ABOUT ANTALYA

Evidence of human habitation dating back over 200000 years has been unearthed in the Carain caves 30 km to the north of Antalya city. Other findings dating back to Neolithic times and more recent periods show that the area has been populated by various ancient civilizations throughout the ages. Records from the Hittite period (when the first recorded political union of Anatolian cities was set up calling itself the Lycian league) refer to the area as the Lands of Arzarwa and document the lively interaction going on between the provinces in 1700 BC. Historical records document how cities developed independently, how the area as a whole was called Pamphilia and how a federation of cities was set up in the province. There is also a record of the migration of the Akha Clan to the area after the Trojan war. The reign of the Kingdom of Lydia in the West Anatolia came to an end in 560 BC after the Persians defeated it during the battle of Sardis in 546 BC. From 334 BC until his death, Alexander the Great conquered the cities of the area one by one – leaving out Termessos and Silion- and so continued the sovereignty of the Persians. With the defeat of the Seleucid army at Apamaea began the reign of the Kingdom of Pergamon. In 150 BC Attalos the 2nd, king of Pergamon, founded the city of Attalaia (today’s Antalya) to base his powerful naval fleet. When Attalos the 3rd, the last king of Pergamon, died in 133 BC he left his kingdom to the Romans. The Roman and subsequent Byzantine Empires ruled the area for the next 13 centuries. In 1207 A.D. the Selchuk Turks conquered Antalya and then Alanya in 1220 A.D.This marked the end of Roman/Byzantine rule. Ottoman rule began in 1391. The brief occupation of the area by the Italians came to an abrupt end after the First World War with the founding of the Turkish Republic in 1923. The area is now registered as a province of the Republic of Turkey.

Antalya, Turkey’s 7^th largest city, stands for professionalism, experience, diversity and quality. It’s a city which hosts more than 15 million foreign guests, from all over the world on a yearly basis. Antalya is a new born star for the international congresses, conventions and incentives; with its new and well equipped hotels and their convention facilities. Antalya has more than 375.000 beds to offer, with the best service from thousands of professional, educated, well-experienced, multilingual, friendly and courteous staff.

“all in antalya” means

Easy Acces
New and well-designed hotels
Good service
Delicious dinning
300 days of sun
History
Arts & culture
Sports facilities
Shopping facilities
Entertainment
Hospitality
Safe city
12 months living city
Value for Money

Banking
Bank services are available at the Antalya International Airport and Belek City Center. Banks are open from 08.30 to 17.00 from Monday to Friday. They are closed at weekends and on public holidays.

Climate and Clothing
In Spring the weather in Antalya is mild. Daily temperatures are expected to range between 20 and 25°C.

Credit Cards
International credit cards are accepted in cash dispensers, hotels, restaurants and most shops, as well as car rental agencies. The most common credit cards are VISA, Euro Card, and MasterCard.

Currency Exchange
The local currency is the Turkish Lira (TL). The exchange rate changes daily. Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport, banks, hotels and exchange offices. International credit cards are widely accepted.

Driving License
International Driving Licenses are recognized throughout Turkey. Car rental companies ask for a valid driving license.

Electricity
In Turkey, electricity is supplied at 220 Volt / 50Hz AC. Most hotels have a receptacle with 110 volts. Two-pin round plugs are used.

Insurance
Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. At the time you register for the congress and book your travel you may wish to take an insurance policy of your choice. This insurance is to be purchased in your country of origin.

Internet Access
The free wireless internet access for notebook and smart phone users at the exhibition area will be provided by the organization secretariat of Serenas Tourism.

Shopping
Most shops in Turkey are generally open from 09.00 to 19.00, Monday to Saturday. Big shopping centers are open every day of the week, usually from 10.00 to 22.00. In all shopping centers major credit cards are accepted and tax-free shopping is possible.

Restaurants
For gourmets, this will be an outstanding opportunity to taste various examples of Turkish, European, Asian and international cuisine in Antalya.

Smoking
Smoking is not allowed in closed spaces such as shopping malls, museums, restaurants but designated areas.
Fines apply for offenders.

Meals
Turkish food is famous throughout the world; the range is enormous, from a number of soups to an astonishing variety of appetizers, followed by meat and fish dishes, many famous Turkish sweets, pastries and Turkish coffee. Prices could vary between 20 € (modest, traditional restaurant) to 100 € (gastronomic upscale restaurant).

Shopping
Most shops in Antalya are generally open from 09:00 to 19:00, Monday to Saturday. Big shopping centers are open every day of the week, usually from 10:00 to 22:00. In all shopping centers major credit cards are accepted and tax-free shopping is possible.

Taxis
Available at taxi stands or hailed on the street. All are yellow and have meters.

Time Differences
Turkey is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Tipping
This is customary in restaurants and taxis. Tipping 10% of the bill is reasonable.

Visa Requirements
Visitors from certain countries require a valid visa for entry to Turkey. It is your responsibility to check the visa requirement status for your nationality and complete the proper visa procedures. Online e visa service is available for the citizens of many countries.
please visit www.evisa.gov.tr for more information.

Water
it is recommended to seek advice from the hotels.

Flights
OFFICIAL CARRIER
TURKISH AIRLINES

WIDEN YOUR WORLD - Antalya, Turkey
The official airline, Turkish Airlines, flies to more countries than any other airline in the world. It takes you to more than 120 countries and 300 destinations. Enjoy a carefully planned travel experience with Flexible Travel and Free Change rights if your plans change! Istanbul, hub city in Turkey, takes 1 hour from Antalya.