Turkey has set its sights on generating tourism revenues to the tune of $20,000 million in 2008, $2,000 million more than last year, as well as aiming to surpass the 25 million tourist mark, Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay has announced recently.
Gunay stated that breaking the 25 million tourist barrier would be an important psychological victory after the country drew in 23 million in 2007.
In the first five months of the year, tourist numbers were up 12 percent from last year while tourism revenues jumped 28.4 percent to $2,780 million in the first quarter.
"The 25 million tourist mark is critical and I think we will exceed this in 2008," Gunay said, before adding: "We must reach the revenue target of $20,000 million.”
Gunay also announced a strategic plan for tourism, with the aim of generating tourism revenues of $50,000 million by 2023 and reaching the 50 million tourist mark.
"This means spending of $1,000 per tourist. The current level is $700, so this will involve doubling the tourism target within 15 years," he said.
The minister pointed out that the country’s largest city Istanbul aimed to increase the number of tourists that it attracts from around six million currently to 10 million by 2010, when the city will hold the title of European Capital of Culture.
"We are facing financial difficulties. We have work to do in areas such as restoration, protection and exhibiting. We need initiatives on gallery and art activities," he said.
A bill on the parliamentary agenda envisages providing 200 million lira ($160 million) for the project.
The minister said he also shared the concerns of UNESCO about the condition of some protected cultural sites in Istanbul and that he planned to closely heed recommendations made in a soon-to-be-published report on the subject.
He also stated that Turkey needs to diversify its tourist industry, focusing more on areas such as culture, congresses, winter tourism and cruises.
