Turkish tourism numbers on rise

ANKARA - Anadolu Agency

Turkey witnessed a 7 percent rise in the number of tourists visiting the country in the first eight months of 2014, according to official figures. AA Photo

Turkey witnessed a 7 percent rise in the number of tourists visiting the country in the first eight months of 2014, the Turkish tourism minister has reported.

Minister Ömer Çelik said Sept. 27 that nearly 25.7 million tourists came to Turkey between January and August, compared to 23.7 million over the same period last year.

“This is a very good record because the World Tourism Organization has forecast world tourism growth at 4 to 5 percent this year, but Turkey’s growth is exceeding 7 percent,” he said.

“Tourism in Turkey continues to break records despite there being so much instability surrounding the country,” he added.

Germans topped the list of foreign visitors to Turkey, followed by Russians and Britons, according to figures provided by the minister.