Turkey’s Turquoise Coast lures tourists from GCC countries

Turkey’s Turquoise Coast lures tourists from GCC countries

1 July 2011

DUBAI — Holidaymakers from GCC countries have shown an increasing interest in Turkey, especially its coastal provinces, according to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Turkey coastal cities have witnessed unprecedented reservations by their local hotels and resorts this summer, recording a 58 per cent surge compared to the same period last year.

The Turkish Riviera or The Turquoise Coast is a popular term used to define an area of southwest Turkey encompassing Antalya, Mugla and to a lesser extent Aydýn and Izmir provinces and is a popular tourist destination.

The region is known for its pleasant and favorable climate, with more than a thousand kilometres of shoreline along the Mediterranean and Aegean Sea, housing archaeological and natural riches. This stretch of Turkish coastline is strewn with ancient cities and harbours, memorial tombs and warm beaches and is laced with many small coves, lush forests and streams which make it a frequent destination for 
Blue Voyages. Sedat Gonulluoglu, Cultural and Information Attaché at the Turkish Tourism and Cultural Office in Dubai, stated that during 2010, 55,000 tourists from the UAE visited Turkey.

This year is witnessing an increased demand in hotel and resort bookings for summer holidays not only from UAE tourists but also from other GCC countries. Besides Istanbul, a majority of these tourists is heading towards the southern coast of Turkey and specifically Antalya and Bodrum,” said 
onulluoglu.

While the number of visitors coming to Antalya from the GCC countries has increased by 50 per cent, visitor numbers are expected to increase further by the end of this summer, he said.

“Bodrum and Antalya are the most stunning places on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Bodrum is a paradise for its climate, sea, natural beauty, magnificent coves and history, as well as for its modern nightlife where the show goes on until sunrise. Its many resorts and hotels cater for every need of their visitors. Antalya also has a backdrop of stunning mountain scenery, and the city is set high on cliffs, with many of its grandest hotels overlooking the sea on the outskirts of the town,” said Gonulluoglu. — issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com

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