Tourism is a vital industry for the Turkish economy. And the country aims to attract more visitors in the upcoming year, especially Chinese tourists. In that effort, Turkey's Travel agencies association has organized a special tour to Southeastern Anatolia, introducing significant cultural sites that have been attracting international attention. CGTN's Michal Bardavid has the details.

In the mountainous area of south-eastern Turkey lies a historical site: Gobekli Tepe. The findings here might have changed history as we know it as archeologists believe they have unearthed what may be the world's oldest temple dating back 12,000 years.

MICHAL BARDAVID GAZIANTEP, TURKEY "Gobeklitepe has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list – the findings suggest that rituals were carried out here. There are carvings on the walls of lions, scorpions and foxes. All of this happening about six thousand years before the invention of writing according to archeologists."

Turkish officials say Gobeklitepe in Sanliurfa city already attracts many international tourists, but not nearly enough. Aiming to attract more tourists, Turkey's Travel agencies association "TURSAB" organized a two day Gaziantep and Sanliurfa tour for the ambassadors of China, India, Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Ukraine. Cultural sites of these two cities were introduced to the ambassadors during the visit. TURSAB president Firuz Baglikaya says they are especially focusing on attracting Chinese tourists.

FIRUZ BAGLIKAYA PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATION OF TURKISH TRAVEL AGENCIES "Chinese tourists are very important for Turkey, China is sending 130 million tourists to different sides of the world, so our short-term target for China is for this year five hundred thousand tourists and in the long term we would like to reach two million tourists in a few years."

Guests were especially fascinated during the next stop. The group enjoyed a boat tour on the Euphrates river, and a visit to the historical Rumkale, a fortress that is titled "Roman Castle".

Adding to the flavor was traditional music playing on the boat, as the guests enjoyed dancing together as the sun set. The Chinese Ambassador to Turkey, Yu Hongyang emphasized that more tourism from China could also benefit Turkish-Chinese ties.

YU HONGYANG CHINESE AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY "Of course it will affect a lot, because tourism cooperation between the two countries is a very important part of our bilateral relations."

The ambassadors also appreciated a visit to the Zeugma mosaic museum in Gaziantep. The ancient mosaics depict art that dates back to the Roman empire. Walls, floors, columns all covered in mosaics are a site to see for history lovers. One key aspect of the tour was also gastronomy, guests enjoyed tasting local food of the Turkish cuisine. One meal at Sanliurfa was set within a cave, with seating on the floor for a traditional experience, all with the company of local musicians. TURSAB officials plan to repeat these tours for ambassadors of Turkey in other parts of the country. Michal Bardavid, CGTN, Gaziantep.