He said arrivals are currently 94% up compared to the first half of 2020, with Russia, Germany, the UK, Ukraine, Poland and the Netherlands the destination’s top source markets.
“We have reached almost three times 2020’s number of visitors from these markets,” said Ersoy, adding: “We believe that by 2022, tourism in Turkey will reach pre-pandemic figures.”
With the country on track to meet its visitation target, it’s hoped new attractions will draw fresh attention to the destination’s history and culture.
On 2 October, the Gallipoli Historical Underwater Park in Canakkale opened to scuba divers, who are now able to explore the remains of submerged World War I battle ships sunk during the fight between Ottoman and Allied forces.
The Ataturk Cultural Centre launched not long after, on 29 October, in Istanbul. Set to host live theatre, ballet and opera performances, Ersoy expects the new attraction to be “a standout destination” in the capital. The Beyoglu Culture Route Festival is also new to the city, which kicked off on Saturday (30 October) and runs until 14 November.
Meanwhile, excavation continues at the archaeological site of Tas Tepeler, revealing more discoveries from the ancient settlements of Anatolia and Upper Mesopotamia.
“In addition to sea, sand and sun, we are bringing our historical and cultural values to the forefront – and we will take the necessary actions [to keep up with] evolving tourism trends,” said Ersoy.
