Dubai: The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism said on Thursday it is looking to visitors from Gulf countries to offset the recent slump in the nation’s tourist numbers.
Tourism is a major industry in Turkey, having generated $35.1 billion in revenues in 2015. But recent attacks have taken a toll on the sector.
The ministry said in a statement that it is turning to visitors from the Gulf region for support, in particular visitors from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, which have in the past represented the highest volume of visitors to the nation.
“In spite of recent events, there are no security concerns in tourist destinations in Turkey. These facilities are, and will continue to be, completely safe. Hospitality services remain undisrupted and the comfort of foreign citizens visiting the nation continues to be a priority to us,” stated Salih Ozer, Attaché of Culture and Information from Turkey to the UAE.
Visitors from the region are estimated to contribute 6 per cent to Turkey’s average annual tourism revenue.
“Generally, the period from June to September marks a peak season for Gulf visitors travelling to Turkey,” Ozer added.
In 2014, 582,698 Gulf tourists visited Turkey, according to the statement.
