Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Ertugrul Gunay stated this year’s profits from the country’s tourist industry are to increase by 1.5-2 per cent. Next year the Turkish Government expects U.S. $30bn from the country’s tourist industry.

The minister said measures aimed at ensuring year-round tourist seasons in Turkey are being taken, Hurriyet report. According to calculations, 30m tourists are expected to visit Turkey next year, which will ensure U.S. $25bn profits. However, the aim is U.S. $30, Günay said.

Ahmet Barut, President of the Turkish Federation of Hoteliers (Turkiye Otelciler Federasyonu, TUROFED), stated that hotel construction boom can now be observed in Turkish provinces other than Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir. Hotel business is rapidly developing in Turkey. Even cooks at five-star hotels, with their monthly wages totaling U.S. $5,000 can now compete with hotel managers, he said.