| A new stat book covering the years 2002-2010 released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism demonstrates the progress Turkish tourism has made over the last eight years. While in terms of the number of tourists it was ranked 17th among the most visited tourist destinations in 2002, the numbers show that Turkey clinched seventh place in 2009, according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The number of tourist who visited Turkey in 2002 was 13.2 million, whereas the same number rose to 28.6 million in 2009, representing a 117 percent increase.
This jump in the number of tourists also reflects efforts made and money spent towards promoting Turkey overseas. According to the stat book, Turkey’s overseas promotion budget increased three-and-a-half times between the years in question. The ministry spent TL 153 million in 2010 compare to TL 44 million in 2002. Around 150 tourism fairs were organized in 2010, up from 100 in 2002. Also, Turkey ranks fourth in the world with its 314 blue-flagged beaches in 2010.
2011 already started with good news for the Turkish tourism sector. Data available for the first two months of this year reveal that the number of tourists has gone up by 16.5 percent compared to the same period of last year. The upheaval that has been dominating North Africa for some time now and its negative impact on tourism destinations in the region also benefitted Turkey in terms of the number of tourists who changed their plans and chose Turkey instead.
The amount of subsidies the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) has channeled into tourism infrastructure is striking. In order to finance tourism infrastructure, local authorities received TL 203.7 million in 2010 from the central government, compare to TL 24.5 million in 2002. This is an increase of 732 percent.
Cultural activities have not fallen behind
Another area the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has done intensive work in is in the field of culture. According to the stats, the ministry opened 36 new cultural centers since 2003 in addition to the 42 centers that existed in 2002. Estimated suggest the total numbers of cultural centers in Turkey will be 98 by the end of 2011.
Turkey is home to several ancient civilizations, and there are already a number of museums displaying treasures from these ancient times. These museums also play a big role in attracting curious tourists from overseas. The ministry says 111 archeological digs took place in 2010, compared to 57 digs in 2002. Such efforts did not go unnoticed; the number of tourists who visited the museums and historical sites has gone up by 248 percent since 2002.
The support task for theater, opera and ballet activities also falls in the hands of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The numbers of shows, theatergoers, concerts and recitals have all gone up. The Turkish movie sector also got a lucrative subsidy from the government, and the number of domestic movies made in 2010 was seven times that of 2002.
In explaining the increase in the number of tourists and cultural activities in recent years, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism report explains that Turkey has recently been more aware of its historical and cultural wealth; it has committed itself more to protecting and transferring it to future generations. “These new objectives of Turkey did not go unnoticed by foreign tourists and it will eventually also add to the overall standard of living of our people, which is called culture,” the statement concludes. |
