In a year during which global tourism grew by the slowest rate since 2016, Turkey managed to hit an all-time record and welcome over 52 million tourists in 2019, according to figures by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Having hosted the highest number of tourists ever in 2019, Turkey became the sixth most visited country in the world.
Accordingly, it managed to welcome over 52 million visitors last year, a 14% increase year-on-year. The rate made Turkey the 14th country with the highest year-on-year growth.
Due to the pandemic, the number of foreigners visiting the country plummeted 66.35% in the January-May period on an annual basis, according to new data released by the Culture and Tourism Ministry on Monday.
Turkey received more than 4.2 million foreign visitors during the first five months of this year, the data showed.
As Turkey started to ease restrictions amid the fight with new coronavirus pandemic, the country’s tourism sector started to prepare for new summer season.
If you are planning to spend your vacation in Turkey here are the top destinations that could get your attention.
One of the most popular destinations for tourists is Cappadocia. Cappadocia, a semi-arid region in central Turkey, is known for its distinctive “fairy chimneys,” tall, cone-shaped rock formations clustered in Monks Valley, Göreme and elsewhere.
Aegean coast famous for its crystal-clear beaches and bays and the Black sea region famous for its natural beauty also will be a great place for vacation.
Other destinations like Pamukkale, Mardin, Van and Konya also are very popular among local and foreign tourists. Lake Salda in Burdur is also known as Turkey’s Maldives due to its crystal-clear water.
You also would want to explore Turkey’s islands like Gokceada, Bozcaada, Cunda and Princes’ Islands.
And of course, one of the most popular destinations is the most populous city in Turkey and the country’s economic, cultural and historic center – Istanbul.
