Strong Tourist Industry Boosting Turkish Economy

Sun, sea and sand and the tourism generated by these are the stakes holding Turkey's economy up, a government official has stated. According to Ismet Yilmaz, undersecretary of the country's tourism and culture ministry, majority of Turkey's wealth is generated by the country's tourist industry.

Hailing the contribution of this industry, Mr. Yilmaz added that Turkey needs to widen its appeal to foreigners if it wishes to keep up its current high rate of growth. He referred to other potential markets that can be exploited to further boost the number of visitors coming to the country.

'Conference, health and winter tourism as well as faith, sports and ecotourism should become widespread in Turkey to create diversification,' he said. Mr. Yilmaz's comments come at a time when Turkey has recorded a major jump in tourist numbers; those for 2008 have already surpassed the number of holidaymakers in 2007. The Turkish Daily News reported that year-on-year the first half of 2008 saw 15 percent more visitors than 2007.

These news bear good tidings for the country's property industry too; increasing visitors also means increasing number of investors and higher demand for properties, both for purchase and rental.

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Date: 8/29/2008