With a history stretching back 170,000 years, Antalya is a historical city surrounded by a breathtaking environment and steeped in culture. A city such as this should be promoted effectively. This was the principal idea behind the setting up of the Antalya Promotion Foundation in 1995 that was officially established in March 1996. The Antalya Promotion Foundation was established by the Governor of Antalya, the Trade and Industry Association (ATSO), the City Municipalities, the Trade and Artists' Associative Union (AESOB), the Society of Journalists, the Association of Travel Agencies, Akdeniz University and some other hotels, tour operators, travel agencies and commercial enterprises in the area. It now boasts 65 members . The principal aims of the Antalya Promotion Foundation:

" With the help of factually based research, the aim is to continually preserve, promote and develop the historical, cultural and touristic potential of Antalya, both abroad and at home, in an all embracing and effective way.

" To develop and implement any policies, strategies or processes that positively affect promotional aims and to publish promotion materials, organize fairs and also participate in fairs.

" To secure co-operation with related organizations in a coordinated fashion with a view to the development of the regional economy and tourism. The fundamental activities of the foundation within the context of aims and targets of the organization.