Tourist Eastern Express Returns for this Winter, Offering a Scenic Rail Journey from Ankara to Kars Promoting Turkish Culture and Sustainable Tourism Growth

The legendary Tourist Eastern Express Train, perhaps Turkey’s most popular and scenic journey, will once again leave its tracks to visit the heart of Turkey this winter 2025-2026 season, entertaining tourists and local travelers alike with a memorable 32-hour ride. From December 22, 2025, and continuing through March 1, 2026, the train will run regularly from Ankara to Kars, two cities that symbolize the country’s rich landscapes, culture, and history. With the further development of its tourism infrastructure, the Eastern Express is still a major agent promoting rail tourism and presenting tourists with a glimpse of Turkey’s beauty, ranging from snow-capped mountains to monuments.

Expanding Turkey’s Tourism Offerings Through Scenic Rail Journeys

Turkey’s rail tourism sector is growing steadily, with the Tourist Eastern Express serving as a prime example of how rail travel can be a central aspect of the country’s tourism appeal. While the train offers travelers a scenic, comfortable journey between two major cities, its value goes beyond just transportation; it provides an immersive cultural experience that few other travel options can match. With spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, picturesque valleys, and historical towns, the journey is as much about exploring Turkey’s cultural heritage as it is about reaching the destination.

Barun Jolly, Senior Vice President of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, noted that rail tourism in Turkey is gaining traction, particularly among international visitors who seek to combine scenic travel with cultural exploration. The Eastern Express is expected to become even more popular, particularly as global tourism looks for unique travel experiences that combine luxury, comfort, and cultural immersion.

Scenic Stops That Bring Turkish Culture to Life

One of the standout features of the Tourist Eastern Express is its strategic stops along the route, which allow passengers to experience the local culture and explore the historical gems of Ankara, Erzincan, Erzurum, Sivas, and Kars. The train’s cultural stops not only break up the journey but provide opportunities for tourists to immerse themselves in Turkish life and experience local hospitality.

On the Ankara-Kars route, the train will stop for two and a half hours in Erzincan and four hours in Erzurum, both cities known for their historical significance and rich cultural traditions. These stops will allow travelers to explore the architectural wonders, local markets, and traditional Turkish cuisine.

On the return trip, from Kars to Ankara, passengers will have the chance to visit Iliç, Divriği, and Sivas, where they will be treated to more historical landmarks, local culture, and architectural treasures. These stops also offer an opportunity to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Divriği Great Mosque, known for its stunning Seljuk architecture.

Comfort and Luxury for a Memorable Travel Experience

The Eastern Express Tourist Train offers comfort and luxury on par with high-end international trains, with its eight sleeper cars, each equipped with 10 compartments, and a dining car offering meals and refreshments. With a total capacity of 160 passengers, the train ensures a comfortable and intimate travel experience, ideal for those seeking quality service and privacy while enjoying the stunning Turkish countryside.

The train’s modern amenities, comfortable compartments, and spacious seating arrangements allow passengers to relax and enjoy the journey. The design ensures passengers enjoy their travel with ample legroom, personal space, and an enjoyable experience during the entire trip.

The Role of Rail Tourism in Sustainable Travel

In an age where eco-friendly travel is a growing concern, the Eastern Express stands out as a sustainable tourism option. Rail travel is generally regarded as one of the most eco-friendly modes of transportation, producing fewer carbon emissions per passenger than cars and airplanes. By promoting the Tourist Eastern Express as a premier sustainable travel option, Turkey is demonstrating its commitment to reducing the environmental impact of tourism while still offering luxurious travel experiences.

The focus on sustainability is reflected in the train’s design, which incorporates energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials. Furthermore, local products and services along the journey, from food to souvenirs, emphasize the importance of supporting local economies and small businesses, aligning with sustainable tourism principles.

Enhancing Cultural Awareness Through Rail Journeys

The Eastern Express is not just about getting from Ankara to Kars; it’s about experiencing the rich cultural fabric of Turkey. Through educational programs, cultural performances, and interactive activities, passengers will have the opportunity to learn about the history, traditions, and cultural diversity of each stop along the route. This offers a more immersive experience, where travel becomes a gateway to understanding the local culture, art, and history of Turkey.

Economic Impact: Supporting Local Communities and Businesses

By promoting rail tourism, Turkey is supporting local communities along the Eastern Express route. The stops in cities like Erzincan, Erzurum, and Sivas will encourage tourist spending, benefiting hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist services. This increase in tourism traffic is expected to boost the local economy and generate job opportunities in regions that may not traditionally attract large numbers of tourists.

