Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu has announced the upcoming launch of the Touristic Tatvan Train, scheduled to commence service after Eid al-Adha.

The inaugural journey from Ankara to Tatvan is set for June 24 at 14:30, departing with 140 passengers, while the return journey from Tatvan to Ankara will begin on June 26 at 19:00.

Uraloğlu highlighted that the Touristic Tatvan Train, covering a distance of 262 kilometers, will offer a 28-hour travel experience blending nostalgia and modern comfort. "Our conventional trains, which have long served transportation needs, are now enhancing the country's tourism sector," he remarked, referencing the success of previous tourism-focused routes like the Touristic Eastern Express and Touristic Diyarbakır Express.

The Touristic Tatvan Train features sleeping wagons equipped with amenities akin to home comfort, with each room accommodating two passengers, complete with a refrigerator and sink. Dining cars onboard will offer passengers the chance to savor Anatolian cuisine against scenic backdrops.

During the journey from Ankara to Tatvan, the train will make a tourism stop in Elazığ for 3 hours, allowing passengers to explore the city's rich cultural and historical heritage. On the return trip from Tatvan to Ankara, the train will pause in Sivas for a similar tourism break.

Minister Uraloğlu emphasized the economic benefits brought by these tourism-focused trains to the provinces along their routes, noting their contribution as ambassadors of tourism. "Just like the Touristic Diyarbakır Express and Touristic Eastern Express, which have left lasting impressions and contributed significantly to local economies, the Touristic Tatvan Train will showcase historical, cultural, and natural wonders along its route," he stated.

The Touristic Tatvan Train marks another milestone in Türkiye's efforts to promote domestic tourism and enhance travel experiences through scenic railway journeys. (ILKHA)