19 Nov, 2008 Turkish Airlines Net Profit Surges

Turkish Airlines have reported a surge of 278% on net profit of $548mn in the first nine months of this year, which gives a very positive outlook for the year as a whole.

Accordingly the number of passenger carried increased by 14% to 17 mn as the partly state-owned airline continued to expand to new destinations and added flights.

In a recent press release the airline reported 'Turkish Airlines will continue to grow and our accomplishment during this period encouraged us to look positive for the rest of 2008.'

The enduring strength of Turkey's tourism industry has also been highlighted by the country's culture and tourism minister.

Speaking at the World Travel Market in London last week, Ertugrul Gunay said that Turkey will have received 25 million foreign visitors by the end of 2008, according to the latest predictions. And he told the industry event that the number of British tourists visiting Turkey has shown an annual increase of 13 per cent and is expected to reach 2.3 million by the end of year.

In a development which could benefit property investors in Turkey, tourism levels in the country are set to receive an additional boost in 2010, when Istanbul becomes a European Capital of Culture.