The investment in tourism infrastructure and railway services is also expected to create long-term growth opportunities for local businesses in these regions, enhancing economic resilience and promoting sustainable development in rural and regional areas.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Rail Tourism in Turkey

As rail tourism continues to gain popularity globally, Turkey is positioning itself as a leader in this sector. The Eastern Express is just the beginning, with future plans to expand the service to other regions, offering even more scenic routes and cultural experiences across the country. By enhancing rail connectivity and promoting sustainable tourism, Turkey is paving the way for a new era of travel that integrates culture, sustainability, and innovation.

A Unique Tourism Experience on the Rails

The Eastern Express Tourist Train provides a unique tourism experience through blending comfort, cultural discovery, and scenic beauty. With its emphasis on luxury, sustainability, and local development, the train will be a driving force for the development of rail tourism in Turkey and the promotion of Turkey’s natural and cultural riches. For tourists interested in adventure, pilgrimage, or holidays with relaxation, the Eastern Express offers an unforgettable experience of the diversity of Turkey while ensuring sustainable development in the tourism sector.

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Turkey and Oman Announce Mutual Visa Exemption, Boosting the Investment Opportunities, Trade and Tourism for a Stronger Bilateral Ties

In a historic step towards building closer ties, Turkey and Oman have made a joint visa exemption for their citizens. The move, hailed by the two governments, is to increase cooperation in trade, investment, and tourism between the two nations. The move was made in the wake of high-level meetings between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman, where they reaffirmed their mutual commitment towards deepening bilateral cooperation in priority areas.

A Milestone for Tourism Between Turkey and Oman

With this agreement, Omani citizens will be able to visit Turkey without the need for a visa, and Turkish citizens will enjoy the same benefit when traveling to Oman. This new development has the potential to significantly boost tourism between the two countries. The ease of travel will encourage more Omani tourists to explore Turkey’s historic sites, vibrant cities, and diverse landscapes, while giving Turkish visitors an opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Oman.

For Middle Eastern tourists, particularly from the Gulf region, Turkey has long been a popular destination, known for its iconic landmarks such as Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, Cappadocia, and the Turkish Riviera. Meanwhile, Oman’s stunning landscapes, from the desert to the mountains, as well as its rich cultural heritage, have made it an increasingly attractive destination for travelers. The visa exemption will simplify the process for tourists, leading to a rise in the number of travelers and, subsequently, an increase in tourism revenue for both countries.

Facilitating Business and Investment Flow Between the Two Nations

Beyond tourism, the visa exemption is expected to encourage business collaboration and investment opportunities between Turkey and Oman. As both countries emerge as economic players in their respective regions, the new arrangement will provide easier access for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors to travel freely between the two countries, further enhancing their economic relationship. The agreement will pave the way for increased trade, joint ventures, and investment in key sectors such as construction, energy, tourism, and technology.

Both Turkey and Oman have strategic goals to position themselves as key economic players in the region, and enhanced bilateral trade is seen as a natural extension of the visa exemption. With the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) being an important trade partner for both countries, the visa-free travel initiative will help facilitate cross-border partnerships, making it easier for investors and companies to collaborate in sectors ranging from infrastructure to renewable energy.

Expanding Turkey’s Economic Footprint in the Middle East

For Turkey, the Gulf region remains one of the most important areas for expanding trade and investment partnerships. As Turkey seeks to deepen its economic and political influence in the region, a stronger relationship with Oman presents a unique opportunity to leverage the country’s strategic position. Oman, with its long-standing neutral diplomatic stance, has the potential to serve as a bridge for Turkey to deepen its influence in the GCC region, opening doors for more business ventures and trade agreements.

The Growing Role of Oman as a Global Tourism Destination

For Oman, the visa exemption provides a valuable opportunity to position itself as a leading destination for Middle Eastern travelers. While Turkey has long been a favorite for tourists in the region, Oman’s tourism offerings—from its majestic mountains and desert adventures to its coastal resorts and cultural festivals—are increasingly drawing visitors seeking new, authentic travel experiences. The visa-free travel agreement will not only simplify the entry process for Turkish nationals but also pave the way for more international tourists to explore Oman’s diverse attractions.

As Oman looks to expand its tourism sector as part of its Vision 2040, which emphasizes economic diversification, this agreement will further enhance its status as a key player in the Middle Eastern tourism market. With more accessible travel between the two countries, Oman is well-positioned to see an increase in tourist arrivals, benefiting from the growing demand for destinations that offer cultural immersion, natural beauty, and luxury experiences.

Easing the Flow of Business and Education Between Turkey and Oman

In addition to the tourism and investment benefits, the visa exemption agreement also facilitates easier access for professionals and students between Turkey and Oman. The increased ease of travel will allow business professionals, academics, and students from both countries to participate in educational exchanges, conferences, and collaborative research projects. This move is expected to promote knowledge exchange and partnerships between universities, research institutions, and business communities in both countries, further deepening the bilateral relationship.

