Officials aim to develop tourism in Antalya

Tuesday April 1st , 2008

Growing tourism in the Turkish city Antalya could be good for the region as a whole, a local official has stated.

Alaaddin Yuksel, governor of Antalya, said he hopes the region will attract ten million visitors this year - up from eight million in 2007, reports the Turkish Daily News.

However, he stated that he also wants the surrounding area to reap the rewards of this increase.

Therefore, he has suggested moves such as diverting some flights to different cities in the province, such as Isparta.

Mr Yuksel said this should ease the pressure on Antalya Airport and lead to growth in these areas as well.

He commented: "The neighbouring cities should get their share of Antalya's potential."

Mr Yuksel added that he wants to transform the region into a year-round holiday destination.

This comes after the Turkish government revealed that it wants to attract more than 50 million foreign visitors a year by 2023.