Here at the Turkish Travel Blog, I normally spend copious amounts of time indulging in activities that have no productive results what so ever. So, while reviewing some stats of the tourism industry in Turkey, I decided to make a pretty picture so they would be easier to read, and I can say, that I do actually produce something in my spare time.
Some very interesting results appear on the official figures taken from the website of Turkish culture and tourism. For example…
If you think that the British dominate the tourism scene, reality is far from that.
Did you know that Turkey has big plans for the tourism industry? To be completed by 2023.
The estimated revenue earned from Tourism in Turkey will also blow your mind
Tourism in Turkey Statistics
Tourism in Turkey : Plans for the Future
Well, there are some things to consider…
During the last few weeks, I’ve had many hits to my website as well as emails and Facebook messages. People are asking if they should cancel their holidays to Turkey because of the situation in Syria. I tell everyone the same message, come to Turkey. It is a big country. I am at the moment on the Aegean coast and life is as normal. However, how many people have decided to book holidays in another country instead?
The resort of Didim which is on the list of targeted areas, is not off to a good start. The beach front was dug up in the winter time, ready for a new look that would modernize the appearance of the resort. It is still not finished and major UK travel operator Thomas Cook is advising their guests to go elsewhere. According to a Facebook Group, one woman’s booking was changed to Tunisa!
Despite these two issues and others, I am going to remain optimistic as Turkey has been very prominent at tourism fairs in many countries.
I wish everyone that works in the tourism industry throughout Turkey, a productive and profitable summer
Further Reading
Tourism in Turkey – Strategy Plan To Be Completed by 2023
Reader Questions : What do you think about Turkey’s plan to be one of the top five holiday destinations in the world?
Can they achieve it?
. . if Dalyan is anything to go by there is a reason/excuse every year for why tourism id down or lacks quality (money). From Bird Flu to war to threat of war to the economy to this to that. Dalyan is a good example of the ‘gözleme syndrome’ (something opens and by next year there are dozens) and lack of any real planning – too many poor quality businesses persuing too few customers with money in their pockets. The astute, well run busunesses seem to do OK and that leads to jealosy and the risk mof being ‘complained’.
Alan Fenn recently wrote about..Back Roads To Karaçam
Sounds very much like Didim Alan – someone sold a house to a foreigner so they all opened estate agents. Dental tourism seems to be the latest fad.
I used to buy in the complaint that every year there was something however the above stats really changed my mind that perhaps tourism in Turkey is not as down in the dumps that I thought it was. Just moving in a different direction
Natalie recently wrote about..Horse Racing in Turkey – How NOT To Blend In With the Locals
Great infographic. Says it all. So the Russians are coming? Well, down Antalya way they’ve been there for years. Syria is a long way away from the beaches of the Aegean coast so people should not be put off. Bodrum isn’t finished either, and with the terrible weather (a storm approaches as I type), I think it’ll be rushed. This won’t please the rich Istanbulers popping down in their Nissan tanks!
Jack Scott recently wrote about..Tweeting Turks
I did not know that Bodrum was not finished either Jack – I thought they dug all that up last year!
Natalie recently wrote about..Photo Essay – How Turkish Carpets Are Made
Second phase this year. Next year? who knows.
Jack Scott recently wrote about..200,000 Hits Plus
I was down by the beach yesterday and was impressed by the quality of the bricks/stone? (I feel a bit of a saddo saying that) if not the progress.
Iranians seem to be the latest nationality to visit Didim and it wouldn’t be a bad thing if us Brits are diluted a little by other nationalities.
I can see Russians in particular coming here in increasing numbers in the future – delighting the Turkish lads at the front, I’m sure – and am not surprised they are second overall in visiting numbers to Turkey.
Shane recently wrote about..My Bad Travel Photo: Camels Hex my Camera, Aqaba & Sinai
Totally agree Shane – Us Brits need to be diluted a little bit
Not seen any Iranians in Didim but not really been out and about.
Natalie recently wrote about..Dolmabahce Palace – The Last Days of the Ottoman Empire
Interesting! Hopefully I’ll be one of the new visitors in 2012
EurotripTips recently wrote about..Keukenhof Gardens Is For (Macro) Lovers, a Photo Essay
When will your plan be confirmed? Look forward to hearing if it is definite, the more bloggers that visit the better.
For the past 30 years the tourism sector has claimed that bookings are affected by war, earthquakes, plane crashes, The US Jewish Lobby, council bad planning, you name it and every year the government announces record visitor numbers. I’ve given up looking for the logic and I’m going to sit on my terrace and enjoy the view.
BacktoBodrum recently wrote about..Come fly to me.
So right B2B, every year we hear the moans. I think 2012 will be just as good despite some minor setbacks.
Natalie recently wrote about..I Love Istanbul and Here Are Five Reasons Why
Well, I’ve certainly see plenty of tourists the last few weeks here in Istanbul. There’s a cruise ship or 2 docked nearly every day at Karakoy! Sultanahmet is still a bit of a construction site near Topkapi and Ayasofya, but the stonework is looking really nice! Construction is never done here, right?
