between our peoples through sports,” he said.

During a meeting with the President of the Journalists’ Association in Trabzon, Mr. Osman Şoks, the discussion focused on the transformation of Turkish journalism, particularly the rapid shift towards digital platforms and online readership. Mr. Şoks noted that electronic media and social platforms now have wider reach and influence than traditional print, and praised Gulf journalism, especially from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, for its growing presence and professionalism. Mr. Hussein Kark, President of the Union of Tourism and Travel Agents in the Middle East, emphasized the importance of booking through officially licensed travel agencies in Turkey. “Gulf tourists often prefer dealing with authorized agencies because they provide a more organized and reliable service,” he said. He added that licensed agencies are held accountable for the tourist experience, and any misconduct can lead to license revocation. Mr. Kark strongly advised against dealing with unlicensed individuals, explaining that doing so might expose tourists to unpleasant situations or scams. “Smart choices make for safe travels.”

As part of the cultural exchange, members of the Kuwaiti delegation proposed launching joint cultural activities between Türkiye and Kuwait, including diverse musical concerts featuring artists from both countries. The Turkish side welcomed the idea, expressing readiness to collaborate on such artistic and cultural initiatives, which they described as powerful bridges of mutual understanding and people-to-people diplomacy.

Conclusion
A Multifaceted Visit with Promising Horizons This high-level media visit combined tourism, culture, sports, and media dialogue in a unique initiative that reflects the growing ties between Türkiye and the Gulf region. Participants from both sides expressed their enthusiasm for sustaining such visits and expanding them into long-term partnerships that foster regional integration and mutual respect.