Nihan Bekar has been named the director of the Turkish Culture and Tourist Office in New York, overseeing the country's tourism marketing strategy in the U.S. and Canada.

Bekar previously served as deputy director for the tourist office as well as in several positions at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

"Since 2006 Turkey has seen a 30% increase in tourism from the U.S., and we will work to continue moving in this positive direction," Bekar said.