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