Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Tourist numbers to Turkey are forecast to grow through 2006, despite the outbreak of avain flu. Tourism and Culture Minister Atilla Koc predicted “above 21 million” compared with last year's total of 20.5 million visitors

The original aim for 2006 was to attract 26 million tourists, and even though this now seems unrealistic, the fact that numbers are still improving even with the setbacks suffered this year shows the strength of the market.

"I've put the target at 26 million for 2006... Maybe it won't be 26 million, but it will be ... above 21 million," Koc said at a conference in the Mediterranean resort of Belek, the Anatolia news agency reported.

A record 20.5 million foreigners visited Turkey last year and the tourism industry, a vital source of foreign revenue and employment, earned the country $18.15 billion, a 14 percent increase over 2004.

The increase in people taking their holidays outside of package tour operators and opting to travel independently means that those with property in Turkey and Alanya property have even more opportunity to make money from it through rentals.

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