Istanbul 2020 Bid Boosted by Number One City in Europe Award

The Istanbul 2020 Olympic Games bid has been boosted by the news that the Turkish capital has been named the ‘No. 1 city’ in Europe.

The award in international tourist magazine, Travel + Leisure, left Istanbul 2020 Chairman Hasan Arat ‘delighted.’

“Istanbul’s appeal has never been higher and I am delighted my home city has been voted the No. 1 destination to visit in Europe,” said Arat.

“I can guarantee Istanbul’s iconic city-scape will inspire athletes to deliver their own moments of cinematic brilliance and create Games history.”

Istanbul was placed ahead of Paris, Venice and London in the European category by the magazine’s 4.8 million readers, and second worldwide to Bangkok.

Turkey welcomed 31.78 million international visitors in 2012, with the number expected to rise in 2013.

In June 2013 there was a 4.93% year-on-year rise in the total number of visitors to Turkey.