According to the data provided by the Republic of Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, 3,762,136 international tourists visited Turkey in August 2008, 11.7% more than 2007 during the same period. 118,259 Italians visited the country, confirming Turkey's position as the new 'Queen of the Mediterranean'. Antalya was the most popular city, with 38.02 % of visitors (1,430,502), followed by Istanbul with 18.56 % (698,331) and third was Muğla with 15.81 % (594,647).

Antalya, which has sun 300 days of the year, is a paradise for swimming, sunbathing and sports. Turkey attracts yachtsmen from all over the world; here the joy of sailing can be combined with the pleasures of travelling through history.