ANKARA
,
TURKEY , Nov. 2, 2005 –
Newly released
statistics show American arrivals in Turkey have increased by 47.41
percent to date, up more than 100,000 visitors, over January to
September 2004. Combining the familiarity of Europe with the intrigue
of Asia, Turkey’s rich culture and extraordinary value will offer a
unique destination option for nearly 400,000 Americans this year – a
number, which for the first time, approaches pre 9/11 figures. It
translates to a projected 40 percent increase overall for 2005.
A report this week
from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on airline
passenger traffic also cited Turkey
as being among the top five tourism markets globally, in terms of growth,
proving
Turkey
is internationally becoming one of the worlds most sought
after travel destinations.
The growth in the
number of Americans traveling to Turkey can be credited, in large part,
to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s aggressive advertising
and public relations tactics. The recipient of six 2004 Adrian Awards,
from the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI)
for advertising and public relations excellence, the Turkish Culture and
Tourism Office has successfully positioned Turkey as one of the world’s
most desirable destinations.
Indeed, the impact of
the campaigns are attested to by the media’s interest in Turkey which
has recently resulted in such extensive stories as Conde Nast
Traveler’s 12-page “Treasures of the Turkish Coast”, and Travel+
Leisure’s 12-page “At the Crossroads” as well as numerous articles
in major newspapers like the New York Times, Los Angeles Times
and Miami Herald. Moreover Istanbul was cited the fourth best
city in Europe in the November 2005 Conde Nast Traveler, in its
annual World’s Best Readers’ Poll, while the world’s only city that
straddles two continents was named seventh best global travel
destination and third among the Top 10 European Cities by Travel +
Leisure in the August issue. The Turkish government has also made
clear that the welcome mat is out for American tourists by lowering the
price of a visa from $100 to a mere $20.
Turkey
, the
site of two wonders of the ancient world, is a present-day marvel - the
cradle of civilization, the very center of world history, and a
modern Westward-looking republic. It is a country of fascinating
contrasts, where antiquity is juxtaposed with the contemporary, the
familiar with the exotic; where sun-swept beaches beckon less than an
hour away from snow-capped mountains, and everywhere visitors are
treated to the extraordinary warmth of the Turkish people.
The Turkish Culture and Tourism Office are exhibitors at the American
Society of Travel Agents’ (ASTA) 2005 World Travel Congress this Nov
6-11 and will be stationed at booth # 409.
For information about travel to Turkey, call 1-877-FOR-TURKEY
or contact the Turkish Culture and Tourism Offices in New York at
212-687-2194
or in Washington D.C. at 202-612-6800 or in Los Angeles at 323-937-8066
and visit
www.tourismturkey.org
or
www.kulturturizm.gov.tr
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