With both Turkey and Oman making strides in higher education and innovative sectors, this partnership will foster collaboration in emerging fields such as technology, engineering, and sustainability. The visa exemption will ensure that professionals in these sectors can more easily travel between the two countries, contributing to the growth of joint ventures and knowledge transfer.

A Bright Future for Turkey-Oman Relations

The reciprocal exemption of visas between Oman and Turkey is a decisive step in their continued relationship. With the two nations continuing to strengthen their cultural, economic, and tourism relations, the visa waiver will form a springboard for further cooperation in various fields. The move highlights the increasing aspirations of both nations to forge deeper people-to-people interactions, advance tourism and cultural exchange, and raise economic cooperation.

In the future, this deal can serve as a strong foundation for future bilateral cooperation and collaborative efforts to the benefit of not only the governments but also the citizens and companies of both nations. The exemption of visas will certainly open doors to closer relations and greater opportunities in the coming years, making Turkey and Oman pivotal players in Middle East matters.

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Turkey Joins US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Ghana in Issuing Travel Warnings for Mali Amid Rising Security Risks

Turkey joins the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Ghana in issuing travel warnings for Mali, the security situation in the country continues to raise significant concerns. With escalating risks from terrorist groups, kidnapping, and ongoing instability, these nations have advised their citizens to reconsider non-essential travel to Mali. The warnings come in response to increasing violence in various regions, with many foreign nationals already facing risks to their safety. Turkey’s advisory aligns with similar guidance from other countries, highlighting the fragile security environment. Travelers are urged to stay informed through official channels, exercise extreme caution, and follow the guidance of local authorities. As the security conditions remain unpredictable, the situation is continuously monitored by these countries to ensure the safety of their nationals.

Increasing Sensitivity in Mali’s Security Landscape

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Mali, particularly in light of recent events. The Ministry advised Turkish citizens to refrain from visiting Mali unless absolutely necessary. This precaution comes as the country faces rising instability in certain regions, making travel particularly risky.

The warning is issued within the context of a broader security challenge that has affected many parts of Mali in recent years, including terrorist activities and the risks posed by local armed groups. The Ministry emphasized that individuals who are residing in Mali or visiting temporarily should remain alert and closely follow local authority guidance to ensure their safety.

Caution and Vigilance for Turkish Nationals

For Turkish nationals who are already in Mali, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised they exercise extreme caution. This includes staying up to date with official information from local authorities and maintaining close contact with Turkish diplomatic missions in the country. Travelers are encouraged to act in accordance with local advisories and restrictions while being mindful of the ongoing security risks.

The Ministry also urged Turkish citizens to ensure they are prepared for unexpected circumstances, including possible restrictions on movement and increased security measures in certain regions. The environment in Mali has been deemed increasingly unpredictable, making careful planning and attention to detail essential for anyone currently residing or traveling in the area.

Travel Disruptions and Uncertainty in Mali

Mali, once known for its rich culture and historical sites, has increasingly become a place of travel uncertainty. The growing instability has led to a decline in the country’s ability to maintain a safe environment for tourists and foreign nationals. Turkish nationals, in particular, are urged to weigh the risks of travel to Mali carefully and to seek alternate destinations when possible.

For those who are currently in Mali, the Turkish Foreign Ministry emphasized the importance of remaining informed through official channels. It is crucial that travelers stay updated on security updates and government advisories to make informed decisions about their safety. The Ministry also advised Turkish nationals to follow any emergency procedures set out by local officials in case of an escalation in the security situation.

Ongoing Monitoring of Mali’s Security Situation

The Turkish Foreign Ministry continues to monitor the security developments in Mali closely. As the situation remains fluid, it is essential that travelers make informed decisions about their travel plans. While the Ministry has advised against non-essential travel, Turkish nationals are reminded to remain vigilant and to take proactive measures to protect themselves.

The Ministry also reiterated that it would continue to support Turkish nationals in Mali, offering assistance through embassies and consulates in the region. While the Ministry has not ruled out further measures, such as evacuations or additional advisories, it remains committed to providing up-to-date information to ensure the safety of Turkish citizens.

Multiple Countries Warn Against Travel to Mali

As of October 2025, several countries have issued travel advisories for Mali, citing significant security risks in the West African nation. The government of Mali has faced ongoing challenges from terrorist groups and rising instability in certain regions, prompting these advisories from foreign governments. The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ghana have all updated their travel warnings for citizens considering visiting or traveling to Mali. These advisories reflect growing concerns over terrorism, kidnappings, and civilian safety.

