Turkey eyes attracting 1 mln Arab tourists this year

Even as fewer Israeli tourists plan to visit Turkey amid strained Turkish-Israeli ties due to the recent flotilla attack, Turkey is being projected to enjoy a significant boost in its tourism figures, largely as a result of travelers flocking to Turkey from Arab countries. Speaking to reporters in Antalya, Tourism Investors Association (TYD) head Turgut Gur yesterday said he expects the number of Arab tourists visiting Turkey to hit 1 million this year. Mutually scrapping visa requirements with a number of Middle Eastern nations along with Turkey's favorable image in the region, especially in the wake of its strong reaction against Israel's attack on the Gaza aid flotilla, will prompt more Arab travelers to visit Turkey, he predicted. Gur also said Mediterranean coastal areas in particular would likely enjoy a leap in Arab visitors.