According to statistics released by the Culture and Tourism Ministry regarding tourism over the last six months, the number of Iranian tourists in the country has exceeded 1 million, reaching the highest level in the last three years. This figure is expected to exceed 2 million by the end of the year.
As the recession seen in Turkey's tourism sector begins to give way to dynamism, the statistics released by the Culture and Tourism Ministry point to the number of Russian and Arab tourists, as well as Iranians, increasing dramatically. The number of tourists who came to Turkey from Iran in the past six months has exceeded 1 million, breaking a three-year record. Also, the number of Iranian tourists has soared by 17 percent compared to last year.
Secretary General Çetin Gürcün of the Turkish Travel Agencies Association (TÜRSAB) stated that Turkey is an important destination for Iranians, asserting that "Iranians feel very close to our country because of our historical ties. This is especially due to the high-quality services provided in our hotels, which are held to the highest standards. Turkey has become a tourism paradise for people from Iran. Also, Iranians like to arrange travel plans with a wide range of agencies, travelling to Istanbul, Antalya and even to Van. It is expected that the number of Iranian tourists will continue to rise steadily and exceed 2 million. This figure will rise further when the problem regarding charter flights is resolved."
Van named favorite destination among IraniansNecdet Takva, the president of the Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, "We have made Van attractive for Iranian tourists through promotional activities that we have carried out through coordination with tourism agencies in Iran. We know that 90 percent of the tourists that come to Van are Iranians. Takva also added that the Kapıköy Customs Directorate, which will be opened soon, has plans to make Van and its surroundings more attractive for Iranian tourists.