U.S. Issues Departure Warning for Mali

On Friday, the U.S. State Department authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and their family members from Mali due to escalating safety risks in the country. The advisory highlights the increasing security concerns affecting the region, particularly outside of Bamako, the capital. According to the statement issued by the State Department, U.S. citizens in Mali are advised to exercise extreme caution, as the government can no longer provide routine or emergency services outside the capital due to the growing dangers posed by terrorist groups and local conflicts. The departure order comes as part of a broader strategy to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens in the region, with officials emphasizing the importance of following local guidance and staying informed through official communication channels. This situation reflects the heightened risks in the country and underscores the need for caution.

United Kingdom’s Advisory for Mali

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has strongly advised against all travel to Mali, with an exception for areas within 15 km of the Tower of Africa in Bamako, the capital city. The FCDO has issued this warning due to the ongoing threat of terrorist attacks and kidnappings in the country. The advisory further highlights the risks posed by terrorist groups enforcing blockades and setting up checkpoints, particularly in the southern and western regions of Mali. These regions have seen heightened activity from armed groups, contributing to an unstable security environment. For travelers already in Mali, the FCDO urges them to maintain extreme caution, stay informed, and follow all local directives from authorities.

The UK government’s guidance, which falls under the FCDO’s category of do not travel, indicates that the situation in Mali remains highly volatile and unpredictable. As part of the advisory, travelers are encouraged to remain in constant communication with local authorities and the British embassy in Bamako, ensuring they receive any critical updates that may affect their safety.

Canada’s Travel Warning for Mali

The Government of Canada has similarly updated its travel advisory for Mali, advising its citizens to avoid all travel to the country, including the capital, Bamako. The warning is primarily based on the ongoing threats of terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry in various parts of the country. The advisory also notes that Canadian consular services may be limited due to the unstable environment, which can make it difficult for Canadian citizens to access assistance if necessary.

The Canadian government urges travelers to reconsider any plans involving travel to Mali and recommends that citizens stay in touch with the Canadian embassy for updated information on local security conditions. In addition to the immediate safety concerns, travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution if they are in Mali and to follow the guidance of local authorities closely.

Australia’s Smartraveller Advisory for Mali

Australia’s Smartraveller service has continued its warning for Australians, advising against any travel to Mali due to the high threat of terrorism and kidnapping. The Smartraveller service stresses that the security situation remains fragile, and the potential for violence and disruption is high, particularly in the northern and central regions of Mali.

The advisory further mentions that Mali is facing a fuel shortage, which is exacerbating security concerns and affecting the availability of essential services throughout the country. Smartraveller suggests that Australians avoid non-essential travel to the country and remain in close contact with the Australian embassy for any developments. The embassy is working to ensure the safety of Australians and provides up-to-date information as the security situation evolves.

Ghana’s Travel Advisory for Northern Mali

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration issued a travel advisory for specific regions of Mali in April 2024, advising against travel to Gao and Ansongo in northern Mali. These areas have been identified as high-risk zones due to the presence of terrorist groups and the ongoing conflict in the region. The advisory specifically mentions that Mali’s northern areas have seen repeated attacks on civilians, military personnel, and foreign nationals, making them dangerous for any kind of travel.

Ghana’s advisory emphasizes the need for caution, particularly for those traveling through or planning to visit these areas. The Ministry has urged Ghanaian nationals to stay updated on security conditions and to avoid regions where there is active conflict or a high likelihood of violence.

Overall Security Situation in Mali

The overall security situation in Mali remains volatile, with increasing violence from armed groups and terrorists. The UN and international organizations continue to warn of the risks to civilians and foreign nationals in certain regions of Mali. The government of Mali is working to stabilize the situation, but despite ongoing peacekeeping efforts, the country remains vulnerable to extremist activity and civil unrest.

The travel advisories from these nations reflect the difficulty in maintaining safe travel conditions in Mali, with threats such as kidnappings, terrorist attacks, and armed robberies continuing to pose significant risks to foreigners in the region. Travelers to Mali are strongly urged to remain informed about the current situation, monitor updates from official government channels, and follow the guidance of local authorities.

Recommendations for Travelers

For anyone planning to travel to Mali in the near future, it is essential to stay informed about the situation through official travel advisories from your government. Travel insurance should cover emergency evacuation and medical needs in case of unforeseen circumstances. Travelers should always ensure they have contingency plans in place and be prepared to change their travel plans if the security situation worsens.

Conclusion: Stay Informed and Exercise Caution

As the security situation in Mali continues to evolve, travelers are strongly advised to reconsider non-essential travel to the country. Governments around the world, including Turkey, U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and Ghana, have issued travel warnings due to the persistent security risks and instability in various regions. While Mali is rich in culture and history, the current situation requires travelers to be vigilant and stay updated through official channels. By staying informed and following safety guidelines, travelers can ensure they make the best decisions about whether to visit Mali at this time.

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