ISTANBUL
The number of tourists visiting Istanbul significantly increased in the first half of 2012.
According to the latest figures released by Istanbul Culture and Tourism Directorate, the number of tourists visiting Turkey reached a peak of 4.2 million, increasing 18 percent, compared to the same period of 2011.
Tourists visiting Istanbul were mostly from Germany, Russia, US, France and Britain.
The number of visitors from North Africa also considerably increased during the period.
Meanwhile, the number of tourist from Israel showed decrease.
More than 4 million of the visitors came to the city by plane.
This figure is expected to continue its upward trend in the second half of the year, stated Prof. Dr. Ahmet Emre Bilgili, manager of the Istanbul Culture and Tourism Directorate.
"It was a vintage year for us. With the 9.5 million visitors we want to complete this year," said Bilgili.
