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If Turkey is not on your go-to list for 2019, then you better add it quickly.

While tourism took a hit in recent years due to political turmoil, in mid-2018 Turkey lifted the state of emergency and tourism figures are making a strong comeback. On The Go Tours have reported that Turkey tour bookings are up an astonishing 184% globally, showing signs the nation is becoming the next hot spot.

Here are five reasons why you should visit Turkey in 2019:

1) Smaller crowds

As the political situation in Turkey has calmed down, tourism has begun to pick up – but with significantly fewer tourists than in previous years. 2019 is the time to visit to take advantage of the smaller crowds and shorter queues at Turkey’s main attractions such as Cappadocia, a fascinating landscape consisting of thousands of conical-shaped rocks with pointed tips and Pamukkale, a natural phenomenon and UNESCO World Heritage-listed site which features calcium-based white terraces filled with warm mineral water.

2) Strong exchange rate

The Aussie dollar has been up 28 per cent against the Turkish Lira since November 2017 meaning a trip to Turkey is quite inexpensive compared to other European destinations. For example, a cup of coffee cost just $2 (7TL), a meal in a typical restaurant only $5-$7 (20TL), and a beer around $3 (12TL) so your Aussie dollar can go a long way in Turkey. 

3) Re-opening of the Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, known as the Sultanahmet Camii in Turkish, is a historical mosque built in Istanbul in the early 17th century. It is Istanbul’s most photogenic building known for the beautiful blue tiles lining its interior walls. In 2018, it underwent three months of renovations in which it was closed to tourist but visitors are now once again allowed to enter the mosque.

4) Direct flights in 2019
Heading to Turkey could be even easier with Turkish Airlines announcing plans to launch direct flights from Istanbul to Sydney by June 2019. Following the introduction of the airline’s Boeing Dreamliners, this additional airline capacity is also likely to drive competitive rates on flights to Turkey.

5) Meeting the Locals

After the recent drop in visitor numbers, you can be sure to expect a warm welcome back from the locals; many of which are dependent on tourism for their main source of income. Genuinely pleased to see you, staff will make you feel like royalty in restaurants, cafes and shops all over.

Turkish cuisine is often regarded as one of the world’s greatest. The country’s culinary traditions have survived over 1,300 years and incorporate a delicious mixture of Balkan, Middle Eastern and central Asian influences. Although most famous for its grilled meats, Turkish cuisine expands way beyond the much-loved donor kebab including tantalizing mezze platters, tasty Kofte meatballs and Turkish coffee.

For more information or to book, please visit www.onthegotours.com or call +1 300 855 684.