Tourist authorities in Turkey have announced plans to increase the amount of visitors is pushing the country forward as the latest cruise and yachting destination.

Tourism expert Dominic Whiting, editor of the Buying in Turkey guide, has described the country as "one of the premier cruise tourism destinations in Europe". The annual average number of those from Europe is about three million while from USA to Turkey is about 11 million. Istanbul, Bodrum, Marmaris and Antalya already boast modern marinas, while Turkish government has planned for the construction of four more marinas in the near future.

Turkey is expected to attract a record number of tourists by the end of 2008. This will be a positive development for rental accommodation investors in the country, as it means their services are likely to be in strong demand.

Turkey's geographical position has mae it highly important in cruise tourism in black sea and eastern mediteranean. Artun Çağlayan, secretary general of the Turkish Maritime Tourism Association, has stated that many prominent cruise companies in the world have chosen Istanbul as a homeport. Their target in cruise tourism is mostly middle-aged tourists from upper income groups and ports can also be built in İzmir and in the popular Aegean resort towns Kuşadası and Didim, he added.

In related news, The Turkish Daily News reports that that Turkey is a hotspot for diving enthusiasts, with up to 30 metres visibility being possible, making it possible to see the coast's marine life, reefs and caverns.

Labels: Tourism