The number of Kuwaiti and Bahraini tourists to Turkey saw a steep rise in the first four months of the year, according figures released by the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office in Dubai.

The number of Kuwaitis visiting Turkey increased by 28 per cent during the first four months of this year, while the number of Bahrainis visiting Turkey  increased by 40 per cent during the first four months of this year compared to the same period in 2013, added the report from the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office.

“Turkey remains a popular destination, not only for the GCC but globally,” said Mustafa Ozdemir, cultural & information attaché, Cultural & Information Office Turkish Consulate General in Dubai.

“The GCC currently contributes five per cent of Turkey’s tourism revenue, with Kuwait being one of the highest contributors. It’s understandable that the GCC and Turkey both have historical and cultural ties and this is evident in the increase of tourists over the last year. Residents are choosing the country based on its locality, cost and historical richness.”

Last year Turkey attracted more than 39 million tourists, making it the sixth most popular tourist destination in the world. While Istanbul remains the most popular city for GCC tourists to visit in Turkey, Antalya, Bodrum and Bursa are fast becoming destinations of choice, especially during the peak summer period in July and August.

“In order to further increase visitors and highlight Turkey to Kuwait, we will be looking for opportunities to invest in tourism in order to foster sustainable growth and mutual understanding between our two countries,” added Ozdemir. – TradeArabia News Service