It may not come as much of a surprise to you to know that more of us are visiting Turkey. As one of the “best value” destinations for us this year, it has drawn visitors away from usual places such as Spain and other countries inside the euro zone. 11% more of us visited it that we did in 2008 and with Istanbul being 2010 European Capital of Culture next year, the numbers will probably continue to rise.

Over 18.6 million visitors went in the first 8 months of the year which covers the main holiday period. The favourite Brit sun destinations of Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye attracted more of us than before whilst Istanbul attracted nearly a quarter more visitors from the UK than the previous year.

What attracted us to Turkey for holidays was really what attracted us to Spain in times gone by. That was a good currency rate, a range of accommodation, almost guaranteed sunshine (in the resorts at least) and the hospitality. There is one other thing. Flexibility. So that British tour operators could offer good deals to us, the Turks gave good deals unlike some destinations this year. And if that continues, Turkey will see more of us in the future in ever increasing numbers