Istanbul’s ranking as one of the world’s top 10 tourist destinations for 2013 published in a New York Times report this week has given the city’s bid for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games a boost.
Istanbul 2020 bid leader Hasan Arat said “I am thrilled, but not surprised that the New York Times has named Istanbul as a top 10 destination. The 2020 Games in Istanbul would be at the centre of a physical and symbolic bridge between East and West, cultures and continents. The city is a world-renowned cultural hub and has been proven it is ready to welcome the world. Istanbul will be an exciting place for the Olympic family as the older areas of the city continue to be revitalized by the youthful population and buzzing contemporary arts scene”.
Professor Ugur Erdener, International Olympic Committee (IOC) member and head of the NOC of Turkey said, “Istanbul would make an inspiring host city for the Games in 2020 because it is a truly unique city. It has a rich history and a sense of tradition which fuses harmoniously with a vibrant culture and modernity. That is what I think is so appealing for tourists. Its role as a melting pot of languages, religions and races is another reason for the city’s popularity, allowing visitors a chance to sample an enticing blend of cultures in one cosmopolitan city”.
According to Istanbul 2020, 33 million visitors are expected to travel to Turkey next year as the country’s tourism industry continues to boom.