Joy (My Turkish Joys) recently wrote about..Lale Excitement in Istanbul
So right Joy about the construction – I heard that they had to cancel a lot of trips yesterday because of the weather. Was it bad in Istanbul? It was terrible here on the Aydin region
Interesting statistics! I can definitely see why tourism is on the rise here. It’s such a beautiful country.
So are we going to have the chance to meet up??
Pete recently wrote about..Stories from the House of the Virgin Mary
Can do Pete but let me know what your plans are. I am off to Istanbul in a week, then hopefully to Cesme and then up to Trabzon for the end of May
I know I’ll certainly be trying to add tot he tourism idustry this year by coming across. Great facts! x
Hope you make it. You will definitely have a fab time
Construction still going on in Fethiye, too. The weather’s messed a few plans up here. Read somewhere recently that Iranians are making up a hefty percentage of visitor numbers to Istanbul, too. All good. The more nationalities, the better.
Julia
Turkey’s For Life recently wrote about..Turkish Food: Konya Etli Ekmek
So construction still happening in Fethiye as well! Obviously timing is not everything! The more nationalities here the better, I would like Turkey to be one of the top five destinations.
Natalie recently wrote about..Sea Kayaking in Turkey : A Personal Challenge to Conquer
That’s great, I hope I’ll be contributing in increasing Turkey’s tourist stats this year by going again myself
Angela recently wrote about..Video and photos: In Lebanon, marching for Palestine
Great Angela, look forward to reading what you get up to.
Natalie recently wrote about..Galata Bridge : The Happening Place to Be
Natalie, thanks for sharing. I especially like the words “sustainable tourism” which is of course not sustainable. The more tourism a place gets, the less “authentic” and “sustainable” it becomes. No mayor who wants to get re-elected is really going to try to put limits on growth unless the entire community is behind the effort.
All tourism is “green,” in money that is…
Yeah – That caught my eye as well. I have known a few hotels who struggle with the concept of sustainable tourism so for a whole country to adopt it.! I have not seen any signs yet of efforts by local councils but maybe it is still to come, or maybe they just threw that in there to look good
Natalie recently wrote about..The Ghost Village Of Kayakoy
I heart this infographic! Well done Natalie.
Jeff recently wrote about..Sunset Over the Nile
Thanks Jeff – Not bad for my first one!:)
Andy and I loved Turkey! And I guessed from the title that Germans would be the answer to the number one visiting nationality question. Makes sense since they don’t need a visa to get in, unlike most of the rest of Europe. Also, I hate that so many people think Turkey should be avoided because of what’s going on in Syria when most of the country is perfectly fine and safe.
Ali recently wrote about..Difficult Travel Experiences in Southeast Asia
Well said Ali – People should not avoid Turkey because of Syria. You have just been here and obviously enjoyed it. So glad you liked it.
We absolutely loved Turkey and the Bodrum region. We will come back for sure to explore Istambul! We absolutely adored the eggplant dishes too! Delicious!
Martin Pietrzak recently wrote about..Malaysia Part 2 – Langkawi NYE on our Around the World Voyage with Niko.
Be sure to add Istanbul onto your list when you come back Martin, it really is quite unlike any other city I have visited
Sustainable Tourism is Green Global Travel’s primary focus. Sounds like we need to get to Turkey!
Mary @ Green Global Travel recently wrote about..THE PERUVIAN AMAZON- Day 6 Photo Gallery
I think you might have to teach them a thing or two though Mary!
Great to see that Turkey’s tourism is growing. The more people that see that beautiful country the happier it makes me!
Kurt recently wrote about..Tornadoes, Hitchhikers and Tents in Kansas – Part 1
Turkey is a beautiful and rich country so it’s really worth it if they would improve their tourism. I can’t wait for 2023. I wonder how Turkey will look like 11 years from now.
Jemma@ Philippine Travel recently wrote about..Basdaku Beach in Moalboal
I am wondering that as well Jemma because they still have a long way to go. I hope they do not build concrete jungles all over the place though.
I agree. It’s still much better if they would preserve the natural resources of the country.
Jemma@ Philippine Travel recently wrote about..Basdaku Beach in Moalboal
Hi folks , im after recommendations/info for companies to hiring a gulet for a group of about 10 (aged 40 to 55), for 10 days in june 2013. Also which parts of coast line recommended to see. Mid range budget. Thanks in advance for any recommendations.
Anne – Marie. I recommend contacting Michael at the Turkey Travel Centre. http://www.turkeytravelcentre.com/gulet-cruise/gulet-cruise-turkey.html
They have free callback numbers as well
Australia: 1 800 761 192
US & Canada: 1 866 844 8176
Natalie recently wrote about..What’s Dave Doing in Turkey?