Turkey aims to attract tourists with new port

Friday October 10th , 2008

The Mediterranean port of Antalya hopes to attract at least 120,000 European tourists by 2010, after striking a deal with a cruise operator.

Efe Hatay, director general of Port Arkdeniz Antalya, told the Anatolia news agency AA that the port was launching a new project to establish itself as a brand name in cruise tourism.

In an interview, he explained that the port had recently signed an agreement with cruise line AIDA for 30 trips per season between the port and various European cities.

He added: "Antalya has a certain potential in cruise tourism. Some 40-45 cruisers visit the port every year. Our goal is to increase this figure to 100."

Last month, Turkey was deemed "a delight" by the Daily Mirror, which praised its food, beaches and affordability, citing Altinkum, Bodrum and Olu Deniz as family holiday hotspots.

The publication also recommended the country due to its position outside the eurozone, meaning better bargains for UK tourists.