According to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, 631,669 citizens from Israel visited Turkey in the period January-September this year.

This is five and a half times more (448 percent) compared to the previous year and is considered a record in tourist exchange with Israel since 2019.

Sea vacations, vacations, relaxation in spa centers and tourist tours around the country are the preferred options for recreation by Israeli tourists, tourism experts comment.

Turkish soap operas, which are top-rated in Israel, are behind the increased interest, tour operators say.

"Our Israeli customers get to know Turkey in advance from the TV series and come here with the attitude of seeing and getting to know live what they have seen on the screen," said guide Mert Savash.

According to him, tour guides communicate with Israeli tourists in English, but lately guides who speak Hebrew are also being trained.

Plastic and aesthetic surgery, which has developed rapidly in Turkey in recent years, is also a preferred destination for Israelis.

"Women prefer to have aesthetic surgeries for beautification and rejuvenation, while men have hair transplants," says Dr. Gulgun Beshir.

According to her, there is also an increased interest in dentistry.

Due to the devaluation of the Turkish lira, the procedures in Turkey are more profitable.

Many Israelis also come to the country for shopping, BTA informs.

Following the lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions, Turkish Airlines has increased the number of flights to Israel.

By the end of the winter season in March 2023, Turkish Airlines will operate 58 flights a week from Istanbul International Airport and 17 flights a week from Istanbul's second airport, Sabiha Gokcen.

Flights between Tel Aviv and Antalya are expected to start during the summer season. 

Israeli visits to Turkey have intensified following the mutual steps that were taken by Ankara and Tel Aviv to normalize relations after a rather long (over 10 years) period of stagnation.

Turkey marks today the 99th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic by Atatürk