LONDON, February 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

On February 24, the great and good of the silver screen will assemble at Hollywood's Kodak theatre for the 85^th annual Academy Awards. One of the surprise stars of this year's awards, however, is not an A-list celeb, but a destination. As a result of its leading role in the latest instalment of the Bond franchise, Skyfall, Turkey is sure to be the country on everyone's minds as Adele takes to the stage to sing her Oscar-nominated song of the same title.

Nominated for five Academy Awards, Skyfall is set to be the most critically acclaimed Bond film to date; and it's widely acknowledged by the industry that the opening scenes in Istanbul provide the best ever opening sequence to a Bond film. They have certainly got the industry talking, with the Turkish city now a popular destination with celebs.

According to the UK's favourite holiday operator, Thomas Cook, it's a trend popular with the British public too, with trips to Istanbul up 76% on last year. Turkey in general is enjoying greater popularity, with people looking to escape the cold and wet British winter - cheap holidays to Turkey are up 56%.

And it isn't hard to see why this destination is so popular - once seen as a cheap alternative to more upmarket European destinations, holidaymakers are now seeing the unique beauty Turkey has to offer. The stunning minarets of Istanbul, sat on the shores of the iconic Bosphorus, provide a unique combination of glamour and mystique that have kept those in the know (including the Bond franchise, with the city also appearing in The World is Not Enough and From Russia With Love) coming back year after year.

It's not just city breaks that this wonderful destination has to offer - the eastern allure of all inclusive holidays to Turkey also provide an unforgettable experience, often in surroundings as luxurious as any 007 may find himself in. Holidaymakers can find themselves sipping a martini by the pool - shaken, not stirred of course - within hours of setting off from the UK. Turkey's stunning coastlines and azure waters provide the perfect backdrop for any getaway.

With a range of bargain holidays to Turkey from Thomas Cook now available, those looking for an A-list style break on a Z-list budget should book without delay.