SHORT HAUL
Growing in spades
TURKEY
Turkey is unique in that it combines Eastern mysticism and exoticism with all the pre-requisites needed for an affordable family beach holiday – and plenty more besides, says Anna Selby
S
tanding as the bridge between Europe and Asia, Turkey was always regarded historically as
something of an exotic destination epitomised by the glamour of the Grand Bazaar and the Orient Express. In recent years, it has become
better known for mass market beach holidays , mainly around Bodrum. However, this is a vast and intriguing country and there is a lot more to its tourist trade than bucket-and-spade family hols! So this is a good moment for an update on what Turkey, the host of the ABTA Convention, which was staged in Belek, in October, has to offer. The UK is third after Germany and Russia when it comes to visitor numbers, with 2.58million, who list ‘sunny weather, culture and history, clean beaches, good value and Turkish hospitality’ as the chief draws.
Good value is paramount these days and, according to the Post Offi ce Travel Money barometer, prices in Turkey are falling and are now on a par with 2008 with local costs in restaurants and bars cut by around 12% – in places you can still fi nd a three-course meal for around a fi ver! Discerning travellers who have
visited the coast and Istanbul are looking for ‘real Turkey’ destinations. There are plenty to choose from. There are the great historical sites such as Ephesus and Catal Huyuk, rock churches and fi shing villages, miles and miles of beautiful unspoilt coastline and traditional sailing ships, gulets, on which you can spend a day or a week or two. There are nature reserves such as Dalyan, also known as the Turkish Venice – think canals and palm trees; lunar landscapes in Cappadocia;
ancient Greek theatres in Phaselisis; mineral springs in Pamukkale. Plus, most surprisingly, while most people think of Turkey as a summer destination, there is excellent skiing just a few hours from Istanbul! Istanbul itself remains a popular city break with great historical sights, fi ne cuisine and a unique shopping opportunity in the city’s Grand Bazaar itself.
The only city in the world to
straddle two continents, its history goes back 8000 years, while its future could include the 2020 Olympics.
In fact, according to a study
commissioned by Mastercard, Istanbul is the fastest growing tourism destination in
the world – the city’s income from tourism expanded by 30.1% in 2011 when overseas visitors topped the eight million mark. More accolades keep on coming. Frommer’s readers voted Turkey the top destination of 2012 and in September Istanbul was crowned as the Destination of the Year at the inaugural Food and Travel Reader Awards.
Being outside the Eurozone may have been one of the factors in Turkey’s success. Those who have seen the disruption on the streets of Athens, for instance, may well regard this as a rather more placid destination. It also represents excellent value for money – all- inclusive options are plentiful. You can take the slow route still and go by train on the Orient Express to Istanbul – surely the most glamorous way to arrive. However, for a slightly quicker journey, most major international airlines fl y to Turkey.
It is also increasingly opening up to low- cost airlines such as easyJet, as well as
Turkey’s own low-cost airline, Pegasus, that fl ies to destinations throughout
the country. All of the above is creating more opportunities for agents to dynamic package, whether in Istanbul or beyond. There are also many new hotels opening from
Above: the cave dwellings of
Cappadocia, taking a break in Istanbul and the city’s Blue Mosque
www.sellinglonghaul.com • January 2013 61
selling tip
Check the airport before booking flights to Istanbul. Sabiha Gökcen, used by many low-cost carriers, is a long way from the city
LAURA GELDER
LAURA GELDER
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