Turkey visitors 'opting for longer stays'

Tuesday April 28th , 2009

Tourists and owners of property in Turkey are increasingly extending their holidays in the country, a travel firm suggests.

Aegean coast tourism specialists Artemis Travel suggest travellers can save money by staying beyond traditional seven or 14-night breaks.

The firm's chief executive Nigel Harris says summer bookings are showing more varied lengths of stay.

He commented that "low-cost" air carriers are allowing passengers to "mix and match" their holidays with the availability of more regular and cheaper flights.

Tour operators are said to have traditionally tempted visitors, or people looking to buy Turkish property, with reduced rates if they stay for a fixed two-week period.

However, Artemis Travel claims that around a third of its customers are now booking stays of anywhere between three and 17 nights.

Turkey has enjoyed a steady flow of tourists, regardless of the economic downturn, due to its position outside the eurozone.