The World Federation of Tourism Writers and Journalists (FIJET) awarded the “Golden Apple”, one of the most prestigious awards in the tourism world, to Izmir, Turkey. The award, which was deemed appropriate by the decision taken by the FIJET administration in 2020, could not be realized due to the pandemic process. Last month, some tourism writers from FIJET member countries came to İzmir, made their final examinations, and decided to present the award at a ceremony to be held on November 9, 2022.
IN THE HISTORICAL GAS HOUSE BUILDING
The “Golden Apple” award, which was decided to be given to İzmir, introduced to the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tunç Soyer with a ceremony held in the Historical Gas House building, which was restored and recruited to İzmir for use in cultural activities. FIJET representatives of countries such as France, Croatia, Belgium, Malta, Tunisia, Romania and Bulgaria attended to the award ceremony.
TUNC SOYER: OUR RESPONSIBILITY INCREASED
Izmir Metropolitan Mayor Tunc Soyer, who received the “Golden Apple” award from FIJET President Tijani Haddad, said the followings: “Every award has something to be proud of, but there are some awards that put great responsibility on the recipient. This award is one such award. With this award, our responsibility has increased even more.”
TIJANI HADDAD: I ADMIRED IZMIR
In his speech, FIJET President Tijani Haddad mentioned that tourism has gained more importance for the economies of countries, especially after the pandemic. Haddad told; “I came to Izmir years ago, now I have found a very different and much more beautiful Izmir. With its ancient cities and historical values, İzmir deserved the Golden Apple Award very much.”
