Istanbul to see increase in tourists as 'cultural capital'

Increasing numbers of tourists are heading to Istanbul as the city prepares to take on the title of European Capital of Culture in 2010, a tourist expert has claimed.

According to the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office, British holidaymakers have been taking flights to Istanbul due to Turkey being located outside the eurozone.

The Turkish lira offers good value when compared with the euro meaning a destination such as Istanbul is more affordable for Brits, the organisation explained.

Irfan Onal, director of Turkish Culture and Tourism Office, said: " Turkey is one of the most popular holiday destinations for British tourists, who constitute a vital part of Turkey's tourism market."

He stated that more than two million British tourists went to Turkey for a trip during the first nine months of 2009.

Istanbul is due to be the European Capital of Culture in 2010 while golf fans are being attracted to the country because of opportunities to play the sport in the Belek region near Antalya.

Statistics from Turkey's office of tourism revealed that the country received over 26 million international tourists during 2008.

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