Turkey Holidays Set to Keep Growing

Turkey holidays are on track to explode in popularity over the next few years, if a study by international researchers RNCOS is anything to go by. The country has become increasingly popular in recent times as a medium-haul destination, thanks to its warm climate, amazing cross-fertilisation of cultures and the great value posed by the exchange rate against both the pound and the euro.

This has not gone unnoticed by Turkey. Holidays there are booming, and many within the holiday sector are increasing prices this year to take advantage of the fact. However, this will not put off potential visitors, RNCOS indicated, predicting that there would be over 33 million tourists experiencing Turkey holidays in the next two years.

It said that the reasons for the tourist boom were partly down to the growth of certain holiday trends. City breaks are becoming more popular, for instance, as people travel to different cities to absorb the culture and history - two things that Turkey has in abundance. Yachting and golf holidays are also increasing in popularity and Turkey is positioning itself to be a top choice for aficionados of these pursuits.

2010 will be the year that Turkey holidays really take off, said RNCOS, as it rides on the coat-tails of the burgeoning economic recovery. In 2008, the main tourist income for Turkey was down to visitors from Britain, Germany and Russia - and this trend is likely to continue for the next few years.

Turkey certainly has a lot to offer when it comes to great holidays. There are miles of gorgeous beaches, with sunshine and hot weather almost guaranteed. The holiday resorts are to the highest modern standards and historical cities such as Istanbul and Bodrum contain a massive wealth of cultural artefacts and fascinating architecture.

Indeed, Turkey holidays are about so much more than just relaxing on the beach - although this can be arranged - thanks to the country's unique situation as a "bridge" between East and West. Turkish cultural heritage betrays the influences of the ancient Greeks, the Romans and the legendary Byzantine Empire; all very evident in the buildings, temples and monuments left behind. The city of Ephesus boasts a stunningly well-preserved Roman settlement, while the popular destination of Bodrum contains the remains of a massive Crusader city - alongside a modern holiday resort.

The last few years have also seen major growth in cheap flights to Turkey. Holidays in this country look like being a huge phenomenon in the short to medium-term future.