Millionare fair opens in Istanbul

The Millionaire Fair, an important ultra-luxury international trade fair, opened yesterday in Istanbul, the first time the city has hosted the event. The fair is expected to draw around 15,000 visitors from countries as varied as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Syria and Ukraine. Speaking at the fair's opening, State Minister for Foreign Trade Kursad Tuzmen said that global millionaires are beginning to pay more attention to Turkish goods and services. "Istanbul serving as the site of this fair when everyone is talking about financial crisis is very meaningful," he added. "With their quality and the feeling of satisfaction they give to all sophisticated consumers, Turkish goods speak for themselves." Rustu Barkay, the CEO of fair organizer CNR Holding, said several luxury hotels in Istanbul were fully booked due to international visitors at the fair. Barkay said that in addition to famous international brands, the fair also features top Turkish brands that deserve a place in the luxury market.