Among the top 10 tourist destination countries worldwide, only Turkey has managed to end the year with an increase in the number of visitors despite the distress experienced in the industry worldwide, according to Turkey’s tourism minister Ertuğrul Günay.

“In order improve the quality from this quantitative increase, we should make it our top priority,” Günay said Monday during the 12th Quality In Tourism, Skalite Awards ceremony, held at the Çırağan Palace Kempinski.

Speaking at the ceremony, where he was awarded the “2009 Skalite Special Award,” Günay said Turkey has managed to become one of the most important tourist countries in the world through the devoted efforts of all.

He said Turkey was projecting 25 million tourist arrivals this year, but more than 26 million tourists have already come, he said, stressing that the per capita tourist income is expected to rise above the world average.

For this, it is crucial to protect the environment, history and culture. Also expanding year-round tourism and aiming to provide quality in every endeavor are important, he said.