ANKARA

The number of foreign tourists visiting Turkey increased 14.35% in the first half of 2013.

Foreign tourists visiting Turkey increased both in June and January-June period according to figures of TurkStat, Turkey's statistical authority. The number of people visiting Turkey reached 4,074,026, increasing 4.93% in June, 2013 compared to June, 2012. Daytrip tourists constituted 221,426 of the total figure. 

The highest number of tourists came from Russia with 690,308 which was followed by Germany with 498,249, Britain with 350,352. Georgia, Bulgaria, Syria, Iran, the Netherlands, France and US are among top ten countries sending tourists to Turkey.  

Tourists arrived in Turkey mostly via southern Antalya province in June with 1,609,005. Istanbul ranked second with 959,284 and Marmaris town of western Mugla province ranked the third with 503,429.

englishnews@aa.com.tr