Turkey’s hospitality industry anticipates a surge in tourism activity due to upcoming holidays, including Eid al-Fitr, Nevruz, and Easter. The country aims for 65 million visitors and $64 billion in tourism revenues in 2023. Hotel bookings for Eid are up 15% compared to last year, indicating promising prospects for the sector as the peak season begins earlier than usual.
In anticipation of the forthcoming holidays, representatives from Turkey’s hospitality sector expect a significant boost in both domestic and international tourism activity. Notable events such as Eid al-Fitr, Nevruz, Easter, and school breaks are predicted to elevate the tourism landscape. Turkey aims to attract 65 million visitors and generate $64 billion in tourism revenues this year.
The Eid al-Fitr holiday will occur from March 29 to April 1, coinciding with schools’ mid-term vacation, prompting many to travel to visit family or vacation in resort towns. Prior to Eid, the Nevruz holiday on March 21 is anticipated to attract holidaymakers from Iran, the Middle East, and Turkic nations.
Turkish hoteliers remain optimistic about additional tourist influx from the Easter holiday in April and Russia’s Victory Day holiday in May, which is vital for Turkish tourism. According to Mehmet İşler, Vice President of TÜROFED, bookings for Eid al-Fitr have surged by 15 percent compared to the previous year, with expectations of full occupancy during the holiday.
Accommodation prices range from 2,000 to 10,000 Turkish Liras, including breakfast, at various guesthouses and five-star hotels in Aegean resorts. Kaşif Kavaloğlu, President of AKTOB, predicts a surge in local tourist activity, especially considering upcoming European and Russian holidays.
Additionally, Kavaloğlu emphasizes that despite March traditionally being a slow month, April is poised for increased hotel activity starting from April 1 due to Eid. With favorable weather conditions in Antalya averaging temperatures between 22-25 degrees Celsius, there is optimism regarding visitor numbers. İsmail Çağlar, a hotel manager, noted promising bookings from Europe and an expected increase in tourists during the Nevruz holiday from neighboring regions.
The upcoming holidays present a promising opportunity for Turkey’s tourism sector, with expectations for heightened activity due to significant domestic and international events. The Eid al-Fitr holiday is anticipated to kick-start the tourism season earlier than usual, supported by favorable weather and increasing international bookings. Overall, key stakeholders are optimistic about sustaining robust tourism through the months ahead, especially with pivotal holidays like Easter and Russia’s Victory Day on the horizon.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
