The announcement of a 9-day holiday period has had a positive impact on Antalya’s tourism sector. Antalya, a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, has experienced a surge in bookings and visitors as a result of the extended holiday period.
Kaan Kaşif Kavaloğlu, the President of the Hoteliers and Operators Association (AKTOB), stated that the extension of the Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha) holiday to 9 days, along with the early announcement of the holiday, the end of school vacations, and exams, is advantageous for the tourism sector. Kavaloğlu also announced that Antalya has officially entered the summer season with the warming weather.
According to Kavaloğlu, the climate conditions in Antalya are excellent, and as a result, hotels are expected to reach a minimum occupancy rate of 90-100% during the Kurban Bayramı holiday. While normally 15% of the guests in 5-star and 4-star hotels are domestic tourists, this period will see a much higher level of activity. Kavaloğlu expects approximately 300,000 people to visit Antalya with package tours during this time. This increase in occupancy rates will be the reason, but it should be noted that people will not be on vacation for the entire 9 days. Hotel stays will be divided into 4-5 day periods. Among the regions in the Mediterranean, domestic tourists mostly prefer Kemer, Belek, Manavgat, and Side. There are vacation options suitable for every financial capability, from 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star hotels to guesthouses.
Ismail Çağlar, the General Manager of a 5-star hotel, mentioned that the tourism sector performed below expectations in the months of April and May. He attributed this to various factors such as Russia’s war and economic difficulties, the election atmosphere, and unstable weather conditions. Speaking about the early announcement of the 9-day Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha) holiday in Turkey, Ismail Çağlar expressed his satisfaction from the industry’s perspective. He stated, “Due to the high season, hotel occupancy rates have already started to rise from 50% to 100%. The completion of the elections, the closing of schools, and the warming weather triggered an influx of tourists. As a result, we had very few available spots during the holiday period. We filled those gaps with domestic guest requests. Currently, there is almost no availability in our hotel and surrounding hotels during the holiday period. The occupancy rates are 80% foreign tourists and 20% domestic tourists. We would like to thank our government for the 9-day holiday. Especially after the challenging past two months, it has been a significant advantage for the tourism sector. I believe that the Aegean and Mediterranean regions will thoroughly enjoy these 9 days.”
Antalya, located on the southwestern coast of Turkey, is a major tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, historical sites, and vibrant tourism industry. It is often referred to as the “Turkish Riviera” due to its picturesque coastline and crystal-clear waters.
The city offers a wide range of attractions and activities for tourists. Its beautiful sandy beaches, such as Lara Beach and Konyaaltı Beach, attract sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts. Antalya is also home to several luxury resorts and hotels, making it a popular destination for relaxation and indulgence.
In addition to its natural beauty, Antalya boasts a rich history. The old town, known as Kaleiçi, features narrow winding streets, Ottoman-era architecture, and ancient Roman ruins, including Hadrian’s Gate and the Hıdırlık Tower. The Antalya Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from the region’s ancient civilizations, providing visitors with a glimpse into the area’s rich past.
Antalya is well-known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants offering entertainment options for every taste. The city also hosts various cultural and music festivals throughout the year, attracting both local and international visitors.
Furthermore, Antalya serves as a gateway to explore the surrounding natural wonders. The region is home to the Taurus Mountains, offering opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and nature walks. Additionally, popular attractions such as the ancient city of Aspendos with its well-preserved Roman theater and the stunning Düden Waterfalls are easily accessible from Antalya.