Istanbul tomorrow assumes European Capital of Culture crown for one year

As Istanbul will begin to enjoy its one-year title as European Capital of Culture starting tomorrow, the international media and travel magazines have started to give extensive coverage to the city's historic, cultural and natural assets, calling on travel lovers to visit Istanbul. Touting Istanbul's long history as a leading city and capital of legendary civilizations throughout history, Business Traveler magazine said that Istanbul offers travelers countless unique opportunities to relish, adding that Istanbul is expected to draw 10 million visitors in 2010. The magazine said Istanbul became European Capital of Culture ahead of Turkey's European Union accession as a result of the city's rising allure in recent years thanks to its breakthroughs in the areas of fashion and tourism. In related news, Istanbul attracted nearly 7.5 million tourists in 2009, provincial culture and tourism head Ahmet Emre Bilgili said yesterday. The number of tourists visiting the city rose 6 percent in 2009 over last year, he said. "Our goal for 2010 is to attract 9-10 million tourists," he added. Programs carried out by the Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency will make the city "a center of attraction," he said. Istanbul is set to host several major events in 2010, like the September concert by rock giant U2. Turkey attracted nearly 26 million tourists in the first 11 months of 2009. From January to November, largely German, Russian and British tourists flocked to Turkey, especially its Mediterranean region.