The Turkish Office of Culture & Tourism has put on a stellar performer at this year’s World Travel Market, with the Turkish stand covering approximately 1,000 square metres; growing 30 per cent in size since last year.

Speaking at the press conference earlier today deputy undersecretary at Turkish Ministry of Culture, Ozgur Ozaslan, said: “Turkey, which ranks 7th in the world tourist arrivals according to the World Tourism Organisation, has not suffered any reduction in its tourism arrivals in the past two years unlike most other countries.

“Indeed, by welcoming over 27 million visitors to its shores in 2009, Turkey achieved growth of 2.8 per cent in visitor numbers thereby becoming the only country to experience a growth in inbound tourist numbers that year.

“This year growth looks set to be even more spectacular according to data which reveal over 23 million visitors arriving to Turkey so far in the first nine months of 2010, translating to a year on year increase in tourist arrivals of six per cent.

“Our aim is now to become one of the top five tourism destinations in the world.”

World Travel Awards

The Turkish Office of Culture & Tourism was also recognised as Europe’s Leading Tourist Board by the World Travel Award earlier this year.

Istanbul, the European Capital of Culture for 2010, has also staged countless arts and cultural festivals and activities and concerts and has acted as host to a string of such world sports events as the world basketball championships FIBA and Formula 1 races.

In a continuation of Turkey’s emerging role in the sports world the Universiad Winter Games will be held in Erzurum, Turkey’s centre of winter sports, on January 27th – February 6th 2011.

Back in London, Turkish president Abdullah Gul will be opening the Yunus Emre Cultural Centre, in addition to the Mimar Sinan exhibition.