Istanbul tourist authorities record 24% increase in the number of foreign visitors in 1st quarter of 2013

The inflow of foreign tourists to Istanbul has grown in the 1st quarter of 2013, numbering more than 838,000 people, Vestnik Kavkaza reports.

According to a spokesperson for the City Department of Culture and Tourism, this is a record figure for the past 10 years. Compared to the 1st quarter of 2012, the growth comprised 23.8%.

According to the official, out of three foreign tourists that arrive to Turkey two always visit the former capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.

Most frequent visitors to Istanbul are German nationals - 10% of total tourist inflow. Following are people from Russian Federation (6%), the U.K. and the U.S. (4% each). Besides, authorities note a rapid increase in the number of visitors from Arabic countries.

English translation by BSN