DENIZLI
About 722,000 foreign and Turkish tourists visited Pamukkale, which takes place on the list of UNESCO World Heritage, in the first six months of 2013.
Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, is a natural site in Denizli province in southwestern Turkey and attracts visitors with its warm, heavily mineralized water flowing from springs creating pools and terraces which are visually stunning.
In June, 164,143 foreign tourists and 50,853 Turkish tourists visited Pamukkale and an 18.16% increase was recorded in number of foreign tourists and a 16.80% increase in total visitor number. 721,821 foreign and Turkish tourists visited Pamukkale between January 1- June 30 in 2013. 168,666 people visited Pamukkale in June, 2012 and 658,524 foreign and Turkish tourists came in the first six months.
Secretary General of Provincial Special Administration Adem Oklu told AA that Pamukkale was a key archeological and natural site, taking place in UNESCO World Heritage List. He also stated that Denizli province was the fourth among the cities attracting tourists in Turkey, adding, "Millions of visitors visit Pamukkale every year. About 1.5 million tourist visit Pamukkale with organizations of Anatolia tours and this number gradually increases. An ancient pool where geothermal water emerges is the attraction of Pamukkale which is called 'Cleopatra's Pool'. Foreign tourists, especially Russians are notably interested in this pool."
Egyptian queen Cleopatra is rumoured to have swum in this pool which is littered with marble columns & old stone carvings from the ancient city and tourists can bathe in the thermal pool in crystal clear water.
