In the first five months of this year, the number of foreign visitors to Turkey rose to 10.9 million, 4.8% more compared with the same period in 2013, according to data released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
A considerable increase in the number and diversity of restored and new museums across the country has been an important part of government’s strategy to contribute to Turkey’s image as a top tourist destination. Between 2000 and 2013, the number of overall visitors increased 335%, while the number of visitors to museums and historic sites increased 428.8%.