Turkish tourism official eyes further growth
A tourism official in Turkey has revealed that annual visitor numbers could be set to go up this year.
According to culture and tourism minister Ertugrul Gunay, more than 23 million foreign leisure travellers visited the country in 2007.
However, he believes this figure could be equalled by the end of August 2008, reports Today's Zaman.
This, he said, puts it on track to push annual visitor numbers beyond the 27 million mark this year.
Mr Gunay commented: "Today one of our cities, Antalya, has made hosting 10 million tourists annually an easy target to achieve.
"This shows what a bright, successful and beautiful future Turkey will have."
He added that in order to stimulate further growth, the image of the country needs to extend beyond the "typical" sun, sea and sand tourism.
Mr Gunay suggested that future marketing initiatives incorporate other aspects of Turkey, such as its history and culture.
According to the Post Office, there has recently been a surge in demand for Turkish currency among British consumers.
The organisation said this is because the country is one of the "best-value" destinations in Europe.
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