2014 Travellers' Choice TripAdvisor Awards Place the Turkish City of Istanbul Ahead of Rome, London, Paris and New York

LONDON (11 April2014) --- Istanbul was this week named the top destination in the world, and in Europe, ahead of cities such as Rome, London, Paris and New York,  in the sixth annual Travellers' Choice awards for Destinations by TripAdvisor Readers.
 
Already the sixth most-visited country in the world with a record-breaking 39, 860, 771 visitors last year and year on year growth of 5.69%, the latest accolade bolsters Turkey's place as one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.  Istanbul is also the second most popular destination for overseas visitors within Turkey after Antalya, with 10,474,867 visiting Istanbul in 2013, up 12% year on year.

“We're delighted that Turkey has been chosen as the best destination in the world in these annual awards that are based on millions of reviews by the travellers themselves,” said Selcuk Can, Attaché for the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey - Office of the Counsellor for Culture and Information in London.  “We continue to receive record number of visitor numbers to Istanbul every year as they discover the captivating energy of this exciting culture capital.  The only city in the world to straddle two continents at the crossroads of civilization, Istanbul is one fascinating melting pot of a great 21st-century city.”

The 2014 TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Awards is based on users' reviews and ratings over a 12-month period. The sixth annual awards saw Istanbul jump from 11th place to first within the past year.
 
In announcing the award, TripAdvisor said: “Europe and Asia meet in Istanbul, where breathtaking ancient architecture coexists with modern restaurants and nightlife. The city's mosques, bazaars, and hammams (Turkish baths) could keep you happily occupied for your entire trip. Start with the awe-inspiring Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), visible from many points of the city. Stroll the Galata Bridge and stop by the Miniaturk Park to see its tiny artifacts. The Grand Bazaar has thousands of shops to browse, while the Egyptian Bazaar is a fragrant trove of spices and fruits.”
 
Interviews with Mr. Selcuk Can, Attaché for the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey - Office of the Counsellor for Culture and Information, are available on request.

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Editors' Notes:

About Turkey

Turkey is ranked 6th in terms of the number of tourists by the World Tourism Organisation (WTO).  In 2013, Turkey welcomed over 39 million visitors – a year on year increase of 5.69%.  Turkey is also one of the most popular and affordable holiday destinations for the UK with the country ranking 6th for Brits travelling to short-haul destinations (source: MINTEL).In 2013, Turkey attracted 2.51 million British visitors, an increase of 2.15% from 2.42 million Brits in 2012, during which time they spent a total of £654 million while holidaying there.

Turkey is also a holiday and business destination with universal appeal, combining fascinating culture and culinary delights with great weather, value for money, stunning scenery and warm hospitality. And did you know that Turkey is home to two Wonders of the Ancient World, 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 382 Blue Flag beaches, 21 Blue Flag marinas, 20 world-class golf courses, 20 ski centres, more endemic plant species than the whole of Europe and that Istanbul alone holds more than 100 major congresses each year?

About the Turkish Ministry of Culture & Tourism

The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism conducts many different projects to support the promotion of Turkey's culture and its appeal as a travel destination around the world, where there are numerous offices.

The Embassy of the Republic of Turkey - Office of the Counsellor for Culture and Information has 36 offices around the world. www.gototurkey.co.uk/travel-planning/tourism-offices/