Leading tour operators in Turkey have predicted a surge in the number of visitors from Russia and the Ukraine.

New figures from the country's ministry of culture and tourism show that it attracted one million Russians and Ukrainians throughout the first half of the year, reports the Turkish Daily News.

This has led to industry professionals anticipating the overall figure for 2007 to be higher than last year's total of 1.7 million.

It is believed that the number of Russian and Ukrainian visitors to Turkey could cross the two million mark if they keep arriving at their present rate.

The Turkish Daily News said that current visitor numbers were impressive and similarly predicted an increase.

Commenting, it stated: "These figures mark the Russian market as a booming market for Turkey this year compared to 2006."

Overseas property investors would be likely to show renewed interest in the Turkish market if tourism does increase substantially.

Last month, the Turkish Daily News described investing in the market as a "hot new trend" among foreign property buyers.
 
Source: Property Showrooms