Minister says Turkey has 6th place among countries receiving most tourists
Mr. Lütfi ELVAN, Minister of Tourism said tourism had been one of the fastest growing sectors in the world in the last 40 years despite the occasional shocks and the number of incoming tourists had continuously increased.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the International KIZ KALESİ Tourism Festival held in Erdemli district of Mersin this year the minister said that the festival which had started locally in 2012, moved to an international level last year. Minister Elvan spoke about the place of Turkey in the world tourism classification.
The Minister went on to say the following:
“Turkey launched a tourism initiative in 1980s and started enjoying the results by 2000. Turkey has been able to rise up to 6th place in the ranking of the most tourists and 12th place among the countries with the highest tourism revenue. We aim to maintain this progress and development of the sector based on educated qualified workforce, constantly upgrading technical infrastructure and facilities in a manner it can face the challenge from competing alternative destinations. In 2015, there were 7 thousand 336 beds in 49 facilities with tourism operation certificates in Mersin. It is pleasing to know that another 35 facilities with investment facilities and 11 thousand beds will be added to this figure.
